Annette Riggs Freeland, 67, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. She was born in Mt. Airy, N.C., on March 24, 1958, to the late Issac Frederick Riggs and the late Anna Childress Riggs. From the very beginning she was a survivor—born at just 23 weeks and weighing 2 pounds and 10 ounces, she entered the world a fighter and remained one her entire life.

She grew up in Statesville, N.C., and cherished her childhood memories at Lake Lookout, where she loved swimming, fishing, and water skiing behind her dad’s wooden boat.

Annette’s Christian faith was unwavering, and she was always eager to share it with others and to tell them about the salvation found in Jesus Christ. She was a member of Fallstown Baptist Church, and her time singing with the gospel group From the Heart was a reflection of her desire for everyone to know the peace and love of Jesus.

She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Randall Scott Freeland; her sons, Ben Stikeleather (Melissa) of Kitty Hawk and Josh Stikeleather (Kayla) of Advance; her stepsons, Josh Freeland of Statesville and Jason Freeland (Cassie) of Statesville; and her sister, Tammy Riggs Littlejohn (Spencer).

The title she cherished most was “Nana” to her grandchildren: Grace, Carter, Savannah, Luke, and Sophia Stikeleather.

Annette always found joy in life’s simple pleasures—color-changing nail polish, eating crab legs, and hiding little Jesus figurines for others to find.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date at Lake Lookout.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, Power Cross Ministries, or a charity of your choice.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Freeland family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.