Phillips Funeral Service, Inc. | High Point, NC

Obituary For Rev. William Edmund Diggs

Reverend William E. Diggs, son of the late Reverend Rudyard Kipling Diggs and Flora F. Diggs, was born August 14, 1936, in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was born in a family with whom his grandfather and father were ministers.

Reverend Diggs received his early education from the public and parochial schools of Morganton, North Carolina; Fayetteville, North Carolina; and Louisville, Kentucky. He attended Oliver Hill High School in Morganton and graduated from E.E. Smith High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina in 1954. Reverend Diggs earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Fayetteville State University and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from North Carolina A&T State University. After answering the call to ministry in 1968, Reverend Diggs attended the Greensboro Bible College and graduated with an Associate's Degree in Theology. His interest in counseling led to further studies at UNC Chapel Hill and Southern Illinois State University.

Reverend Diggs was a man of distinguished character and unmeasured worth to his careers which included a public-school teacher, counselor, and assistant program director for the Commission of the Blind for the state of North Carolina. He was ordained to preach in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and admitted to the Western North Carolina Conference in 1968. He was ordained Itinerant Deacon in 1972 and Itinerant Elder in 1973. Reverend Diggs has carried out the call to follow Jesus for over forty-three years!

His pastoral journey began in 1972 when he received his first appointment to the Methods Circuit in Raleigh, North Carolina. In 1974-1975, St. James became a stationed church under Reverend Diggs' leadership. A building fund was established for a proposed fellowship hall. From 1975-1991, he served at Wayman Chapel in Graham, North Carolina. There the debt on the organ was liquidated, the sanctuary was newly furnished, and a new fellowship hall was built. The membership increased tremendously by the help of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

As further evidence of Reverend Diggs' love and devotion for the ministry, he was assigned to pastor at Turners Chapel AME Church in High Point, North Carolina. A gifted, vigorous, and proficient leader, he began his work with a renewed spirit. He focused on delivering God's word to God's people and saving souls. He also developed a beautification plan for the church where in the sanctuary was completely refurbished. Floors were carpeted, new pews were bought, and the pulpit was refurnished with modern furniture. The old debt was liquidated, a new roof was added, and the membership increased greatly. In 2008, a new sanctuary was built and dedicated by Bishop A.J. Richardson. The old sanctuary became the fellowship hall. New and innovative technological equipment was installed to enhance the services and programs of the church. Through his efforts and remarkable leadership many ministries were organized: the singles' ministry, the Young Adult Ministry, several new choirs, as well as a youth and adult dance ministry. The Youth department, Sunday School, and Bible Study were enhanced. Participation in a community food pantry has been very successful in feeding and clothing the needy. Many projects were organized to assure that each member could find his or her place to serve. For twenty-one years Reverend Diggs has exemplified a Christ-like spirit serving and providing leadership to the community and members of Turners Chapel AME Church.

To God be the Glory for his faithfulness and dedication.

Reverend. Diggs is survived by the love of his life, Everlena Diggs. They were married for 62 years. One son, Everette Diggs (Revee) Raleigh, NC; three daughters, Constance Young (Henry) Fayetteville NC; Renee Diggs Greensboro, NC and Teressa Diggs Roxboro, NC; Sisters In-law, Frances Diggs, Florence, SC and Carlene Timmons (John) Whitsett, NC; Brothers In-law Fred Mitchell (Alice) Roxboro, NC; Lambert Mitchell Roxboro, NC; Reginald Mitchell (Mary) Springfield, Oregon and Donnie Mitchell Indianapolis, Indiana.

Reverend Diggs and Everlena cherished their 10 Grandchildren and 9 Great-Grandchildren of which one is deceased Xavier.

He will be remembered fondly by his lunch buddy’s cousin George Pass and Reverend James Swaine.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Turners Chapel AME Church, 7615 Florence School Road, High Point, NC. Rev. Diggs may be viewed on Friday, January 6, 2023 at the church from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, January 7, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Bowden/Diggs Scholarship Fund, Turners Chapel AME Church, 7615 Florence School Road, High Point, NC 27265.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.

Guest Book

To Mrs. Diggs and Family: Rev. Diggs was truly a very caring and kind person. We will always remember "Doctor Diggs" as a quiet and gentle spirit...a Minister who, in his faith walk, was an excellent example of love and kindness for all. He leaves a legacy as a preacher, teacher, friend and father figure to many. It was a privilege to have been under his tutelage. He will be missed but never forgotten. May God bless you in your time of mourning! Donnell and Angela Taylor

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Mrs.Diggs and family, Heaven has truly gained an outstanding person. Rev. Diggs was truly a very caring and kind person. I will always remember a minister who was an excellent example of kindness in his faith walk. What a beautiful legacy of kindness he leaves for his family and every one who had the pleasure of knowing him. Prayers and blessings of priceless memories for the family!3

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To Mrs. Diggs and family, Rev Diggs will forever have a special place in my heart. As my father in ministry, he was the epitome of what a pastor should be and I often think back on his leadership as I lead in my new assignment. His humility and love were like none I have ever seen before. I sat at his feet for 21 years, all of the formative years of my faith. The greatest lesson from his life and ministry was to teach me how to live to live again. Rest well until we meet again. LaTanya

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To the Family, for me, Rev.Diggs was an excellent model of ministry done to perfection. I was proud to call him "father" because he was my father in Ministry. I was blessed to sit under his Ministry for 21 years, and I learned how to Pastor with love and patience. If God sanctions me to be anything at all in this branch of Zion it is because I sat at the feet of W.E. Diggs. My life and many others he affected favorably. He will never be forgotten but will be deeply missed. Rev.Dr. Debora Lawson Smith

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On behalf of the Ever Achievers Retired Teachers Club, we are praying for peace and comfort. You have our deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Everlena, our hearts go out to you and your family during this most difficult time. We are here now and will be only a moment away in the days to come. Sending you lots of LOVE!

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To Mrs.Diggs and Family: "Blessed are they that mourn:for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 KJV My " I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD,which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2 KJV Faye King

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It is with heavy Hearts that we, the members of E.E. Smith Class of 1954 learned of the passing of Reverend William Diggs. He shall be remembered as an outstanding member of our class as well as a member of the E.E. Smith Golden Bulls Band and Glee Club.

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Our Dearest Mrs. Diggs & Family, The Carson Lomax Family share in your sorrow and know you are in our prayers. Reverend Diggs has received his wings and is in Heaven. We thank him for his religious leadership and friendship to our family over the many years. What an anointed servant of God!! We pray that God wraps you in His loving arms which gives peace, strength & comfort. May the many memories, kind acts & love of others in combination with God's grace sustain you today & the days ahead. Loving Remembrance, The Carson Lomax Family

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To The Family: A Quote By:Dr. David Yonggi Cho "Little Prayer,Little Power,Much Prayer,Much Power,No Prayer,No Power." Please know that I am sending Much Prayers your way during your time of Bereavement. My Heart is Extremely Heavy. Reverend Diggs has been as I have referred to him as my Second Father. He had a Sweet Spirit that more of us should have. I will forever cherish the conversations we have shared. He Will Be Greatly Missed. Faye King " And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death,neither sorrow,nor crying,neither shall there be any more pain:for the former things are passed away." REVELATION 21:4 KJV " Let not your heart be troubled:ye believe in God,Believe also in me." JOHN 14:1 KJV

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To Everlena and the Diggs Family, our prayers and sympathy are with you at this difficult time, to know that others feel your pain hopefully make it a little easier to bear, just know that Rev. will surely be missed. may God Bless you All! Thomas and Marie Marks.

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Sending deepest condolences and prayer's to Mrs. Diggs children and family.Rev will deeply be missed a true man of god.RIP Rev Diggs. Lynn (donnell)Smith and Jarvis Smith

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To Everlena, Children and Family: A lovely, saintly soul has been called to full time service to Our Lord. While he will be missed I believe the Lord was satisfied with his ministry during the time he lived with us. We were truly blessed to experience him. Peace to each of you. Rev. LaVerne Lucas

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Phillips Funeral Service, Inc. | High Point, NC