Rev. William Edmund Diggs

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.

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