Darlene Joyce Wiggins

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”   II Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)
And God shall wipe all tears from their eyes.  And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain.”  Revelations 21

Sis. Darlene Joyce Wiggins, 74 of Stevensville, Michigan received her call to Glory on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, surrounded by her family and Pastor as she took her heavenly journey.

Darlene was born July 8, 1947, in St. Joseph Michigan to Phillip McCoy and Dorothy Wiggins.  She was a 1966 graduate of Benton Harbor High School and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Western Michigan University.  Darlene was employed as a teacher for Benton Harbor Area Schools until her retirement.  She was known as a “Master Teacher” and enjoyed working with her many students.  Darlene was a member of the Benton Harbor Education Association and the Michigan Education Association.

Her spiritual journey was confirmed when she was baptized on March 23, 1964, at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. W. E. Ellis.  Darlene continued her Christian journey under the pastorage of the late Rev. Emery Varrie.  Her gifts and skills were displayed in the choir and working in the church kitchen.  She later transferred her membership to New Bethel under the leadership of Pastor Maurice McAfee.  She continued her work in the church kitchen and delighted in blessing us with her specialty of preparing of cheesecakes…not only for New Bethel but family members and friends.

A BLESSED LIFE!  Darlene lived a blessed life because first and foremost, she loved and obeyed the   Lord.  Darlene also feared God and kept His commandments!  Sher loved her family and was a faithful Christian not only in words but in doing God’s work.  We can earnestly say “Well done thy good and faithful servant, now receive your crown of life and glory.”  We are honored to know that she was the Proverbs 31:10-13 VIRTUOUS WOMAN!  A virtuous woman has strength of character, loves the truth, hates sin, and loves others.  Faith was the cornerstone of Darlene’s life, and she lived her life to serve others.  The true definition of a “Virtuous Woman” was Darlene Joyce Wiggins!  Her favorite bible verse was 2 Timothy 4:7…’I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.’

Precious memories will be cherished by her sisters:  Shirley Wiggins of Stevensville;  Phyliss McCoy, Nashville, TN; Daisy (Bobbie McCoy) Reed, Owensboro, KY; Annette (McCoy) Herdon, Las Vegas, NV;  Nieces:  Shervell Wiggins-Pinellas, Park, FL;  Alaina (McCoy) McMurthy, Boling Brooks, IL;  Nephews:  Vincent (Tommicia) Wiggins, Stevensville, and  William Cooley, Las Vegas;  God-Son:  Shavarr Goodloe, Benton Harbor;  Special friends:  Emma (Herman) Goodloe, and Cynthia (C.J.)McGee-Stevens and the McGee family.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Phillip McCoy, and Dorothy Wiggins; Grandmother, Elnora Settlers; Sisters:  Joyce Wiggins and Sylvia (McCoy) Cooley.