Cennie Wiggins James

Cennie Wiggins James quietly passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Northern Cardinal Rehabilitation & Nursing Home in Suffolk, Virginia. While living there, the staff showed her loving compassion and provided her with excellent care. During her stay, Cennie's niece, Vicki Wiggins-Pittman, and her nephew, James Sears, assisted with her essential needs and provided other personal support. Cennie was the widow of the late William Elmore James.

Cennie celebrated her 106th birthday on November 15, 2025 at Northern Cardinal Nursing Home with staff and family. WAVY TV 10 (On Your Side), wished her a Happy Birthday. During the televised interview, she commented that "Kindness goes a long way and always treat others the way you want to be treated."

Cennnie was a native of Nansemond County (Suffolk, Virginia) and attended public schools there before moving to Camden, New Jersey. Prior to her move to New Jersey, she was a member of Canaan Baptist Church, Suffolk, Virginia. After moving, she joined St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in Camden, New Jersey where she was an active member. While living in New Jersey, Cennie filled her pastime visiting family, traveling, performing community service, and playing cards. Cennie was employed by Campbell Soup Company, RCA, and later retired in 1989 from the General Electric Company. After retiring, she moved back to Virginia and rejoined Canaan Baptist Church, where she was an active member with the Sunday School Pastor Aide, Mothers Board, and other church ministries until her health declined.

Cennie will be remembered and missed by her family and all who knew her. She was in good health most of her life and had a strong personality while being both kind and jovial. We knew that God would eventually call Cennie's name; and now that she is gone, she will always hold a special place in our hearts. Fond memories will be with all who knew and loved her. 

Cennie was predeceased by her mother, Mary Cornelia Wiggins Johnson, her beloved brother, Wilbert Wiggins, Sr., her beloved sister, Mary Pearl Wiggins Sears, and her nephew, Wilbert Wiggins, Jr. She leaves behind her nephew, James Sears of Fredericksburg, VA; her nieces, Barbara Sears Shelton of Haymarket, VA, Senney Sears Gray of Clinton, MD, Vicki Wiggins-Pittman of Suffolk, VA, and her great niece, Joy Wiggins of Suffolk, VA. Cennie also leaves behind a host of grand/great nieces and nephews residing in Waldorf, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Dallas, Texas, and Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as many friends and acquaintances. 

The family deeply appreciates the special care and concern rendered by Darrell Williams and Marilyn McCray. Bon Secour Medical Staff (Harbourview), Suffolk, VA; Dr. Patel; Northern Cardinal Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility Staff and residents. We also thank others for their prayers and concerns expressed in thoughts and deeds.

A viewing will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11 a.m., with a celebration of life to follow that will begin at  12 pm, at Canaan Baptist Church. Ms. James will be laid to rest at the church cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.