Wilbert Wiggins, Jr.

Wilbert Wiggins, Jr, 67, of Suffolk, Virginia transitioned peacefully on September 29, 2024, at Sentara Obici Hospital. Wilbert was born on October 2 nd , 1956, to the late Wilbert Wiggins Sr. and the late Vivian Elizabeth Owens Wiggins. He completed his education with Suffolk Public Schools and obtained his diploma from John Yeates High School- (Class of 1975). Wilbert continued his post education with Norfolk State University, leading to his employment/achievements/ and retirement from NSU. He began his employment with Norfolk State University and later retired after many years of valuable service to the University. He was well known by “Mr. Wiggins”. Mr. Wiggins was a great supervisor to his student workers. Mr. Wiggins was a dedicated library staff member who assumed his duties and responsibilities by assisting the students, faculty, and staff with respect, professionalism, and kindness. He also served on many committees which included: NSU Association of Educational Office Professionals (NSUAEOP), National Association of Educational Office Professionals (NAEOAP), Library Tidewater Consortium, Graduation Committee, American Library Association(ALA), Virginia Library Association(VLA), and the NSU Retiree Association (NSURA). As a member of the Retiree Association, he participated as a member of the Hospitality Committee. He had a true “heart to serve” and it was evident throughout his career. Wilbert’s contributions to the University will be long remembered by students, colleagues, and members of the NSU family. Wilbert was an affectionate, dedicated, compassionate, and hardworking husband and father. He married his beautiful queen Karen on April 20th , 1996. They were happily wedded for 28 years until death did them part. Wilbert was not only Karen’s husband, lover, and protector, but he was her BEST FRIEND. From their union they produced a lovely baby girl, Joy (Cute stuff). Wilbert loved his family unconditionally. Wilbert’s dedication and commitment consisted of waiting up for them to get home, checking in through texts and calls, keeping God in the center of his family, and creating many laughs and memories that are unforgettable. Wilbert always kept a vow to Karen to never go to sleep upset. That’s what kept his marriage secure, protected, and full of love. Wilbert kept his family safe, and they felt protected with his presence around. Though his presence is not around us anymore, we do know his spirit still protecting us along with God. We will miss our best friend in so many ways. Wilbert accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized under Dr. Jesse E. Arrington, Jr., Canaan Baptist Church, Suffolk, VA and later in life under Apostle Olivia D. Sharpe., United Full Gospel Revival Center. Under Canaan Baptist Church he served on the Male usher board, Youth Ministry Choir, Sunday School Young Adult Class, Isle of Wight Sunday School Union-Delegate, and Youth Ministry. Wilbert loved to sing and used his vocal gift to become a faithful member of the prestigious Philharmonics Gospel Choir under the direction of the late Ms. Macklin and Dr. Peggy Britt (The Queen of Gospel) as he called her. He formed priceless friendships that lasted many years until his demise. Every chance he got he was there singing and supporting the Philharmonic gospel singers. He went by Will or Will Will. Will was very soft-spoken and funny. His presence was always known. You would always see Will with a smile and will be greatly missed by those. Segue to his next Branch of Zion of 24 years, he was a faithful, loyal, and trusted son of New Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Norfolk, VA under the leadership of Bishop C. V. Russell Jr. and Executive Pastor Ronda H. Russell. He served effortlessly on the Deacon Ministry, Evangelist Ministry, Security Ministry, Armor Bearers Ministry, Men’s Ministry, and Aftercare Ministry. He cherished Bishop and the first family. God appointed him as their protector and Bishop’s personal Jonathan. He always texted and made sure they were home safely, took the cars for gas runs, looked out for the house while they were on vacation, followed them home, and Bishop’s favorite part, Wilbert texted him every Sunday “Bishop You Wrecked the House Today Sir”. The story of David and Jonathan described the relationship of Bishop and Wilbert. Besides a son of Bishop Russell, he was also his friend. Wilbert has shared many laughs, conversations, and loving memories with their family. He always had a pleasant attitude with his church family. Every time you saw him, he was always the same and welcomed everyone with love and respect. He adored his place of worship, and nobody could say anything negative about his Bishop, his Pastor Ronda, or the New Mt. Carmel family in his presence. He was well loved at Mt. Carmel and made sure each person was well taken care of in so many ways that are indescribable. The Deacons, Security Ministry, and Men’s Ministry were his most valued brotherhoods he ever created. Under the leadership of the late Deacon Mariano Robichaux and Deacon Michael Liggins, he served relentlessly as a Deacon. He committed to his duties as a Deacon week after week, Sunday after Sunday. He would pray during communion, serve the congregation during communion, open/close the church, and so much more. Lastly, he served relentlessly with the Men’s Ministry upon building and finishing our new edifice.

Wilbert leaves to cherish his precious memories and loved ones: his beloved wife, Karen T. Wiggins (Suffolk, VA) , his Cute stuff, Joy Wiggins (Suffolk, VA), Brother, Bill Johnson (Vivian), Elizabeth City ,NC; sisters, Shirley M. Little, Newport News, VA; Vicki C. Wiggins- Pittman, Suffolk(VA); paternal aunt, Cennie James, Portsmouth, VA, His (David) Bishop C.V. Russell Jr. (Suffolk, VA), His beautiful First Lady Ronda H. Russell (Suffolk, VA) God-daughters: Tiara White, Krystal Hunter (Dondrae), Shawnda Miller (Shaka), Brittany Blythe, Alexis Jones, Mariyah Walters, Carys Jenkins; God-sons: Cameron White, Keon Cain-Snead, Dionkwe Walton, and Quinton Williams. His Precious Grandkids Jaydah, Dondrae Jr., and Noah Elijah. His special dedicated nieces and nephews: Alisa Spivey (Reginald), Terris Mullins, Jacqueline Mullins, Jacqueline Washington, LeAndra Spivey (Marqwez), Adrianna Lilly, and the late Demarkus D. Thornton. His lovely Godparents: Horace & Betty Hill, Clarence & Orene Miller, Carlesta King, Linda D. Williams, and Larry & Verona Elam. His special Brotherhood: Jonathan Walker, Edward Lyons, Michael Liggins, Jimmy Cole, Jimmy Alston, William Augson, Herman Kee, Eric Wilson, Bryan Knight, Marcus Daniel, LaTroy Brinkley and Larry Wilson. And his special Brother-N-Loves, and His Neighbors, he will always love you. His Special Girls: Rita Robichaux, Angela Liggins, Cynthia McZeal, Tiara White, Arnetta White-Brown and Jackqulyn Hatton. His Dedicated Sister-N-Love Iris Thornton-Mullins, and a host of in-laws’ relatives, nieces and nephews, cousins, close friends, NSU Family, and Peggy Britt & The Philharmonic Family

A viewing will be held 4-7 p.m. Thursday, October 10, 2024 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. Friday, October 11, 2024 at New Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 1100 Church Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510. He will be laid to rest in Canaan Baptist Church Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.