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Sylvester DIGGS Obituary
He was born Feb. 2, 1937, to the late Deacon Joseph and Saint Mary Diggs in Newport News, Va. He was longtime resident of Hampton, Va.
The Rev. Diggs, affectionately called Kent by those who knew and loved him, confessed his faith in Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at the United House of Prayer. He later joined Ivy Baptist Church in Newport News.
He graduated from George W. Carver High School in Newport News, in 1956. He attended Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Va., and continued his studies in ministry at United Christian College in Portsmouth, Va.
Blessed with the skills and talents of an accomplished Master Welder, he worked at the Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Company retiring in 1995 after 36 years of distinguished service.
In 1980, he accepted God's call to the Gospel Ministry and was licensed to preach and received his Certificate of Ordination on Dec. 27, 1981. Under the leadership of Pastor W. H. Maxwell, the Rev. Diggs served as an Associate Minster at Ivy Baptist for several years. The Rev. Diggs later united as an Associate Minister with Second Baptist Church in Newport News (now Miracle Temple Baptist Church) under the leadership of Pastor Floyd M. Blackwell.
In March of 1990, the Rev. Diggs accepted the call to serve as Pastor of Chickahominy Baptist Church in Toano, Va., where he served faithfully for 15 years; retiring December 2003. At the time of his death, he was serving as pastor of The Word Christian Fellowship Church in Williamsburg, Va.
Throughout his life, the Rev. Diggs was a sports enthusiast receiving numerous certificates, plaques, and trophies for basketball and track. His true passion in sports was the game of golf. Beginning as a caddy he naturally learned the game. With the enjoyment of the game, coupled with his acquired skills, he became an exceptional player. Every year, he attended a golf tournament in Florida along with other ministers and participated in the Carver High School after Thanksgiving Golf gathering.
To cherish his memory is his loving and faithful wife of 51 years, Doris Yvonne Manley Diggs; his children, Kerwin Christopher Diggs of Silver Spring, Md., Pam Diggs Harrell (James) of Charlotte, N.C., Monique Diggs of Hampton, Va., and his "adopted son," Dennis Whitaker of Newport News, Va.; five grandchildren, Joshua Diggs, Brittney Diggs, Bridgette Diggs, Brandi Diggs, and Shekinah Harrell; two great-grandchildren, Tyreek and Tamya Diggs; his brothers, Leon Diggs and James (Hattie) Diggs, all of Hampton, Va., Elder Cleveland (Joan) Diggs of Newport News, Va., Joseph (Ida) Diggs of Chesapeake, Va.; his sisters, Loretta (William) Lassiter, Beatrice Miles, Gladys Walker, and Deborah Addison all of Newport News, Va., and Eunice Sowell of Bridgeport, Conn.; his in-laws, Beatrice (Percy) Hicks and Gary (Avis) Manley of Hampton, Va., Marie H. Manley and Aretha Green of Winton, N.C., and Flora Diggs of Ayden, N.C.; and a host of "adopted sons and daughters, sisters and brothers," cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends.
The family extends special thanks to Dr. Mark Fleming, nurses, and staff from the Virginia Oncology Associates, and to Dr. Melvin Green, his primary care physician.
The family will receive friends at a meet and greet from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at Cooke Bros Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Diggs will be placed in the church by 9 a.m. Friday.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 4, at Miracle Temple Baptist Church, 617 – 32nd Street, Newport News, Va., with the Rev. Floyd M. Blackwell officiating. Ministers attending the funeral service will be Honorary Pallbearers and are asked wear their robes. Family will assemble at 10:15 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens.
Funeral Services entrusted to Cooke Bros Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be sent to www.cookebros.com. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sylvester DIGGS
Kimberly Alston
June 27, 2010
To the Diggs family,
We express our heart felt condolences on the passing of Rev. Diggs. He may be gone from earth, but he will always have a special place in your hearts.
Barbara Alston and family
June 26, 2010
We will always cherish Kent's friendship and memory. Please know that we are here for you. Love & Prayers, Medina, Len, Jesica and kids.
June 8, 2010
Mrs. Diggs, So sorry to hear about the passing of Rev Diggs. He was a true man of God and a great leader.
Former member of Chickahominy in Toano. Thomasina Williams
June 8, 2010
Having only worked w his son Kerwin for a little time at Aetna, it was very clear that he and his dad had been blessed with a great will towards all people. I am sorry for his loss and your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Bill deShazo, Tuscaloosa Alabama
Spencer &Caryn Best-Randall
June 5, 2010
Mrs Diggs and Family...we pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort you all during this time. We will always treasue the memories we have of Pastor Diggs while he served at Chickahominy Baptist Church.
On behalf of The Randall Family, we send our love and you all are in our prayers.
June 5, 2010
Sister Diggs I just want to tell you that God makes no mistakes as you know. Rev. Diggs was a classmate of mine over at UCI. He was a nice person and God sent. He will be missed. I know your heart is breaking bescause losing a husband is hard, I know because I have been where you are right now. The Lord has promised never to leave or forsake us. So stay encouraged and continue to put your trust in the Lord. We love you. Rev.Dr Jean Lyons . A former member of Miracle Temple and UCI . Be blessed
Irma Hawkins
June 4, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sherri Ford
June 4, 2010
Ms Monique Im so sorry to hear of your dad passing. There is nobody but God that can lift that heavy heart of a family that has passed may God bring you and your family comfort
June 4, 2010
I pray your continued comfort in the Lord. He was a special man in the Lord. A man after God's own heart. He will be sorely missed.
Gloria McCright
San Antonio Texas, formerly of Miracle Temple and Newport News, VA
John and Fay Wilson
June 4, 2010
To Sister Doris Diggs and Family; Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior and God Almighty who orders our steps, brings comfort in difficult times, and does all things wells. We share your loss and feel your sorrow. We regret that we were not able to attend the services for him and we are keeping you close in prayer.
Reverend Diggs was very special to me. The bond we made as ministers of the Gospel and friends will never be broken. I am forever grateful the opportunity to share his pulpit on his pastor's anniversary Sunday and fill it when he was on vacation. I will always appreciate the great message he brought on my first pastor's appreciation service. I truly enjoyed reading the rich obituary of his life. He was a gifted servant of God and love by many.
Karla Ricks & Kristy Ricks Brown
June 4, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Amy Martin & Beulah Davis
June 4, 2010
Diggs Family,
Even though we know that God has a plan for our lives, we feel the deep pain of loss when our loved one must transition to eternal life.
We hold you close in our hearts and pray for your comfort at the loss of Rev. Diggs. We remember the times we shared at Ivy Baptist years ago. We also will remember him as a fun, direct, respectable, respected and friendly man of God.
Be encouraged and blessed.
Linda Hawkins Hamlet
June 4, 2010
To the Diggs Family, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Sylvester. He was always a pleasant person with a sunny smile. Please hold your memories very close to heart. I pray that you will find comfort in the arms of God.
Fernandez & Raye Lassiter, Graves, & Ward Family
June 4, 2010
To MommaDiggs and Family, I Love My Pastor, and First Lady. My prayers and love goes out to you mommaDiggs, and your family. I know that pastor is right where he wants to be and that is with his maker. He always said that when he see Jesus Amen. I will miss him dearly and will always keep him in my heart. Just to think about him brings me Great Joy. I cry because I will miss his tender, loving heart, the look in his eyes when the LORD GOD is moving in his spirit, the tapping of his feet when he is enjoying the heavenly music, the sharp straight to the point WORD OF GOD that he preach, when he says I'm doing buffet style, his shouting dance when he is sooo full, the sweat that falls from his head, because he is preaching his heart out, the questions, and answers he gives when you ask him, taking you places you've never been, saying phase's you never heard, because he would say you're too young for that, the stories he would tell, that would have everyone so attentive that you could hear a pin drop. My Pastor, friend, counselor, teacher, Who called me by my name, my first name, like GOD himself is talking to you, the feeling that goes through your spirit when he greet, and talk to you, he look into your eyes like GOD himself is looking at you, down into your soul, and spirit. The Love he professed to his wife as THE LOVE OF MY LIFE, and the story he told a thousand times how they meet and he knew the moment he saw her that she would be his wife. This World is Greatly sadden, it's a sad day to know that we will not see My Pastor again on this side. But yet I rejoice for he has meet his maker whom is very pleased, and welcomed Home. Pastor always said, This world is not your home, So I would say Welcome Home My Pastor, until we meet yet again in Heaven. MommaDiggs, and family we love you we will always be here for you, and the family.
Diane Hatchett Hibbler
June 3, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ronald & Charlette Crowell
June 3, 2010
Hello Diggs family my heart was sadden to hear that Rev Diggs had passed on but I knew this on thing HE WAS A TRUE MAN OF GOD , Rev Digg was very instrumental in leading me to the LORD over 22 years ago , I have not seen him in a few years but I never forgot him , I will cherish my memories of him forever., May GOD continue to BLESS all of you and give you peace .
Ronald E & Charlette B Crowell
Will and Lisa Williamson
June 3, 2010
To: The First Lady Mrs. Doris Diggs and The Family of Reverend Sylvester K . Diggs Our physical world has been shattered by the loss of your love one. Lisa and I thank the LORD, GOD Almighty for Reverend Diggs and his teaching and the preaching of the LORD's WORD.
Reverend Diggs has left a legacy with us, that will always bring us joy. He always stated: That this world is not his or our home, and the only place to be is with JESUS CHRIST our LORD and SAVIOR, in the presence of our HEAVENLY FATHER , the LORD, GOD Almighty.
In the words of Reverend Diggs: " I am so glad that I met you on this side of Glory."
Because of Reverend Diggs love for the LORD, GOD, Reverend Diggs love for others was magnified. We are truly thankful for his love and the love of Mrs. Diggs. We are also thankful for Reverend Diggs blessings, while he explained his love and the love of the LORD GOD for us. We love you all and pray that the LORD, GOD Almighty will comfort you and keep you during this time.
Colicchio Ferguson-Merritt
June 3, 2010
To the family of Rev. Diggs, May God continue to bless all of you. Your CBC family will never forget you Rev. Diggs. You were truly a blessing in our lives.
Mary and Sandra Richardson
June 3, 2010
Our Heavenly Father has taken back one of his faithful soilders and left you with loving memories. Mr diggs has to suffer no more and will forever be in your heart. One day you will see each other again.
June 3, 2010
MRS. DIGGS AND FAMILY,
WE WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. THE ALMIGHTY GOD WILL SUSTAIN YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN YOUR TIME OF BEREAVEMENT.
ROSA L. MEEKINS & EARLENE L. MEEKINS HARVEY
HAMPTON, VIRGINIA
June 3, 2010
To Mrs.Diggs and family,I pray Gods strength for you,I, like so many others will miss Rev Diggs,when he spoke he spoke with such wisdom,I would sit on the edge of my seat in anticipation,knowing that when I left,I would surely leave better than when I came.He was truly about Gods business.I pray Gods blessings among you.andhis keeping power also.
Sharney Batts- Thomas
June 3, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Deacon Fred & Evelyn Davis
June 3, 2010
To First Lady Diggs & family,
We express our most heart felt sympthy for you and the famliy.What a Blessing to have gotten to spend time with the Reverend, to know Rev. Diggs was to Love Him, You all are in our Prayers.
GloriaLynne Davis-Robinson
June 3, 2010
I am praying for the comfort of the family during this time of sorrow.
Letha Davis
June 3, 2010
My prayers go out to Aunt Doris and the family. May God Bless you and keep you in your time of sorrow.
RON BRICKHOUSE
June 3, 2010
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVE ONE. KENT WAS A GREAT AND POSITIVE CLASSMATE,AND HE WILL BE MISSED BY ME AND ALL OF HIS FREINDS FROM G W CARVER CLASS OF 1956.
RIP,"KEEP SHOOTING THE JUMP SHOT"
RON H BRICKHOUSE
AND
CLYDE E HAGWOOD , GWC 1956
Miriam and Lionel Dominique Stevens
June 3, 2010
From Miriam and Lionel Dominique Stevens we express our prayers for the Sister Doris and the family! May the Lord continue to watch over you and encourage you all the days of your lives. May the Father who is All comfort, strength and love bless you with an extra special dose of HIM for this time as you remember your loved one! Also, I know the following speaks true of his life: Thank you Lord for your Servant!
2 Timothy 4:7-8
King James Bible
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.
Amen we love you!
Shalom (Proverbs 3:5-7)
Freddy Wells
June 3, 2010
Deepest Condolences From The Wells Family...Freddy Wells
Claretha Ludy
June 3, 2010
First Lady Diggs and Family,
We extend our heartfelt sympathy and love to you in the homegoing of our relative and friend, Pastor Diggs.
We often conversed during our visits to the Sentara Complex. Instead of focusing on his own illness, Pastor Diggs would encourage and uplift me. He told me not to worry because I know "whose I am" and "to whom I belong." He was such an inspirational person. My family and I will greatly miss him.
May God continue to bless you!
Love and Prayers,
Claretha Ludy and Family
Newport News, VA
Michelle Stephenson
June 2, 2010
To the family of Rev. Diggs: I give you my thoughts and prayers. Rev. Diggs was a patient of mine at Dr. Watkins office. He was such a kind person and it was a pleasure to work with him. I enjoyed our conversations and I will dearly miss him. Michelle Stephenson
Cleveland Corbin
June 2, 2010
To the Digg's Family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time. Just hold on to each other and everything will be alright. If their is anything my family can do for the family just contact us and we'll be right there, love always..........
Mr & Mrs Cleve and Myra Corbin and Big Momma
June 2, 2010
To the family,
I send my love and prayers to you at this time of sorrow. I'm glad I got to visit and share a moment with uncle Kent while in the hospital and see his smile that he always had when we met. so much joy in his smile and I hope you will hold on to the memories and love that he shared with each one of you. He has gone ahead but will be seeing him again.
Janice D.Williams- Neice
Chesapeake, VA
Timeka Diggs Morrison
June 2, 2010
Aunt Doris and Family,
My prayers are with you and our family. Uncle Kent would always light up the room with his pretty smile.. I remember when we were little we would always laugh at the way he chewed his gum while smiling at the sametime. Then he would give us a piece and we would chew it just like him and thinking that was the best gum in the world.. He will be missed. Much love....
June 2, 2010
To Monique and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
The Anthony Family
Hampton, VA
June 2, 2010
To Sister Diggs and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and I as a friend and a member of Miracle Temple will miss him. I thank him so much for his smile and his encouragement always. Regardless what was going on with him or you, the two of you would always encourage me and I thank you so very much. I love you and my prayers will be continually with you and your family. You are truly very special people and I thank God for the priveledge to know you and to have had both of you as an example of God in my life. May God continue to bless you and strengthen you and your family in this difficult time and throughout the rest of your life.
Nadine Jackson
Miracle Temple Baptist Church
Trice & Missy Baker
June 2, 2010
To First Lady Diggs and family...My prayers of peace and comfort are with you in this time of your loss. I bless God for having to be around Rev. Diggs and family. Rev. Diggs was an awesome man of God and he most definitely planted a seed in my life. May God continue to bless you all and look to the hills from which cometh your help cause thats where your help and strength comes from. Love you all!
Marc Ginsberg
June 2, 2010
Kerwin, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Barbara Simmons
June 2, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Bro. Arthur L. & Rev. Evelyn M. Johnson
June 2, 2010
Psalm 116:15
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Dear Sis. Manley and loved ones,
Art and I extend our deepest condolences in the loss of your beloved brother-in-law. Thank you for e-mailing me the title of his last sermon. It is very inspirational.
We pray God's choice blessings of comfort, strength and peace, upon you and all persons affected by this loss, in the name of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, as it is written in God's word. Amen
Love,
Karen Bartlett
June 2, 2010
To Mom Diggs & family: I am Blessed to have known Pastor Diggs down here on Earth. He helped me and my family over the years in many ways and under his leadership at CBC I grew Spititually. I thank God for him as a spiritual Father, friend, and pastor. Some of the saying he use to say will always remain with us: God Loves you and so do I, Charge it to my head and not my heart, and how he thought we were All "Precious" in God's sight". We will truly miss him! From Mom Simpson, Racquel, Lou,and the entire Wilson, and Bartlett familes.
June 2, 2010
Sorry to hear of the passing of Rev. Diggs. My prayers are with the family. Remember the good times, enjoy cherishing the memories you've made over the years. God Has Smiled on You. Be Blessed. Sincerely, Love you,
Rev. Otis & Jacqueline Sanders
June 2, 2010
To Mrs. Doris Diggs and the entire family of Reverend Sylvester K. Diggs: We were sadden to learn of your loss. It is our prayer that the Diggs' family be strong and realize that God has called one of His servants home. It is said that when you cry you cry alone but that is not true. The sadness you are feeling today is felt by love ones around you. Your lost here on earth is the Lord's gain in heaven. May you find comfort in knowing you are not alone. In your time of struggle, our prayers and thoughts are with you. God's Word tell us "But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory be Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19
yvette chandler
June 2, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Paula Kummer
June 2, 2010
Kerwin, my love and sympathy are extended to you and your family. Your Dad will always be by your side and your partner - just call on him. He is now a new angel to help us all. Love to you and your family.
Marcia & Dwayne Banks
June 2, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Crawley's
June 2, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Wayne & Shonda Whitfield
June 2, 2010
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010
Karen Miles
June 2, 2010
Uncle,Kent. I want to tell you how much i loved you.i would always tell the story of how you and aunt doris and children would always bring us chrismas gift.i thought you were rich. as i got older, i realize that you were rich at heart. thank you
ANN JOHNSON
June 2, 2010
MY continued thought and prayers go out to the family. Pastor Diggs was truly a blessing and inspiration to my life and ministry.
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