Pastor Josephine Diggs

Pastor Josephine Diggs was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on August 16, 1932, the third child and first-born daughter of Bishop William Samuel Barnes, Sr., and Mother Geneva Margaret Barnes. She was one of six siblings: Samuel, Sr., William, Geraldine, Delores, and Michael, who all preceded her in death. When Pastor Diggs's parents grew old, she helped care for and nurture them until their sunset (Bishop William S. Barnes, Sr., 1987, and Mother Geneva Margaret Barnes, 1989).

Pastor Diggs was an avid reader and a serious student. She attended Dunbar High School and graduated in 1950. Although she wanted to go to college, she understood that her family's funds were too limited. Instead, she sought full-time employment.

On July 7, 1956, Pastor Diggs married Deacon Frontis Diggs, Jr. From this union, three daughters were born: Debra, Vanessa, and Lisa. Pastor Diggs resigned from her clerical position at the Social Security Administration to become a full-time mom to her daughters. When her husband became ill and experienced kidney failure, Pastor Diggs served as nurse and caregiver, administering dialysis and overseeing his needs. She remained faithful to him in sickness and in health until death caused them to part in 1987.

Pastor Diggs began her spiritual journey with God in her youth at the First Apostolic Faith Church, located at the intersection of Monument and Eden Streets. She was baptized in January 1945 at the age of twelve. She received the Holy Ghost at the age of seventeen at Saint Paul Church of God in Christ Jesus, Apostolic, Inc., then located at Jefferson and Caroline Streets. Pastor Diggs began as a member of the St. Paul Church of God in Christ Jesus, Apostolic, Inc., at its humble inception in 1945 in her parents' home at 1403 East Jefferson Street. Pastor Diggs had the distinction of being present throughout the church's history.

Pastor Diggs's areas of servitude prepared her to be a competent and knowledgeable leader. She served as the Superintendent of the Saint Paul Sunday School for twenty-eight years (1962-1990). She was respected and recognized locally, nationally, and internationally for incorporating the latest educational research and requiring staff members to maintain up-to-date notebooks. She served as a member of the Senior Choir, Church Cleaning Committee, Women's Auxiliary, teacher of Pentecostal Young People's Union, president and member of the Church Anniversary and Homecoming Committee, and president of the Building Fund Committee.

Pastor Diggs began pastoring St. Paul in July 1989. She dedicated her life to the work of Christ and served as the full-time shepherd of this flock. While serving as pastor, she fully renovated the main auditorium, constructed a second floor to the William Samuel Barnes, Sr. Memorial Educational Wing, fully renovated the fellowship hall (named in her honor), instituted a church slogan (We Have a Goodly Heritage), reorganized all auxiliaries, and instituted leadership and development training classes.

Pastor Diggs has been a member of the Church of God in Christ Jesus, Apostolic, Inc., since its inception in 1945 under the leadership of Bishop Randolph A. Carr. For many years, she authored the topics for Pentecostal Young People's Union (P.Y.P.U.). She also authored the theme for the International Women's Council. She served as one of two women on the Governing Board, the Superintendent of the International Women's Auxiliary, a member of the Finance Committee, and a Trustee. In 2007, Bishop William J. Faison appointed Pastor Diggs as the first General Treasurer.

As a Pastor in the Central District, which includes churches in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Delaware, Pastor Diggs was the district's longest-serving pastor. For many years, she authored the yearly themes for the Council meetings.

Pastor Diggs was a woman of courage, order, and wisdom. We will remember her opening statement at her installation as pastor: "When I shall receive the congregation, I will judge uprightly." (Psalm 75:2)

She was the last surviving sibling of the six Barnes children. Pastor Diggs leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughters, Debra (Harry Jr.), Vanessa, and Lisa, and her dedicated adopted son, Eugene (DeNolla). She lovingly and actively participated in the upbringing of her grandchildren, Hannah and Harry-Frontis (Nyjole). God blessed her to witness another generation, her great-granddaughter, Nara.

Pastor Diggs also leaves to mourn a host of nieces and nephews - a dearly beloved, niece, "from the beginning," Margaret - as well as great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. Many spiritual sons and daughters, as well as those she mentored with care and wisdom, will fondly remember her.

Lastly, but certainly not least, she leaves her devoted and loving assembly, St. Paul Church of God in Christ Jesus, Apostolic-a faithful band of believers who love God, honored their leader, and continue to care deeply for their church.

Friday, November 14, 2025

Pastor Diggs will Lie in State from 1:00-7:00 PM

A Time to Remember: 7:00 PM

St. Paul Church of God in Christ Jesus, Apostolic, Inc.

2625 East Hoffman Street

Baltimore, MD 21213

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Family Hour 10:00 - 10:30 AM

Celebration of Life 10:30 AM

Shekinah Temple of Christ

2204 Mayfield Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21213