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Joan Biggers Obituary

Joan (Selle) Biggers November 17, 1936 - July 24, 2009 Joan finished her courageous five year struggle with cancer on Friday, July 24, 2009 in Tucson, AZ. Her life was exemplified by grace, beauty, faith and a willingness to serve others. Joan grew up on a farm in the small town of Gotebo, Oklahoma. After graduating from Gotebo High School she moved to Weatherford, Oklahoma and completed her college education in three years, graduating from Southwestern Oklahoma University. She then headed to Denver to teach school, and there met her husband and best friend of 52 years, Edwin Biggers. Many of her years were spent in Simi Valley, California, raising her family and participating in a variety of church and community activities, including serving as President for the Associated Women for Pepperdine, raising scholarship funds for Christian students. In 1983, she and Ed relocated to Tucson with his work with Hughes Missile Systems. In all ways, she lived her life as a true example of the love of Christ demonstrating that it really is better to give than to receive. She touched many with her humble service, stylish hospitality, acts of kindness, wisdom, and often anonymous generosity. She is preceded in death by her son, Philip Biggers; her mother, Louise (Williams) Goodwin and her father, Gus Selle. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, including husband, Edwin; daughter, Deborah Weiss and son-in-law, Gary Weiss and her beloved grandchildren, Matthew Weiss and Olivia Weiss. You may honor Joan with donations to Associated Women for Pepperdine c/o Pepperdine University, 24285 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90263 or Arizona Campus Mission Foundation c/o Mtn Avenue Church of Christ, 2848 N. Mountain Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719. Visitation will be held at BRING'S MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 236 S. Scott on Thursday, July 30, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at the Mountain Avenue Church of Christ, 2848 N. Mountain Avenue, Tucson at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2009.
Published by Arizona Daily Star from Jul. 28 to Jul. 30, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan Biggers

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Rodger and Linda Bowen

November 28, 2009

Ed

I am so glad that when we were in Tucson in June that we stopped and spent a few minutes with you and Joan.

You both have been a source of support and inspiration to Linda and me over the years since we were "family" in Simi Valley.

We grieved with you when you lost Phil. We grieve with you with Joan's passing.

We love you and Debbie and will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Nedra Williams

October 26, 2009

Ed, may God comfort and give you strength as you continue living after your great loss. Take courage in your faith in God's promise that He will not give you more than you re able to bear. This painful world is not forever, but the wonders of Heaven are.

Ermalee Ort Ort

August 12, 2009

Dear Ed and family,
I pray your sweet memories will help you through this hard time. I remember meeting Joan at your wedding. She and all were so beautiful. Then it meant so much to me when you and she took time out of your busy schedule to come to visit me in Vancouver, WA. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope to see you when you come to OK.
With love,
Ermalee (Trudy Pritchard)Ort
Ed's cousin

Hildred & Richard Lockaby

August 8, 2009

Dear Ed,
You and Joan have always been a spiritual inspiration to us. Through you we have seen how humans can display Christ-like qualities here on earth.
Years ago, one of the perks of being Mountain Avenue's church secretary was becoming better acquainted with Joan. She volunteered on Fridays to do the perfectly formatted church bulletin. It appeared to have been written on a computer rather than the church typewriter. I recall the times we had lunch together and sometimes shopped. Joan could turn anything into an article of beauty; even a $4.00 skirt. I thought the skirt was ugly until I saw it on her!
Our lives have paralleled at some of life's most difficult times. Phil was killed the day after we celebrated the life of our-son-in law, Fred. Less than a week later we met again at the same mortuary for visitation with your family. Even in your sorrow, you added a little humor by stating, "Hildred, we need to stop doing these things together."
Hildred's Quadruple By-Pass surgery was the day before Joan's passing. Dick intended to keep the sad news from me, but while in ICU, I knew she had left this earth. I asked Dick and he had to admit it was true. I counted the days until her memorial and thought I could at least attend the Visitation. Of course I couldn't.
You've been in our daily prayers for years. We will continue to ask God's Blessings on you, Debbie and her beautiful family.

In Christ,

Wydena Selle Williams

August 7, 2009

Ed and Family:
Our Prayers goes out to all of your family on the lose of your precious Joan. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by all. Its been a long time since I have seen her, but I have always thought of her. Her Beauty, Kindness and Love that she has about her makes the world a more beautiful place to be. Now she shines above us in heaven. I am blessed to have had a 2nd Cousin like Joan. May God Take Care of and Bless you and your family.

jim Porter

August 3, 2009

Ed,
Lela and I find the realization of your losses to give us so much to think about. Your grief has been beyond what most of us have experienced. The courage that you and Joan have shown has been a very significant inspiration to us. We thank you both for your many ways of leading by example. More people than you know have likely taken notice and you have no doubt strengthened others. God rules and He makes us examples in different ways.
We thank you for your friendship.

Jim and Lela Porter

Bill Stevens

August 3, 2009

Dear Ed,
I know how difficult it is for you and your family at this time.

I treasure the time Virda and I spent with you and Joan in Europe last year. It’s hard to believe that within a month both Joan and Virda have departed this life and are with the Lord. Both were women of great faith and will enjoy each others friendship again in heaven.

Love,
Bill Stevens <

Jeff and Nancy Pippin

August 3, 2009

Ed and Family

May God bless and keep you always, and especially in this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Darryl Tippens

August 3, 2009

Dear Ed and Family,

Please know that you are very much in our thoughts and prayers. We trust that God's presence will be especially evident to you in the coming days. We pray that in time the sorrow will be overwhelmed by the sweet memories and the great promise of a happy reunion when our dear Lord "will wipe every tear from [your] eyes" (Rev. 21:4). May God richly bless you in the coming days. Yours truly, Darryl and Anne Tippens

Gretchen & Nathan Allan

August 1, 2009

Dear Ed, Debbie and Gary,

We will always treasure the years we spent as part of your family. Joan always made us feel at home, and you all hold a very special place in our hearts, even though it has been far too long since we've seen you. We send you much love and will keep you in our prayers as you grieve her passing.

August 1, 2009

Ed, Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family in the loss of your beloved Joan. We know her illness was a difficult one and we are all grateful for your love and support for her. We pray that the love and comfort of God, and the support of close friends and family, will help sustain you in your loss.

David and Sally Davenport
Burlingame, California

Peter and Marian Schwartz

July 31, 2009

Dear Ed and Debbie,
We were so very saddened to hear today of your great loss. We will always remember Joan as a warm, welcoming and beautiful person.
Our heartfelt sympathies and our prayers are with you.

Charlie and Annette Bryant

July 31, 2009

Dear Ed, Debbie and family,
Joan was ever loving, kind, caring and generous. Her faith was evidenced by her life of giving to others. We will miss her greatly.
You are all in out hearts and prayers.

Anonymous

July 31, 2009

Joan Biggers is as unique a person as one might ever meet. In an age when most want more Joan always wanted less. Through her abundance she blessed many and through her grace, faith and service she touched and encouraged all. Joan was a classic in many ways and it is not at all a stretch to compare her outer beauty to Audrey Hepburn's or her inner beauty to our Lord Jesus...she knew scripture to be the absolute truth and used it to make her decisions and guide her life. Her husband, son, daughter and grandchildren are products of her many talents and life principals and thus her legacy continues on into future generations. If you were to ask Joan she would say that it is not her legacy or teachings but instead, are those of God The Father, meant to be useful for teaching, correction, love and encouragement to all those who love God. Joan chose her words carefully because she knew how powerful they could be...they could tear down as easily as they could build up and Joan's life was about building others up and she showed that by her acts of kindness, love and generosity. Joan's "statement" of faith was exemplified throughout her life to many; including myself...even when her son Philip was killed. In her own way she mourned and grieved until the day of her death yet carried out the remainder of her life and Christian service with grace, beauty and dignity. She spent days, weeks and months crying out to the God she loved; politely suggesting that He provide answers to her questions...knowing in her soul that His plan was perfect and that He would love her, provide for her and guide her until the end of time regardless of the earthly circumstances. Joan is a role model to many and I will forever be affected for having known her...Joan, I will miss you...Joan, because you wanted to become more like Jesus my life was blessed...Joan, I look forward to seeing you again!

Vinson Lockwood

July 31, 2009

Sincere condolences to you and your family from a longtime Hughes Missle Systems (Tucson) coworker.

Karla (Lindsay) Smith

July 31, 2009

Dear Ed and Debbie:

My mom and dad have been keeping me in touch with Joan's battle with cancer she has been fighting over the past several years. I was so happy that they were able to visit with Joan and the family during their trip through Tucson. Your family has always been such a blessing in my life as well as the entire Lindsay clan. The memories of all of the families building the church and loving relationships in Simi is something that I cherish and wish that everyone could have had in their life. My memories of Debbie and I rolling Barbie cars down the stairs and looking for Phil's escaped snakes always bring joy to my heart and a smile to my face. Joan has always been lovely and someone that I wanted to be when I grew up. The beauty of her face was only a small representation of the true beauty she had within. She lived her life with grace, humility, love, kindness, and touched everyone that had the privilege of knowing her. Though we will all miss her dearly, she is now free from pain and in the welcoming arms of our loving Heavenly Father. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that God will wrap you in his love to provide you comfort at this time and that happy memories of your families love will help heal the hole left by Phil and Joan leaving you far to early.

With love always -

Deana McMann

July 30, 2009

It has been my privilege to meet Joan just a couple of times through her daughter, Deborah. Deborah has most likely inherited her mother's grace. Joan has left quite a wonderful legacy in her work as well as in her family. We send our condolences to your family.

Gail Kish

July 30, 2009

Idid not know Joan well, but she impressed me as a very loving person. My condolences to the familyl

July 29, 2009

On behalf of the Old Pueblo Lodge 933 we are saddened to hear of your loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.

JE. "Jimbo" Watson
Directing Business Representative
Old Pueblo Lodge 933
International Association and Aerospace Workers

Dolores Kazantzis

July 29, 2009

Dear Ed and family,

It's not often that you meet a person as loving, giving and sweet as Joan. She made this world a better place to live in. I extend my sincere condolences and please know that my prayers are with you and your family.

July 29, 2009

Dear Ed and Family,

Our hearts are saddened. We will always remember Joan as being lovely, friendly, and compassionate.

Please accept our sympathies.

Candace and Jack VanSchoyck

Bob ann Neoma Haskin

July 29, 2009

We are thinking about you and Debbie and her family at this time. Just know that you have the love and support through prayer of a lot of people

Bob and Mary Jo Biggers

July 29, 2009

Dear Ed and Debbie & Family,
We are truely saddened today, knowing Joan will no longer be at our family gatherings here on Earth. We look forward to the day when we'll all be together again. May God keep you strong and faithful...you are loved by MANY!!! Blessings, Bob and Mary Jo

July 29, 2009

Ed, Nancy and I have been traveling and just now learned of Joan’s passing. We are so sorry to hear that your beautiful companion is no longer with you on this earth, but we are comforted by the promises of our loving Father. I hope you will seek strength and comfort from the only One who can provide that at such times. You and your children are certainly in our prayers as you say your final goodbyes. We are thankful for the wonderful moments we had with Joan over the years. Mike and Nancy O'Neal

Evelyn and Michelle Sigafus

July 29, 2009

We will always remember Joan as a most gracious and loving woman. May your faith in God guide and sustain you during this most difficult time. Your beautiful and caring wife and mother will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. May her memory be for a blessing.

Steven and Emily Lemley

July 28, 2009

Dear Ed,
We will not forget Joan's open heart. She was a friend and encourager, and always working to do good for others. And your devotion for her and hers for you is something that will last in our hearts as well. AWP and Pepperdine students will continue to experience the good she did. May the Comforter give you His peace. Our love, Steven and Emily Lemley

July 28, 2009

Dear Ed,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your loving wife and partner. Dave Lilly called us today to let us know as we are living in Texas now most of the time. God bless you and your family.

Jack and Diane Robinson

Ron & Sylvia Weiss

July 28, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Bobby Martinez

July 28, 2009

Dear Mr. Biggers,

My condolences and prayers go out to you and your family.

Former Business Representative
IAMAW LL 933

Ron & Sylvia Weiss

July 28, 2009

Dear Debbie Ed and Family

Sorry to hear of your loss. May her memory be for a blessing and give you all comfort through this difficult time.

Sue Echerivel-Felix

July 28, 2009

Mr. Biggers and family,
My deepest and sincere condolences. May God continue to bless you and give you comfort during this very difficult time in your life. You and your family will be in my prayers.

July 28, 2009

Dear Mr. Biggers,
My condolences on the passing of your wife.

Bill Haley
Past President, IAM 933

Steven Weiss

July 28, 2009

Debbie, Ed and Family - I was saddened to hear of her passing. May her memory be for a blessing.

July 28, 2009

Ed, so sorry to hear about Joan's death. Ron called to tell me this morning. Thank you for keeping the family up-dated. I will always remember Joan coming to Mother's in Hobart and how pretty she was and her wonderful since of humor. Mother always cooked something special when she knew Joan was coming to see her. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Joan's cousin
Linda Greenwood Oklahoma City, OK

July 28, 2009

We are very sorry to hear of the death of Joan, may God be with you and your family, as you are in our prayers. Ed"s Cousin, Jerry & Kathy Smith

Don & Cindy Ruedy

July 28, 2009

Dear Ed -- We were very saddened to hear about Joan. We will always remember her for the strong, sweet person she was. Our prayers are with you.

Alene Knox

July 28, 2009

We are very sorry to hear of your sorrow with the death of your loved wife and mother. We are keeping you in our prayers as you go through this most difficult time.
Ed's cousin
Alene (Smith) Knox & family

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