Emily L. Wigfall

A native of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Bit was the fourth child born on May 11, 1926 to the union of the late Leroy and Annie Lee (Lucas) Pridgen. She was the baby of her family and the last living matriarch of her family. Bit moved to Baltimore, Maryland around the early 1940’s where she continued her formal education in the Baltimore City Public School system. She received her certification and license in the field of cosmetology from Apex Beauty School. Bit had a very successful and long lasting career as one of Baltimore’s finest beauticians until she retired in the early 1990’s. Also, she served as a personal accountant to members of her family. Bit was a very good student and quite skilled in mathematics. She met and joined in holy matrimony, the love of her life, Benny Wigfall. They were blessed with the “apple of her eye,” Denise Regina, who was always the joy of her mother’s life. Emily and Benny remained happily married until his death in 1996. Emily stayed close to her christian roots. She became a longtime member of City Temple Baptist Church. Always enjoying and rejoicing in the hymns of inspiration and songs of celebration. Family was an important aspect of Bit’s life. Her grandchildren (Tyrese, Tyrone and Lionel) gave her pleasure. She adored animals too. One of her favorites, her cat, Piper. In addition to family, friends were important to her too. Her beautiful smile was one of her trademarks. She was talkative, loved making friends and was quite entertaining. Bit was a great dancer too. One of her favorite hobbies was card games. Another way she found to keep family and friends near while having a friendly game of competition. Her life and memories will be cherished by her beloved daughter, Denise Regina Dawkins; her granddaughter, Tyrese (Dawkins) Trabelsi; grandsons, Arnold Tyrone Mitchell and Lionel Eugene Merritt; devoted neighbors, Pat Holland and Roberta Wallace; special friend, Agnes Collins; and a host of relatives and friends. Bit was preceded in death by her three siblings; brothers, Raymond Lucas, Edwin Lucas and sister, Christine Lipscomb.

Tributes

Emily L. Wigfall

May 11, 1926 - June 21, 2012