Mamie Elizabeth Diggs

OBITUARY Mamie L.E.M. Diggs of Honeybrook, PA, formerly of 2106 N. 20th Street, Henrico, Virginia, for 65 years, departed this life on Saturday, April 19, 2025. She was born on August 20, 1932, to the late Frank Wilbert Moore and Susie Alma Jackson Moore. Her son, Clarence Donnell, and her husband, Rev. Clarence B.O. Diggs, preceded her in death, and six brothers, John, Ernest, Willie Lee, James, David (Wendell), and Barnie Moore. She was the second of seven siblings and the only daughter among six brothers. Mamie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Hassidiah Baptist Church in Jarratt, VA, where she served as secretary of Sunday school and sang in the choir. Mamie attended Sussex County Schools, where she graduated as valedictorian of her high school class in 1951. Mamie met the love of her life, Clarence Diggs, and they married on July 31, 1952. To this union, three children were born, Donnell, Gaylor, and Jason. They were married for 65 years at the time of Clarence’s death. Mamie enjoyed reading and reciting poems, as well as solving crossword and word search puzzles. In 1961, she joined Cedar Street Memorial Baptist Church of God under the leadership of Dr. Benjamin W. Robertson, Sr. At Cedar Street, she joined the Royal Usher Board, and in 1970, she was ordained as a deaconess, serving in various capacities as guided by God. She received several plaques from Cedar Street and was a dedicated deaconess for 54 years. Her favorite scripture was Proverbs 3: 5-6, which reads, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Mamie placed her trust in the Lord, and her abiding faith enabled her to rely on His guidance in her daily life. In 1961, she also became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Eastend #79. She was an active member of the order and received various certificates. She was a District Deputy organizer for District #5, overseeing 13 chapters and youth departments. In 1994, she became Grand Worthy Matron of the Jurisdiction of Virginia, which covered the entire state. Mamie enjoyed this organization because it was based on religious principles, but it did not replace her attendance and service at her church. Mamie was the first lady at Little Fork Baptist Church, Cartersville, Virginia, for fourteen years. Members of the church continued to honor her by sending cards and calling her for her birthday and holidays. She was an Elder at Faith Community Baptist Church, located at 1903 Cool Lane. She participated in their deaconess ministry, Thursday Bible class, Sunday school, and worked with the Hattie Kemp, Jr. missionary and senior group. and the Cool Lane Neighbor Watch. Mamie worked with the Cool Lane Neighborhood Watch and participated with the Henrico Triad S.A.L.T. (Senior and Law Enforcement Together) council of the police academy and received a certificate in 2000. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society. Mamie leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children, daughter Gaylor C. (Ann Marie) and son Jason O. Diggs, (Judy); four grandchildren, Djuan, Cedric (Leal), Jason II (Karlie), and Jalin Diggs and great grandchildren, Shaimere, Isaiah, Akil, Akira, Raheem, Maima, Aubree, Isaiah, Elcie, Cedel and Elijah Diggs. She is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Trudie and Louise Moore, and Ruth L. King (James), as well as devoted nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives and friends, including her adopted children, Carolyn and Albert Rice. Mamie will always be fondly remembered for her love of sending cards to family members and friends for birthdays and holidays. A service celebrating Mamie’s life will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Cedar Street Baptist Church of God, 2301 Cedar Street, Richmond, Virginia, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia. There will be a public viewing at the funeral home on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The family would appreciate memorial contributions to Cedar Street Baptist Church in memory of Mamie E. Diggs, in lieu of flowers.

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Mamie Elizabeth Diggs

August 20, 1932 - April 19, 2025