“A Charge to Keep I Have, A God To Glorify,

A Never-Dying Soul To Save and Fit It For the Sky.”

 

     Today, we pause to pay tribute to the memory of Dr. Arthur Eugene Wiggins, who was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He was one who loved his family with all his heart, and not only nurtured his family, but enriched the lives of many. A man of faith, wisdom and courage.

     On Saturday, August 2, 1952, Dr. Arthur Eugene Wiggins, began his journey through life in Baltimore, Maryland. He was born to the parentage of the late William M. Brown and B. Delores Brown. As life progressed, he was adopted and embraced by his late aunt and her husband, Zack and Ruby T. Wiggins who nurtured, reared and later became his parents-at-heart. Dr. Wiggins was an educational product of the Greensville County Public School system. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force serving his country for two years. He held the honor and distinction of being the first African American to serve as chaplain at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Michigan.

     Upon being honorably discharged in 1983, he went on to complete his studies at Virginia Union University, earning a bachelor’s of arts degree. Realizing the leaders are also learners, Dr. Wiggins desired to further his education by obtaining his Master’s of Divinity Degree from Virginia Union School of Theology and later graduating Magna Cum Laude from Eastern Carolina Christian College with three doctoral degrees in Divinity, Ministry and Theology. He was truly a student and teacher of the Gospel and held fast to Paul’s writing in 2 Timothy 2:15: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

     These degrees positioned and propelled him to fulfill his career in pastoral ministry as he served as pastor of the Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church in Suffolk, Virginia; where he hosted a weekly International Bible Study webinar throughout the United States, South Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Germany and Dubai. He also served as pastor of Courage to Care Baptist Church of Emporia, Virginia and several churches in Brunswick, Greensville and Mecklenburg Counties. Not only did Dr. Wiggins serve as a pastor, but also as teacher of the gospel. Oftentimes you could find Dr. Wiggins, preaching and teaching the gospel at bible studies, worship services, funerals, workshops, training sessions and weddings, both locally and abroad.

     Dr. Wiggins was a man of God, of goals and the growth in education of his community. As a community leader, he served as the chaplain of two Virginia penal institutions, adjunct professor at Southside Community College in Alberta, Virginia; Professor of Theology, Chairman of Alumni Association Trustee Board and Dean of Students at Eastern Carolina Christian College in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. Education was near and dear to his heart, but so was children and learning. Dr. Wiggins also taught classes at E.W. Wyatt Junior High School and Greensville County High both in Emporia, Virginia. Many of his students still recall his presence and the impact he had on their lives.

     “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (II Timothy 4: 6-7) On Thursday, July 9, 2020, Dr. Wiggins peacefully answered God’s solemn call from earthly labor unto sweet eternal rest: while in the care of VCU-MCV Hospital, Richmond, Virginia. His seeds are well-sown; his service on earth is complete, and he now experiences the victory and triumph of eternal life.

     “In tears we saw you sinking, we saw you fade away. You suffered much in silence, you fought so hard to stay. You faced your task with courage, your spirit did not bend. But you still kept on fighting, until the very end. God saw you getting tired, when a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around you; and whispered ‘Come to me!’. So when we saw you sleeping, so peaceful, free from pain. We could not wish you back, to suffer that again. In God’s own time, we will meet again.” We, who are bound by treasured ties of affection and love, as we pass him to God’s keeping are: his wife, Sandra J. Wiggins of the home; sons, Deroon Wilson (Rachael) and Derek Wilson (Shanae); six grandchildren; siblings, William Brown, Jr., Joyce Smith, Dickie Brown, Ronald Brown and Danita Brown; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

 

Please Note: There will be NO PUBLIC VIEWING.

Because of the COVID 19 pandemic, the number of attendees at the funeral ceremony will be limited.

Live Streaming information of the service will be available at: www.knoxhighmortuary.com on Friday July 17, 2020 at 10:30 A.M.

Relatives and Friends are invited to stop by the funeral home from 11 AM to 5 PM on Thursday, July 16, 2020 to sign the guest register and offer any cards, resolutions or sentiments to the family.

In lieu of flowers, Dr. Wiggins' requests memorial contributions be made to Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church, Courage To Care Baptist Church or to his beloved wife, Mrs. Sandra J. Wiggins.

 

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Dr. Wiggins’ tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

 

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Dr. Arthur Eugene Wiggins  

We ask that you join us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

 "Diligent in Business; Fervent in Spirit." - Romans: 12:11