CAMBRIDGE - Lester Burton Wiggins was born Oct. 6, 1939 in Greenville, N.C., to the late Joe James Wiggins and Lillie Mae Wiggins. He passed away at home on Friday, Sept. 8, 2017 after a lengthy illness.
Lester came from a very large family and was one of 16 children. Lester a.k.a. Big John was educated in the Pactolus school system in North Carolina. He leaves to cherish his memory: Minnie Pilgreen (Jodie) of NC; Layuna Hollis of PA; Dorothy Mae Wiggins of NJ; Helen Wiggins of NJ; Myrtle Burton (Charles) of NJ; Henrietta Wiggins of NJ; Piney Little (Charles) of NJ; Paul Wiggins (Desiree) of PA; Robert Wiggins of NJ; Ray Wiggins (Shirley) of NJ; and Johnny Wiggins (Len) of NJ. Lester was a loving and caring brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. He was preceded in death by Shepard Joe Wiggins, James Wiggins, Herbert Wiggins, and Gennie Spates.
Lester was loved by many in Dorchester County. He worked many years for the Board of Education being employed as a Security Guard; and later for Dorchester Community Development Corporation Headstart Program as a bus driver for the kids. The kids adored him. He also obtained his CDLP license and drove for Van Dyke Seafood for many years.
Lester was an active member of the Elks Lodge 223. He loved sports of all kinds especially football. Lester enjoyed music very much and acquired quite a collection. He was always the life of the party and had a smile and laugh that was infectious. If you met him, you would never forget him. He was a wonderful cook and was willing to share his home cooked meals with anyone. He was always there to lend a helping hand or offer advice if you were hurting. His trust was always in God and he thanked Him for every day. He had a big heart and a smile to match. "FORGIVE, LOVE AND LIVE LIFE" were the beliefs he lived by. Lester attended Union Chapel AME Church in Cordtown, when his health allowed.
The memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, 2 p.m. at Perry's Funeral Home, 34 Mercer St., Newark, NJ 07103. After the service, friends are welcome to stop by Dorothy Wiggins home (370 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07103). Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Lyndhurst, New Jersey.