September 23, 1949 – January 25, 2023
Ms. Barbara Diggs Waller, 73, departed this life to be with the Lord peacefully on January 25, 2023. She was born on September 23, 1949, in Harlem, New York to William Diggs III of Mobile, Alabama and Bernice Maxine Diggs of Chester, Virginia.
Barbara, during her formative years, attended high school in New York City, New York. Also during this time, she dedicated her life and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. Later, she moved from New York to Chester, Virginia in 1966. She developed a passion for learning and a heart for caring for others, particularly children. She finished her education and continued at John Tyler Community College where she learned technical aspects and key punch. There, she also received certifications in childcare services. Her passion for children was ingrained in her from a very early age and she touched the lives of many youths. With more than 35 years in the childcare industry and being a business owner, Barbara helped to care for hundreds of babies, toddlers and young children. Her love was immense for each child, and her heart was poured into every parent that she encountered over the years.
In 1990, Barbara joined Bethesda Baptist Church in Chesterfield County, Virginia where she was an active member and participated in the Women’s Ministry, Praise Team, Choir, and Nursery Ministry. She also served as Youth Leader, Worship Leader and Vacation Bible School Teacher. Later on in life, she became one of the Happy Young Hearted Seniors and continued as a faithful member who loved to worship and praise the Lord.
Barbara was one of the founding members of a Prayer Chain established on September 2, 1996, where she and several prayer partners would always intercede in prayer both day and night. Barbara became the Prayer Chain Team Leader, making her the first line of contact, because of her being more readily available, but most of all because she was dedicated to prayer. She was later saluted and honored for her dedication in service for several years.
Barbara Diggs Waller is preceded in death by her parents, William Diggs III and Bernice Maxine Diggs; brother, John Allen; and her sisters, Janet Diggs Henderson, Patricia Diggs Spellman, and Queen Margaret Diggs.
She leaves to cherish her memory her five children, Cheryl Diggs, Valerie Diggs, Brian Waller (Retea), Iesha Waller-Morris (Kenyon Sr.) and Latresha Waller; eleven grandchildren, Tyesha, Tamara, MJ (Janet), Mikeia, Tonajah, Tony, Ineka, Akilah, Kenyon Jr, Jaesha and Jayden; seven great grandchildren, Ja’kie, Ja’Asia, Mi’Yanna, Ja’Khari, Hezekiah, Shy’Vari, and Loyal; sisters, Lottie Stanich (Peter) and Willa Mae Stovall; brother, William Diggs, Sr.; brothers-in-law, Edward Henderson, Sr. and Peter “Dutz” Spellman; long time devoted friends, Joan Webster and Pastor Rose Wright-Scott; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
While her presence will be missed and absence will be felt by both family and friends, we know that her assignment has been completed. God has submitted his will and she is at rest.
“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4: 6-8
Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Bethesda Baptist Church, 15800 Woods Edge Road, South Chesterfield, VA, the Rev. Dr. Juanita A. W. Harrison, Pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park.
J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online on our J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook Page.
