Joan Delores Johnson Diggs, 80, of East Haven, CT, entered into eternal rest on June 1, 2021. Joan was born on May 31, 1941 in Washington, DC, to the late William Lloyd Johnson and Marie Ann West Johnson.
Joan attended Hoffman Boston Middle & Senior High School in South Arlington, VA and graduated in 1958. After graduation she moved to Connecticut where she would meet and married Frederick J. Diggs Sr. in 1961. From their union three children were born, Frederick, David and Kimberly. Joan attended Greater New Haven State Technical College studying Early Childhood Education; children remained a focus of her life’s work. Joan would later teach at the Head Start Program in New Haven throughout the 70s & 80s, becoming a friendly and supportive presence to parents, teachers and children alike. To say that Joan grew in her talents as a teacher would be an understatement. Joan loved children and she loved working with them. In 1989, Joan began employment at the Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC) as a Mental Health Worker where she remained until her retirement in 2004. While there, Joan demonstrated her abilities to the fullest culminating in the honor of employee of the year in 1996.
Upon her retirement, Joan relocated to Charleston, SC and became a member of Ashley River Baptist Church. Within the church organization she was a Sunday School Teacher for 10 years, volunteered at the Bread of Life food pantry for 10+ years and at the S.A.M. (Semi Active Members) Program visiting shut-ins to offer food and prayer. In her 16 years in Charleston, Joan also volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, the Billy Graham Phone Ministry and the Jenkins Institute for Children.
She leaves to cherish loving memories, sons, Frederick James Diggs Jr. and David Monroe Diggs and wife Lisa Crutchfield Diggs, a daughter, Kimberly Ann Cook and husband Joseph L. Cook; grandchildren Frederick James Diggs III and partner Joaquin Jimenez, Erik S. Diggs and partner Ashley Colon, Jordan K. Diggs and wife Emily Diggs, Aja M. Diggs and partner Spencer Jones, Phaedra M. Diggs, Natalie A. Brown and partner Franky St. Martin, Samir A. Lee, Dominique Wilson and husband Anthony Wilson; great grandchildren Shanelle-Inanna Marisol Diggs, Theodore Emmitt Diggs, Jordan Wilson and Avery Wilson; her former spouse, Frederick James Diggs Sr.; brother-in-law Laurence Diggs and wife Wenifer Diggs; a brother, Maurice Johnson and wife Elsie Johnson; two sisters, Camille Collins and Lois Marcus; sister-in-law, Barbara Johnson; a beloved niece Robin Griffin; Regina A. Wright; Stephanie Booth and a host of relatives, friends and loved ones.
She was predeceased by brothers, William Johnson Jr., Harold Johnson and Thomas Johnson; and sisters, Yolanda Black, Muriel Brawner and Ann Anderson.
An hour of Visitation will be held Saturday, June 12, 2021 from 10:00-11:00 A.M. at Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight St, New Haven, followed by a Memorial Service to celebrate Ms. Joan D. Diggs’ life and legacy at 11:00 A.M. The celebration of life may be live-streamed via the following link: https://youtu.be/RJvopUUuMXM
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My thoughts and prayers and with her entire family. May God bring you all strength and comfort.
Condolences and love to the Diggs family be blessed and comforted, Cousin Eva and Wootens
My sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mother. May God comfort you at this time and hereafter.
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. I pray your strength.
Sincerely,
Julie Dunston Browning
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you travel through this life’s challenge and cherish all the loving memories.
It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that I have learned of the passing of such a wonderful person. The passing of Joan Diggs.
Joan was a remarkable and talented individual. Always had words of wisdom and an engaging smile that was contagious.
The precious memory of Joan shall forever live on within our hearts.
From a long time friend….(aka “Bebe” Sullivan)
Joan’s words of encouragement and ability to see the good in every situation. Will be missed the most by me. But it’s of the upmost importance that the entire family knows that they have my most sincere condolences & prayers at this time.
My sincere condolences to your family on the loss of your mother. She will be greatly missed. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Josephine Tapia
David so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your entire family.
Robin, Marissa and Jasmine
Deepest Sympathy: Words however kind can’t mend your heartache ?but those who care and share in your loss, wish you comfort and peace of mind.
May the God of Peace and Comfort surround you with his Love grace and mercy. I will continue to remember you on my prayers.
Love ❤
Regina Mullings and Family
I am so sorry for your loss..my prayers are with you all.
We had the pleasure of knowing Joan.
What a blessing! Lord, thank you for
lifting Joan up to receive eternal life
with you.
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Ms. Joan Diggs. May her eternal flame live on in all who had the pleasure of knowing her. To her loving and humble daughter, Kim, thank you for all you did and being her support. Stay strong and keep those wonderful memories alive. My prayers to you all.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Kimberly and I were childhood best friends and I spent many nights at the Diggs home. Mrs. Diggs was a second mom to me. She was one of the most sweet and gracious people I’ve ever met.