Nellie Diggs

Mrs. Nellie Diggs, age 93, of Newville, Alabama passed away Thursday, May 13, 2021.

Visitation will be Sunday, May 16, 2021 from 2 PM to 3 PM at First Missionary Baptist Church, 285 Lodge Street, Newville, Alabama 36353.

Graveside service will be held on Monday, May 17, 2021 at 2 PM at Gardens of Memory Cemetery, 6200 HWY 431 N, Headland, Alabama 36345.

Nellie A. Diggs was born November 27, 1927, in Escambia County, Alabama, to the late Aaron and Mollie Mallard Askew, of Monroe County, Alabama.  Nellie was the youngest among her six sisters and five brothers, growing up in Brewton, Alabama.

She was a high school graduate of Southern Normal High School in Brewton, Alabama.  Nellie received her B.S. and Master of Education Degrees from her beloved Alabama State University, Montgomery, Alabama, in 1951.  She was a faithful, donating alumnus of ASU.  She moved to Henry County, Alabama to start her teaching career.  Nellie taught in Haleburg at the Henry County Training School.  She worked at the Henry County Central Office as a supervisor of textbooks, attendance, and instruction for numerous years.  She touched the lives of many children and their families.  Nellie married Paul T. Diggs on August 19, 1960, and the following year she was elected Teacher of the Year in 1961.  After 37 years in education, she retired from the Henry County School District in July of 1988.  She was a member of the National Education Association (NEA) and Alabama Education Associations (AEA).  After retirement, she joined the Henry County Retired Educators Association.

Because she was a fervent believer that God was her Lord and Savior, she joined the First Missionary Baptist Church of Newville, Alabama; where she served as a faithful member until her death.  Nellie was a believer in community service and supporting non-profit organizations.  She served as a member of the Eastern Star and the Ladies' Aid Society of Newville.  Nellie was also a participating and monthly supporter of the Newville Senior Citizens Center. 

Nellie departed her life on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at her home in Newville, Alabama, at the age of 93.

Nellie was preceded in death by her parents, eleven siblings, and her late husband: Paul T. Diggs.

She leaves, to cherish her memory, a special niece: Ms. Johnnie Leonard McVoy of Pensacola, Florida; nephews: James Aaron (Betty) Leonard of Vacaville, California, Lamar (Daisy) Leonard of Vacaville, California, Mr. Eddie (Loretta) Franklin of Virginia, and Mr. Joe N. Fain of Newville, Alabama; and a host of additional great nieces and nephews.

A special blessing of appreciation to the Kindred Hospice Care of Dothan and caretakers: Ms. Eddie D. Salters, Ms. Sarah Reynolds and Dr. Lydia Davenport for serving as Nellie's angels.

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