Bill Text: VA HR580 | 2020 | 1st Special Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Arthur Eugene Wiggins.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2020-08-28 - Bill text as passed House (HR580ER) [HR580 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-HR580-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Arthur Eugene Wiggins of Emporia, an inspirational spiritual leader with a passion for education and lifelong learning, died on July 9, 2020; and
WHEREAS, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, Arthur Wiggins grew up in Virginia and attended Greensville County Public Schools; after his high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and became the first African American to serve as a chaplain at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Michigan; and
WHEREAS, Arthur Wiggins earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia Union University (VUU), then continued his education with a master of divinity degree from VUU's School of Theology and doctoral degrees in divinity, ministry, and theology from Eastern Carolina Christian College; and
WHEREAS, Arthur Wiggins served as pastor of Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church in Suffolk, where he hosted a Bible study webinar that reached audiences throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East; and
WHEREAS, Arthur Wiggins offered his wise leadership to church communities in the City of Emporia and the Counties of Brunswick, Greensville, and Mecklenburg; and
WHEREAS, Arthur Wiggins relished every opportunity to enrich the lives of others by sharing his joyful faith; he could often be found preaching and teaching at local events and gatherings, and served as a chaplain at two correctional facilities; and
WHEREAS, Arthur Wiggins worked as an adjunct professor at Southside Virginia Community College and a professor and dean of students at Eastern Carolina Christian College, in addition to teaching classes at two high schools in Emporia; and
WHEREAS, Arthur Wiggins will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Sandra; his sons, Deron and Derek, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Arthur Eugene Wiggins, a religious leader and educator who touched countless lives in Southside Virginia; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Arthur Eugene Wiggins as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.