Obituary of Lawrence D. Jiggetts

Lawrence Douglas Jiggetts was born to his loving parents, the late Herbert Jiggetts and Vela Jackson Jiggetts on December 26, 1940, in South Hill, Virginia. He was the second of three sons. His oldest brother, the late Charlie Jiggetts, and his younger brother, the late Roger Jiggetts preceded him in death. On Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at 5:14p.m., Lawrence transitioned from here to Glory. Lawrence joined Gethsemane Baptist Church, of South Hill Virginia, at an early age and served as a faithful member until he and his family moved to New York City. After arriving in New York he joined Mount Calvary Baptist Church where he and his family fellowshipped for over thirty years. Saint Albans Baptist church became his church home after moving to St. Albans, Queens. Lawrence graduated from East End High School in South Hill, Virginia in 1960. He soon thereafter married the love of his life, Gladys Walker Jiggetts in 1961. They immediately migrated to the New York City seeking better opportunities. From this union three children were born, Lawrence Edward (who preceded him in death), Nina and Sylvia. Lawrence held many jobs before finding his real passion working for the New York City Transit Authority. He began his career as a Track Cleaner and after several exams and promotional exams he finished his twenty-five years of service with the New York City Transit Authority as Yard Dispatcher. He was so proud of his accomplishments and loved the challenges of his job as yardmaster. Lawrence personified what unconditional love for family and friends was. He unselfishly gave of himself with no expectation. He taught his family to be the best that they could be, not through words but by being a living example. His concern for others always out weighed his consideration for self. He had a loving and humble spirit which made it easy to love him. His sense of humor and laughter was contagious. Lawrence enjoyed many things, but most of all he enjoyed good conversation, his adoring dogs, working in his yard and working on cars. Lawrence will be missed abundantly. He leaves to mourn in his passing his loving wife of fifty-four years, Gladys Jiggetts; two daughters, Nina Jiggetts- Torres and Sylvia Atkins; one son-in-law, James Atkins; a beloved former son in-law Jerry Torres; three grandchildren, Lawrence Omare', Ta'leah, and Andrea; two brother in-laws, Eugene Williams (VA), James Williams (VA), four sister in-laws, Delores Cypress (VA), Bell Cypress(VA), Dorothy Williams (VA), Florence Macklin (VA); two god children, Anthony Dewitt and Nicole Jiggetts; several adopted children, affectionately known as the Drew Crew; and one adopted grandson Jarrel Whittle. He also leaves to mourn a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends.