Donald Wiggins

Donald Gordon Wiggins was born to the late Herman Wiggins and Alvesta Hyson
December 24, 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On August 13th 2021 he went
home to be with the Lord after a brief illness.
Donald was one of ten children, 3 boys and 7 girls, he being the first son. Siblings
Doris Anderson, Joyce Ball and Norman preceded him in death. Ironically, he and
Joyce were 10 months apart in birth and passed within three hours of one another.
Donald was educated in the Philadelphia public schools graduating from Overbrook
High School. In 1953 Donald enlisted in the United States Navy and served faithfully
as an Jet Engine Mechanic Petty Officer 1st Class for 21 years and retired with an
honorable discharge on April 22, 1974.
Donald met his wife the former Minerva Houser, as pen-pals shortly after entering
the Navy. This relationship continued and blossomed resulting in their union on
June 9th, 1962.They lived their lives as one for 56 years. Jacksonville Florida was his
homebase , and it is where they maintained their marital home.
Donald and Minerva were long time and faithful members of “Church Of The
Crucifixion” in Jacksonville.
Following his Naval career, Donald worked at the Jacksonville Department of
Corrections as a correctional officer another 20 years. That experience made for
some amazingly funny stories. Donald then secured part-time employment at the
JAX airport transporting rental cars. He was a faithful worker and took pride in his
accomplishments. He had a love for classic automobiles, especially Corvettes .
Donald made yearly trips to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to visit with his family.
These trips were always scheduled at his convenience regardless of what others
were doing. The family all made time and provided him and Minerva making for
memorable and individual special moments. One of his is last wishes was to return
to Philly to see everyone, but unfortunately, the Lord called him home.
Donald leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Minerva, sisters Shirley, Hazel Turner,
Connie Miller, Norita, and Phyllis Matthews and his brother, Granville and many
nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
May he rest in eternal peace and rejoice when he and his wife are reunited in
Heaven

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