Sr. Deacon Doswell Diggs, Jr.

The Life of Sr. Deacon Doswell Diggs, Jr.

Sr. Deacon Doswell Diggs, Jr. was born in Nellysford, Va on September 26, 1936.  He was the son of the late Doswell Diggs, Sr. and Ella L. Fitch Diggs.

He passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at his residence at the age of 87 surrounded by his loved ones.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Rufus W. Diggs and his sister, Emma L. Woods; sister-in –laws, Virginia Lynch, Mariah Warner and Mattie Warner; brother-in-laws, John Warner, Jr., Willie Warner, James Warner and James Ayres.

Doswell was a graduate of the Nelson County Training School.  He was employed by various businesses in the county ranging from farming to working at Barns Lumber Yard.

Doswell enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1960 and served until June 1962.  During his service career he was a heavy equipment field artillery truck driver while stationed in Vilseck, Germany and was there when the Berlin Wall construction began.

After serving his country, he continued working in and around Nelson County at various jobs to include fork lift driver.  Doswell went to work for Mortons Frozen Foods in Crozet, VA where he retired after 34 years of devoted service as superintendant of production.

Doswell joined Mount Eagle Baptist Church, Nellysford, VA at an early age, serving as the chairman of the food committee and faithfully as the Senior Deacon of the Deacon’s board.  Dowell was an avid golfer and fisherman who enjoyed deep sea fishing, perhaps fishing in general.

After his retirement he enjoyed these things even more.  He was a seasoned gardener who planted by the signs and yearly Almanac.  It was rare to drive by and not see him outside doing “something”, enjoying his retirement lifestyle to the fullest.

Doswell leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of 42 years, Mary Magdaline Diggs whom he lovingly called “Boo”; daughters, Sharon D. Hudson (Milton) and Damita Diggs; step-son, Shawn Warner (Latisa); sister-in-laws, Jean Windelton (Merrideth), Roberta Warner (Johnny), Amanda Gough (Ricky), Beulah Bolling (James), Barbara Warner and Lori Ayres; brother-in-laws, Jackie Ayres and William Woods; grandchildren, Olivia Gause (Adam), Darius Warner, Deja Warner, Jaylen Purvis, Kaeli Purvis, Desiree Warner and generations of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 20, 2023 at Calvary Baptist Church 8408 Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston, VA 22949 with Pastor Sheldon Page, Sr. officiating and Pastor Glenwood Morgan, Sr. eulogist.

Interment will follow in Mount Eagle Baptist Church Cemetery in Nellysford.

Military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post #16 of Lynchburg, VA.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston, VA (434-263-4097).