Shirley Joann Wiggs

Birth Date: 11/06/1940
Deceased Date: 05/06/2024

Shirley JoAnn Wiggs, age 83, of Smithfield, completed her earthly journey and entered her Heavenly home on Monday, May 6, 2024. She was a teacher to all. She loved her family and all the students she taught over her 34-year teaching career. “A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything!”

JoAnn was born November 6, 1940, in Wilson, NC. She was the daughter of the late William Herman Wiggs and Pauline Barden Wiggs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Joyce Wiggs Deans and brother-in-law Charles Deans, Sr.

JoAnn taught school for many years, completing her career at South Johnston High School in Four Oaks near Benson. Over her career she led the creation of many yearbooks, was debate team advisor and was a cheer coach. After retirement, she continued her love for teaching by mentoring and tutoring many students in the community. She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Smithfield where she was a children’s Sunday School teacher and heavily involved with the WMU program and Clothes Closet. Jo Ann loved her family and would never let a special occasion go by. She didn’t have children of her own, but she lived through her nephews, niece, great-nieces, and the many students she taught.

JoAnn is survived by her brother: Grover “Bill” (Mary) Wiggs of Hickory, NC; nephews Charles Deans Jr of Smithfield, NC and Patrick (Kristy) Wiggs of Newton, NC; niece Angela (Tracy) Wiggs Yoder of Hickory, NC and great-nieces Kaylee and Peyton Yoder of Hickory, NC.

A service to celebrate JoAnn’s life will be held Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 2:00pm at First Baptist Church, Smithfield with Rev. Lee Colbert officiating along with Rev. Kristen Tucker. The family will receive friends after the service.

Burial will be at Hills of Neuse Memory Gardens, 98 Packing Plant Rd, Smithfield, NC alongside her parents, who she cared for, for many years.

The family wishes to thank the workers of UNC Johnston Health Clayton and Smithfield as well as Springbrook Rehabilitation & Nursing Center for their kind and loving care of our sister and aunt. During her short stay you became her family, and she loved talking with each of you. We can never thank you enough for your loving care of JoAnn.

The Wiggs family is in the care of Parrish Funeral Home, Selma, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to First Baptist Church Smithfield, Clothes Closet Fund, 202 S. Fourth St. Smithfield, NC, 27577.