Dr. Athel Quentin Liggins

Dr. Athel Quentin Liggins, the fifth of 6 sons, was born on January 30, 1923 to the late Rev. Elmer & Irene Liggins in Cambridge, Ohio. On November 30, 2022, just two months shy of his 100th birthday, he departed this world.

At the age of 6, Athel and his older brother Vincent were sent to live with their grandmother in the small rural town of Xenia, OH. They grew up clerking at their grandmother’s grocery store, passing out newspapers, and spent time with their parents in the summer. During their formative years, they encountered much racism, poverty, and a general lack of opportunity. Due to their strong religious foundation from birth, they were determined not to succumb to their circumstances. Instead, it fueled their will to remain strong and overcome the daily obstacles that they faced.

During World War 2, Vincent joined the 332nd fighter group, known as the famed Tuskegee Airmen. He later died in action. Athel married Mary Whitney and had one daughter, Anita. During this time, he also enlisted in the army. Unfortunately, the marriage ended in divorce; but that did not stop Athel’s quest for a better life.

After one year of football at the University of Toledo, Athel worked and earn enough to move to Washington, D.C. He attended Howard University, graduating in 1949. While attending a choir rehearsal at Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church where his brother, Rudolph, was the music director, Athel met his future wife, Beatrice Stewart. They became active members and remained married for 74 years. That union produced three daughters- Sylvia, Gail, and Shari.

Athel always wanted to give back and help others, especially children, so he applied to the D.C. Public School System. He worked at Eastern HS (teacher), Stuart JHS (counselor), Rabaut JHS (Vice Principal), Terrell JHS (Vice Principal), and was the principal of his beloved McKinley Technology HS for over 10 years. Each week, Athel encouraged his students to visit the church of their choice. His students remained devoted to both him and Beatrice for the rest of their lives.

Dr. Liggins felt that love was an action and not just a feeling and the practice of giving of himself was the truest way to honor God. His accomplishments include: masters degree (American Univ.), Ph.D. (George Washington Univ.); member Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; professor at GWU and Hood College; and serving on various committees within D.C. government. He served on multiple ministries at Trinity- men’s choir, Boy Scouts, Trustee Board, and Chairman of the Board of Stewards for over 15 years.

Dr. Liggins is survived by his four daughters: Anita Lennard (William), Sylvia Mackel, Gail Liggins, and Shari Harvey (Sherman); grandchildren John Quentin Lennard, Tela McNeil, Ken Mackel (Julie), Michelle Jones (Oscar), Brittany Mackel, Tory Smith (Brittany), and Alex Mackel; great-grandchildren Kayla Smith, Amaya Smith, Terrence Smith, Lucas Mackel, Miles Mackel, Karai Mackel, Micayla Jones, Osynar Jones, and William Jones; two sister-in-laws Martha Hussey and Francis Williams, and a host of relatives and friends.