Phillip Livingston Wiggins

Phil attended West Street Elementary School and J.T. Barber High School where he began his quest for academic achievement and the sport of basketball and gained the nickname of “Soup Bone.” In his early childhood years, Phil was baptized in the family Church, St. Stephen's Free Will Baptist Church.

After graduating from High School, Phil joined the United States Navy and was immediately assigned to their travelling basketball team that enjoyed many championship accomplishments. Phil received an Honorable Discharge from the Navy and continued his quest for higher education. He was accepted to Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, on a basketball scholarship. During his years at Morningside, Phil was a key contributor on the school's team, leading them to championship victories each year. He was awarded the Sioux City Athletic Association’s "Athlete of the Year" because of his athleticism and overall sportsmanship. Numerous newspaper articles featured Phil as a champion/standard-bearer of the game as he led his team to victories throughout his years at Morningside.

During his tenure at Morningside, Phil earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Sociology. He then moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he met and married Barbara J Williams. To that union was born their daughter Valesta Yvonne Wiggins. While in Omaha, Phil worked as a Social Worker at Woodson Center in South Omaha. After a few months, Phil's application to teach in the Des Moines Schools was accepted. Phil enrolled in Drake University to begin his pursuit of a master’s degree in education. He completed his master’s degree in Secondary School Administration at the University of Nebraska @ Lincoln Nebraska. Phil was a beacon of light and as an educator, teacher, and middle school basketball coach in the Des Moines community at-large. He touched the lives of so many students and families. He was not only an educator, but he was a mentor for so many. He was known for his joyous spirit and quiet strength. In his determination to nurture knowledge and culture identity for his daughter and her peers during their formative years, Phil and Barbara founded a summer school program entitled “Survival School”. During this time of the early 70’s, Phill was an active participant in the programming of The Black Theology Center which was established as an arts and culture center within the African American community. The “Survival School” summer school program became a major component of the Theology Center serving children ages 4-9 for several years. The Center not only served children and teenagers but provided adult programming as well. Local artists, poets, journalists, musicians, photographers, clergy, dance groups and educators shared in this rich cultural experience. As adults today, many of the children who participated in the “Survival School summer programs are now highly educated with careers in various industries and proudly serve their communities by giving back to light the path for future generations.

Phil’s was a life richly lived in service and kindness as he proudly served as President of the Central City Optimist Club in Des Moines. Many of his former students and players (who were part of several championship teams under his leadership) maintained a close relationship with him through the years for which he was most proud. In addition to teaching, Phil served as the Secretary for the Des Moines Schools Teacher's Union (DMEA). He was one of three pioneers who wrote the curriculum for African American History to be taught at the High School level. Phil was instrumental in teaching courses in African American History not only in the high schools, but at Central College in Pella, Iowa and various community centers.

Phil enjoyed many hobbies that included reading, traveling, hunting, fishing, gardening, golf and basketball. He was an avid mechanic and had a keen eye for repairing his vehicle (1973 Green Volvo) and other household items. Phil was a jazz enthusiast. His vast collection of great Jazz Albums(78 rpm’s) is a major part of his home library today.

Upon retirement from an exceptionally successful and distinguished professional journey, marked by significant achievements, Phil and Barbara relocated to Southern Nevada (Henderson) where he remained until his departure from life.

In addition to his father and mother, Phil was proceeded in death by his brother, Eart Adolf Wiggins and sister, Iomia Rosa Wiggins. Phil is survived by his loving wife, Barbara J Wiggins; daughter, Valesta Yvonne Wiggins and grandson, Phillip Bai-Suba Tejan-Kamara of Wilmington, Delaware; brother, Major Wiggins, Sr. (Janice) of Houston, Texas; sister, Hilda Wiggins Martin of Greensboro, North Carolina; sister-in-law, Willie Mae Wiggins of New Bern, North Carolina; nephews, Abul-Aziz Shabaz-Wiggins (Angela) of Norfolk, Virginia; Major Wiggins Jr (Sheron) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Rodney Williams (Jean) of Clayton, North Carolina; Minister Ronald Williams (Kizzie) of Omaha, Nebraska; Torian Martin of Greensboro, North Carolina; nieces Patricia Wiggins of Fort Myers, Florida; Eureka Addie Wiggins of Greensboro, North Carolina, Heather Wiggins Edgerton of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Crystal White of New Bern, North Carolina, Lorhonda Howard of Greensboro, North Carolina, and a host of other relatives and close friends.

In remembrance, the funeral will be a private ceremony, in the presence of close family, on August 20th, with Military Honors at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada, where we will honor Phil and his enduring impact on our family, community and in our hearts.