Obituary for Evangeline Wiggins Gay
A Time To Be Born: Evangeline, the eldest of seven siblings was born on March 20, 1927 to the late Mr. Wiley and Mrs. Eva Bell Wiggins in Jacksonville, Florida.
A Time To Plant: The vines of Van’s life were rooted at 1633 W. 2nd Street, Jacksonville, Florida. At an early age she joined New Bethel AME Church along with her family. Van was educated in Duval County Public Schools, graduating from New Stanton High School. As she furthered her education at Florida A. M. University, teaching became her passion. Upon graduating she pursued a career as an educator for more than 30 years in Pompano Beach, Florida. Van was joined in Holy Matrimony to the late Thelma (Thed) Lee Gay. To this union two sons were born. As a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, royal blue became a color of choice.
A Time To Cherish: As a dedicated educator Van was employed by Colored School, which later changed it’s name to Coleman School due to integration with grades K thru 11th. She enjoyed her role as a pianist for Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Pompano Beach, Florida. As a director in the annual play “Over The Garden Wall” her students admired and appreciated her immensely. Nourishing her late beloved niece and great nephews, Anzia Armstrong and her sons, Anzio and Wiley Evans Bouche’ enlightened and filled her heart with joy.
A Time To Love And Laugh: Van meticulously wore her make up; which included her red lipstick. She met Robbie Holloway while in 3rd grade at Colored School. She too remembers when the red lipstick begun. Maintaining her mane and keeping every strand in place was a must. She enjoyed all holidays and especially hers and others birthday. As she shared her childhood memories with family and friends, one had to gasp for air as they were absolutely hilarious and breath taking. Her weekly challenge for more than 13 years, three times a week was Kidney Dialysis. When asked “how are you”? Her response wasn’t an “organ recital” she never, ever complained… Instead, she responded with “I’m doing fine, baby”. She then went into her complimentary and teaching mode of telling you how beautiful you are, take care of yourself, stay young, always start your day with a hearty breakfast, etc. Van’s sincerity, sweet spirit, kind heart and appreciation for life was such an inspiration, encouragement and pleasure to be in her company. She had an unparallel relationship with her caregivers, Uneeda Hardy and Deborah Flowers, who loved her dearly and unconditionally.
A Time To Die: Van’s final chapter ended when God called her home suddenly on Tuesday, December 18, 2018. “ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7 KJV). I can rest in peace in the presence of my God. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Marilyn Anderson, Doris T. Wiggins, Wiley Wiggins, Jr., Wilbert Wiggins, Sr., Sadie L. Armstrong and Erma L. Rogers.
A Time Of Peace: Evangeline leaves a loving family to cherish her memory: sons, Walter Gay and George Gay (Erlene); a devoted sister-in-law, Delores Wiggins; two loving devoted and dedicated nieces, Arlena Smith and Dee Wiggins; a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, one in particular, Bertha Walker; goddaughter, Honorable Charlene Edwards and friends.
The funeral service for Evangeline Wiggins Gay will be held 11AM, Saturday, December 29th, 2018 at the Samuel C. Rogers, Jr. Memorial Chapel 4315 N. Main Street. The visitation will be 5 - 7PM, Friday, December 28th, 2018 at the mortuary. Interment in Restlawn Cemeteries. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 765-1234
A Time To Plant: The vines of Van’s life were rooted at 1633 W. 2nd Street, Jacksonville, Florida. At an early age she joined New Bethel AME Church along with her family. Van was educated in Duval County Public Schools, graduating from New Stanton High School. As she furthered her education at Florida A. M. University, teaching became her passion. Upon graduating she pursued a career as an educator for more than 30 years in Pompano Beach, Florida. Van was joined in Holy Matrimony to the late Thelma (Thed) Lee Gay. To this union two sons were born. As a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, royal blue became a color of choice.
A Time To Cherish: As a dedicated educator Van was employed by Colored School, which later changed it’s name to Coleman School due to integration with grades K thru 11th. She enjoyed her role as a pianist for Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Pompano Beach, Florida. As a director in the annual play “Over The Garden Wall” her students admired and appreciated her immensely. Nourishing her late beloved niece and great nephews, Anzia Armstrong and her sons, Anzio and Wiley Evans Bouche’ enlightened and filled her heart with joy.
A Time To Love And Laugh: Van meticulously wore her make up; which included her red lipstick. She met Robbie Holloway while in 3rd grade at Colored School. She too remembers when the red lipstick begun. Maintaining her mane and keeping every strand in place was a must. She enjoyed all holidays and especially hers and others birthday. As she shared her childhood memories with family and friends, one had to gasp for air as they were absolutely hilarious and breath taking. Her weekly challenge for more than 13 years, three times a week was Kidney Dialysis. When asked “how are you”? Her response wasn’t an “organ recital” she never, ever complained… Instead, she responded with “I’m doing fine, baby”. She then went into her complimentary and teaching mode of telling you how beautiful you are, take care of yourself, stay young, always start your day with a hearty breakfast, etc. Van’s sincerity, sweet spirit, kind heart and appreciation for life was such an inspiration, encouragement and pleasure to be in her company. She had an unparallel relationship with her caregivers, Uneeda Hardy and Deborah Flowers, who loved her dearly and unconditionally.
A Time To Die: Van’s final chapter ended when God called her home suddenly on Tuesday, December 18, 2018. “ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7 KJV). I can rest in peace in the presence of my God. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Marilyn Anderson, Doris T. Wiggins, Wiley Wiggins, Jr., Wilbert Wiggins, Sr., Sadie L. Armstrong and Erma L. Rogers.
A Time Of Peace: Evangeline leaves a loving family to cherish her memory: sons, Walter Gay and George Gay (Erlene); a devoted sister-in-law, Delores Wiggins; two loving devoted and dedicated nieces, Arlena Smith and Dee Wiggins; a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, one in particular, Bertha Walker; goddaughter, Honorable Charlene Edwards and friends.
The funeral service for Evangeline Wiggins Gay will be held 11AM, Saturday, December 29th, 2018 at the Samuel C. Rogers, Jr. Memorial Chapel 4315 N. Main Street. The visitation will be 5 - 7PM, Friday, December 28th, 2018 at the mortuary. Interment in Restlawn Cemeteries. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 765-1234