“Blessed are those that die in the Lord – they will rest from their labor and their deeds will follow them.” Revelations 14: 13-14

Barbara Jean Wiggins Kersey, beloved eldest daughter of the late Daisy Bennett and Willie Wiggins, was born on July 27, 1947, in Anson County. She entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Atrium Health in Monroe, NC, surrounded by her loving family.

Deaconess Kersey was educated in the Anson County School system and graduated from J.R. Faison High School in 1965. She attended La-Mae Beauty College in Winston-Salem, NC and received a certificate in Cosmetology from Anson Technical College. She enjoyed her profession as a beautician, providing excellent and courteous care to her clients.

She was united in Holy Matrimony to Lemanuel Kersey on April 5, 1969. This union was blessed with two children and a bonus son – Juana Kersey, Lee Hernandez Kersey and Wayne Tillman.

Barbara was taught in her youth to accept God and acknowledge Him in all that you do, and He will direct your path. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior and began a daily walk with God. To continue growth in Christ and His teaching, she united with the Streater Grove African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and became a very active and devoted member. Her most prized position was serving as a consecrated deaconess. However, Sister Barbara served the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society as a Supply Captain and was a member of the Life Members Council, the Educational Arm of the Missionary Society. Her other ministries in the Church included serving as an usher and assistant Sunday School teacher.

Deaconess Kersey was kind, compassionate, and loved by many.

She is preceded in death by her son, Lee Hernandez, her parents, Willie and Daisy Wiggins and her brother, Michael. We who are left to rejoice in her precious memories are her faithful and devoted husband of 56 years, Lemanuel; her daughter, Juana, and bonus son, Wayne (Toni); her grandchildren, Jasmine, Juaneisha, Jamila, and Zoe, along with her bonus grandchildren: Michael, Anthony, Kelsey, Wayne Bryce, Josiah and Riley; great grandchildren, Javien and Jace. Sisters, Margaret Wiggins and Sandra Wiggins; brothers, Willie Wiggins Jr. (Anita), John D. Wiggins (Pastor Cindy Wiggins); sisters-in-law: Olivia Ratliff (Craig), Bertha K. Hardin, Barbara K. Ingram (Johnny) and Evelyn Simmons (Bernard); brothers-in-law, Cleveland Kersey (Ora), Marion Kersey (Elizabeth) Vernon Kersey, Marvin Kersey and John E. Kersey.

Others who will rejoice in her precious memories are her special nieces, nephews, cousins, church members and many friends.

The Homegoing Services will be on Sunday, March 22, 2026, 2:00pm, Smith's Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment will follow at Westview Memorial Park, Polkton, North Carolina.

The Kersey Family will be greeting family and friends on Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 1:30-2:00pm at Smith's Memorial Chapel and at all other times at the family residence.