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DEACONESS BARBARA WIGGINS KERSEY

Passed 03/11/2026

Obituary For DEACONESS BARBARA WIGGINS KERSEY

“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.

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Condolences & Tributes

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Wayne Tillman sent Gracious Lavender Basket for DEACONESS BARBARA WIGGINS KERSEY - March 17, 2026

Send flowers for DEACONESS BARBARA WIGGINS KERSEY

Sending our deepest condolences to The Wiggins and Kersey Family.

May God give each of you the strength you need during this difficult time!

Much love ❤️ The Little Family of The Gatewood Station Community

Delia Little, Raleigh NC

Prayers to the Kersey family The Dunlap family Adria Aria and Nick

Nicholas Dunlap

Cox family send condolences to the family from Bernard, Milton, Harold, Linda, Bay and Cheryl With Love

Cox Family

My Condolences and Prayers to the Wiggins &Kersey Family. Such a sweet person inside and out. Barbara used to do my on Saturday morning after work RIP

Mae Richardson &Family

I want to offer my condolences to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.- Reshaun Smith and Family

Reshaun Smith

We're so sorry for your loss. Barbara was a sweet and caring lady. She use to do my hair back in the day when, she had her shop on Salisbury Street. She will truly be miss.

Bruce and Mary Eraka and Veraka Sturdivant

It is with heartfelt sympathy that I offer my condolences to the family. Continue to lean and trust God. He will see you thru.

Carolyn Quick

Such a beautiful person,always nice to others,I am going to miss her

Mary Wright

Sympathy goes out to the Kersey family in their time of grief. Barbara was a kind neighbor to our Mother Beanie Marshall. May God give your family strength and comfort in the coming days to deal with the loss of your love one.

Ementress Marshall

Deaconess Barbara Wiggins Kersey has been our Sister-in- l Love for many years.Barbara was kind,loving, supportive and caring. I hold the memories our family share close to ny heart. Her spirit will greatly be missed. Family," I will lift up my eyes to the hills- from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord,who made heaven and earth. (psalm 121:1-2) Rest in paradise sister.

Vernon T Kersey

Sorry for your loss

Barbara & Luther

Condolences and prayers for the family

Barbara Morris has

I'm so sorry for your loss. Barbara was my neighbor where I grew up. My nephew used to play with her son and I knew her sister. So I'm praying for the whole family. I pray God strengthen you all and keep you you all.

brenda.richardson1957@gmail.com

Our family is so sorry to hear of the passing of your love one. Barbara was a very kind and happy person who will be missed by all who knew her. May God bless and keep the family.

Callie & Susan Little

Seening prayers and love to the Kersey family.

Mary Cash,Haynes

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this sad time.

Jeanette Little

One of the best Aunties a newphew could ask for I will truly truly miss you spent a lot of summers at your house until we meet again love ya Auntie

Demetrus Pookie Kersey

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this sad time.

Billy and Anne Huntley

Rest in peace Aunt Barbara. Our Condolences to Uncle Lemanuel, Juana,Jamila, Nesha, and all your grands from your nieces and nephew Tuwana (Rook), Ron (Tapren), Lamont, Tiana and Jermel Jr. We love you.

Tuwana Wiggins Desinor

Aunt Barbara Wiggins Kersey will be truly missed. I enjoyed visiting her home when I was growing up because she always made me feel welcome. She was my hairstylist for many years and we shared so many heartfelt and hilarious conversations. I wasn't prepared for her departure, but I'm so thankful that God gave me the opportunity to say goodbye and to remind her that I love her. Uncle Lemanuel, Juana, Wayne, Jasmine, Neisha, Jamila, and Zoe, you have my deepest sympathy. Aunt Barbara was quite the matriarch. She loved her husband, children, and grandchildren unconditionally. She showed her undying love for you by being involved in every aspect of your lives as a cheerleader, adviser, and a nurturer. Although I am sincerely grieving with you, I'm also praying for comfort and strength in the days ahead. Love, Kisha and Kaitlyn

Kisha Ratliff Ellerbe

I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of my childhood friend, Barbara. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and know that you are in my thoughts. Brenda Stroud Teal

Brenda Teal

Aunt Barbara was always kind and welcoming. She loved people, especially her family. I will surely miss her.

Tyrell Hardin

Aunt Barbara Wiggins Kersey will truly be missed. I am heartbroken over your loss, and no words can capture the profound effect you had on our lives. You were and will always be deeply loved. I pray for strength and clarity in the days ahead. Love you forever. Love, Mekia and Omari

Tamekia

we were neighbors and grew up together and I sat in her chair getting my hair done for some years, Bobbie was smart, funny and Caring, she had a lot of Love for everyone ❤️ 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿♥️RIP BOBBIE

Jackie Mckinney

Prayers to the Wiggins/Kersey family. So sorry for your family's loss.

Tonya Carelock-Thompson

My heartfelt condolences to my family on the passing of our beloved sister-in-law Barbara Wiggins Kersey. Her radiant spirit and loving kindness will forever be cherished. May she now rest in eternal peace. Craig and Olivia

Craig and Olivia

To the family and friends of Deaconess Barbara Wiggins Kersey may the tremendous love and kindness of Deaconess Barbara Wiggins Kersey pour upon you and all who knew her bring comfort and peace in your heart. Rest well friend you have a lot of family and friends who love you and can't wait to see you again at Sunrise. Love you all

Cassandra Clark-Spencer

My Condolences And Prayers To The Entire Family. She Was A Sweet Lady!

Eyvonne Caraway

My deepest condolences & heart felt sympathy to the family.

Sylvia Little

Sending love and prayers to the family 🙏

Doris Liles

The church family of Streater Grove AME Zion Church sends heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Wiggins and Kersey families. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. We will miss Sister Barbara. Family we say continue to look unto the hills from whence cometh your help. Love to you all and we are here for you.

Streater Grove AME Zion Church

On behalf of Myself and the staff of the Anson County Sheriff's Office, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all those affected by this loss. We stand with our community in offering comfort, strength, and support, and we hope you find peace in the memories you shared and the love that surrounds you.

Sheriff Scott Howell

To the Kersey family my deepest sympathy. You were a great neighbor to my mother in time of health and sorrow.A Marshall daughter (Vernice M.Givens)

Givens,Vernice

Whew, I don't know where to start. It's been 16 years since I've had to lose and Aunt and I'm left speechless. Aunt Barbara you were more than an Aunt, you were a great supporter.. Thank you for all life lessons when I sat in your chair and got my hair done for years. Thank you for all the laughs we shared. Thank for supporting my business. Thank you for showing up to my daughters graduation. Thank you for just being you. Mother's day will never be the same at Streater Grove when I look to my left and you're not there. My prayers are with Uncle Man, Juana, Jasmine, Neisha, Milla, Javien, Jace, Wayne and her siblings. The love you showed will never be forgotten. Love you always_ signed- Ms Kersey as you always called me :( I will miss you so much!

Teana

To the Kersey and Wiggins family

Barbara,

Sleep now Barbara, take your rest. You fought life's battles, You've pasted life's test. You was a wonderful daughter, A sister so sweet. A cousin, a friend, Knowing you was a treat. A loving wife. With a strong man. Two adorable children, Your heart was your grands. A woman who cared, It showed everywhere, With gentle hands, You loved to do hair. You talked with kindness, Your smile so bright. You loved the LORD, Always wanted to do right. Our hearts are heavy, Eyes filled with tears. But we are thankful to GOD, For seventy eight years. Now my friend, Among many things, You have your crown, You have your wings. When you land in heaven, Around GOD'S glory, Angels will be amazed, To hear your earthly story. And when you stop, Walking those golden streets, Smile when you sit, At JESUS' feet.

Penned with love, Wanda Kay, copyright 1997

Reverend Wanda Johnson

Sending prayers of strength and comfort to the entire family.

rorie.deb79@yahoo.com

Sending Our Deepest Condolences To The Kersey And Wiggins Family With ❤️

Leslie Mcneil

We are more like family who became friends. We really grew up together, members of Ramsey Chapel. Barbara you will be missed. Your kindness, loving ways, gentle spirit will forever be remembered especially your smile. I loved you in life and will forever love you. Safe landing in heaven. Always Wanda Kay

Reverend Wanda Johnson

I have heard so many great stories of Mrs.Kersey, by her devoted granddaughter Jasmine. I pray for comfort, strength, and peace during this difficult time of bereavement.

Arthur Keirod Bailey

She use to do my hair pray for the family

Dianne McNeil

My condolences to the entire family our prayers are with you 🙏 ❤️

Melinda Mcrae

My sincere condolences to the Kersey and Wiggins families.

Hattie Gaddy

Can't believe you really are gone just seen you about month ago we love you cousin Barbara ❤️

Annie Smith

Praying for Wiggins and Kersey families. There is no sorrow that God cannot heal.

Rev. Berdie Ingram

My condolences to the families praying 🙏 Heaven has gained a beautiful angel RIP Mrs Barbara you will be missed forever in my heart ❤️

Lydia Allen

To the entire Wiggins/Kersey families: We are sending prayers for comfort that only God can provide. We love you all & are here if you should need us....."RIP..Sister Barbara"! Caleb & Catherine Sturdivant & entire Centenary AME Zion Church's family (Pastor, Rev. Dr. Bryle H. Hatch)

Caleb & Catherine Sturdivant

so sorry for your loss.

Deacon Thomas Vance McCoy Sr.

Our prayers and condolences to the family and may God strengthen you during this time and always

Charles & Lexie Bennett

Condolences and prayers to the entire family with love ❤️

David and Mary Liles

Thoughts and prayers are for you all at this most difficult time. You loved her but Our God loved her more. Sleep on Mae.

Thomasina Montgomery

Condolences to the family..rest in peace Barbara❤️

Carolyn Ratliff

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Smith's Funeral Home | Wadesboro, NC

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