Lelia Tiggett

Obituary For Lelia Tiggett

Lelia Marie Warner Tiggett was born on September 7, 1930, in Clearwater, Florida, to the late DeWitt and Beatrice Warner. On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, she peacefully entered eternal rest after living a life defined by faith, love, resilience, and devotion to family. Lelia was a proud Florida native, a devoted Christian woman, and a loving matriarch whose presence brought peace, strength, and blessing to all who knew her.

Lelia was educated in the Pinellas County School System and graduated from Pinellas High School in 1947. During her youth, she traveled to New Jersey with her family, where she met Willie B. Tiggett, Sr., whom she married in 1949. Together they began building a life rooted in love, faith, and commitment. While living in Bridgeton, New Jersey, Lelia worked at Seabrook Farms Frozen Food Factory as an assembly line worker and supervisor trainee, demonstrating the diligence and determination that would define her life.

In February 1963, Lelia returned home to Clearwater, Florida, with her children and recommitted herself fully to her faith, family, and personal growth. She pursued training in clerical work and medical transcription, ultimately becoming a certified medical transcriptionist. Her dedication and excellence led her to Bay Pines Veterans Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she served with distinction and was promoted to supervisor of the medical transcription unit. After retiring in 1985, her passion for helping others continued as she operated her own medical transcription service from her home.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. Lelia was a faithful member of St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church and later Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully, including as a chaplain in the Senior Mission. She was known as a true prayer warrior, offering encouragement, wisdom, and intercession for those in need.

Her love for God was also expressed through her creativity and willingness to serve. While attending St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church, Lelia wrote, organized, and presented a play titled “The Lighted Cross.” This production was performed at her home church and other local churches, serving as a powerful expression of her faith and a reflection of her desire to share the message of Christ with others. Through this work, she combined her gifts of leadership, creativity, and devotion, inspiring and uplifting all who experienced it.

Lelia expressed her love not only through words, but through action. She loved crocheting and took great joy in creating handmade gifts for family, friends, and loved ones. Every piece she made was a reflection of her heart—a tangible expression of the love she carried within her. She gave generously, never seeking recognition, but simply desiring to bless others.

She created a home filled with love, faith, and stability. Lelia raised her family in a nurturing Christian environment, teaching by example the importance of integrity, faith, perseverance, and kindness. Though she endured the profound sorrow of losing her sons, she carried their memory with strength and grace. In her later years, as her health declined, her loving daughter, Sharon, cared for her with devotion, compassion, and dignity—reflecting the same love and selflessness Lelia had given throughout her life. Her presence brought comfort, her words brought wisdom, and her life brought inspiration. Truly, all who encountered her were blessed.

Lelia was preceded in death by her parents, DeWitt and Beatrice Warner; her husband, Willie B. Tiggett, Sr.; her sons, Wayne Randolph Tiggett and Willie Tiggett, Jr.; and her siblings, Richard Warner, Willie Warner, and Vivian Sally Beatrice Hampton.

She leaves to cherish her memory…

Daughter: Sharon Marie Tiggett

Grandsons: Freddie Bryant and Shayne Micah Tiggett

Granddaughters: April A. Tiggett, Adrienne Brown (Eric), Natasha Stewart (Al), and Jasmin Tiggett

Great-grandchildren: Ashley Glenn, Jada Stewart, Jaylen Stewart, and Jordyn Stewart, Jackson Brown and Justice Brown

Great-great grandchild: Cayson Wayne Glenn

God-granddaughter: Erika Marie Bryant

A host of extended family members, church family, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her love.

Lelia lived 95 remarkable years, walking faithfully in her purpose and leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and service. Her life was a living testimony to the power of faith, the strength of a mother’s love, and the beauty of a heart devoted to God.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Lelia Marie Warner Tiggett will be forever honored, forever remembered, and forever loved.

Public Viewing: Saturday, February, 21, 2026 10:00 AM until Funeral Time (11:00 AM) at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 13255 118th St. N, Largo, FL 33778

Life Celebration: Saturday, February 21, 2026 11:00 AM at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 13255 118th St. N, Largo, FL 33778

Services Entrusted To: Smith Young Funeral Home, 1005 Howard Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756
727-442-2388

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