HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-2024 Honoring Superintendent Samuel Lee Diggins, Sr.SPECIAL PROCLAMATION NO 04-2024
A SPECIAL PROCLAMATION AWARDED BY SOUTH BEND COMMON COUNCIL
PRESIDENT AND THIRD DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE SHARON MCBRIDE
AT -LARGE COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE, KAREN L. WHITE,
AT -LARGE COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE DR. OLIVER J. DAVIS,
FIRST DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE, CANNETH LEE,
SECOND DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE, OPHELIA GOODEN RODGERS,
FIFTH DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE, SHERRY BOLDEN -SIMPSON
HONORING
SUPERINTENDENT SAMUEL LEE DIGGINS, SR.
A LIFE TO BE HONORED
LET IT BE KNOWN THAT
'The Steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and delighteth in his way."
Psalm 37: 23
WIP4914 as President of the South Bend Common Council and Third District Representative, I
and At -Large Council Representative Karen L. White, At -Large Council Representative Dr.
Oliver D. Davis, First District Representative Canneth Lee, Second District Representative
Ophelia Gooden Rodgers, Fifth District Representative Sherry Bolden -Simpson, and the City of
South Bend, Indiana, are humbled to honor and officially recognize the many contributions of
Superintendent Samuel Lee Diggins, Sr., to the South Bend community, residents and throughout
the State of Indiana; and
OASuperintendent Samuel Lee Diggins, Sr., was born in Forrest City, Arkansas on July
17th, 1937 to Bennie F. Diggins, and Dempsey L. Diggins. On March 21, 2024, his earthly
journey ended, and his spiritual journey began with the divine promises and the comforting
assurance knowing that his early home was but a temporary pilgrimage toward everlasting life;
and
O}J In 1961, the love of his life, Ruth Watkins his soulmate, was bestowed upon him by
divine providence. Their hearts intertwined, guided by a celestial hand, and their journey together
became a testament to the beauty of love and companionship for sixty-two (62) years. They were
blessed with five (5) sons and one (1) daughter, who honored him and loved him dearly, twenty-
six (26) grandchildren, fourteen (14) great grandchildren and eight (8) great -great grandchildren;
and
Wawa, Superintendent Samuel Diggins, Sr. Retired from the South Bend Community School
Corporation after seventeen (17) years of service. While still working he established and was the
owner of the Diggins Painting and Drywall Company. Widely known and respected for their
excellent service and professionalism; and
4XICi, He accepted the call to ministry under the leadership of Pastor Harrison Wiley and in
1987 he accepted the leadership responsibility of Believers COGIC., as Pastor. He held many titles
in the church and remained a faithful servant; and
Nrefeirld, Superintendent Diggins walked the sacred path of righteousness, holiness and was a
man of faith. He loved God and God's people. He was a spiritual leader in our community, a figure
of immense influence and respect. His impact extends beyond religious boundaries; and
OXICiazia, We offer our sincere condolences to First Lady Ruth Diggins and the entire Diggins
family during this difficult time. May you find comfort and strength in the memories you shared
and the love that surrounds you.
(man 1. It is our distinct honor to publicly commend and honor the life and service of
Superintendent Samuel Lee Diggins, Sr., for his innumerable contributions to our community.
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Sharon L. McBride, Council President & 3" District
Representative
South Bend Common Council
Karen L. White, At -Large Council Representative
South Bend Common Council
Dr. ()lived. Davis, At -Large Council Representative
South Bend Common Council
Canneth Lee, 1" District Representative
South Bend Common Council
Ophclia Gooden-Rodgers, 2'' District Representative
South Bend Common Council
Sherry Bolden -Simpson, 5th District Representative
South Bend Common Council