Imogene Wiggs

Imogene Wiggs

October 8,1947 – June 29, 2025

Imogene Wiggs went to be with Jesus on June 29, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and the Lord throughout her life. She was the beloved daughter of Jessie Marie Beardsley and Ernest Burns.

Imogene accepted Christ at a young age at Mt. Zion Church Camp, a moment that shaped the course of her life. She lived each day with unwavering faith, committed to two things above all else: serving the Lord and loving her children.

Imogene was a devoted and Godly wife to Phillip Ray Wiggs for nearly 54 years, until his passing. Together, they ministered across the country—volunteering at church camps, fostering children, playing the piano/organ at churches, directing and owning daycare centers and sharing the love of Christ wherever they were called.

After their travels, Imogene and Phillip settled down to raise their three children on a farm in Alton, Missouri, and later on a ranch in Tennessee before moving to the Current River. She was a city girl at heart, but Phillip loved the country, and she made the most of it—creating a home filled with faith, warmth, and love wherever they lived.

She was a faithful member of Palace of Praise Church in Poplar Bluff for over 20 years, worshiping and serving alongside her church family who meant so much to her.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Liberty University and an MBA from William Woods University. Professionally, Imogene dedicated herself to service and education. She worked with the Department of Health and Human Services, traveling across southeast Missouri to improve communities and lift up those in need. For her, the streets were her mission field—she believed in meeting people exactly where they were and loving them without hesitation.

In addition to her work in social services, Imogene had a passion for teaching. She taught courses at Three Rivers College (TRCC), William Woods University, Drury University, and Hannibal-LaGrange University, where she poured her knowledge and care into the next generation of students. Her classrooms were filled with wisdom, encouragement, and compassion—just like her home.

After losing her husband, she remained active in her community and often substituted for Poplar Bluff Schools. She was known for handing out too much candy and loving every child who walked into the classroom. Her warm greetings were always followed by, “I’m Sarah’s mom,” “Leah’s mom,” “Scott’s mom,” or, just as often, someone’s proud grandma.

She told her family every single day how much she loved them. To us, it seemed completely normal to talk multiple times a day—every day—and to always say “I love you,” even after a spicy conversation. That was just who she was. That’s how she raised us.

Imogene woke up every morning and put on her makeup, always dressing up with care and grace. It didn’t matter if she was going to church, the grocery store, or just staying home—she believed in being prepared and presentable, a reflection of the dignity with which she carried herself each day.

She taught every child and grandchild the Lord’s Prayer at a very early age, praying it with them each morning on the way to school. Her faith was the foundation of her family and her greatest gift to them.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Phillip Ray Wiggs; her father Ernest Burns; her mother Jessie Marie Beardsley; her step-father Bud Beardsley; her brother Mike; and her twin sister Ernestine.

She is survived by her three children: Phillip Scott Wiggs (Christina), Leah Martin (Justin), and Sarah Eason (Michael), who carry on her legacy of love, service, and faith. She is also survived by her sisters Alice, Sharon, and Mary; her cherished grandchildren: Austin Wiggs, Grace Wiggs James, Keaira Benton, Christopher Wiggs, Conner Wiggs, Rachel Eason, Abigail Eason, Luke Martin, Elijah Martin, and Sarah Beth Martin; her precious great-grandbabies, Caroline and Caden; and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Her life was a testimony of quiet perseverance, fierce love, and deep devotion to God and family.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

Services will be held Saturday, July 12 at the Palace of Praise. Visitation will be at 4:00 pm and Memorial Service at 5:00 pm.