Mr. John Henry Liggins, Sr.

UTICA – Mr. John Henry Liggins, Sr., age 83, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his loving family. John was born on September 15, 1939, in Schlater, Mississippi to the late Robert and Rebecca (Pegues) Liggins. He spent his childhood in Mississippi. At one time, he was wed to the late Mattie Moore, and from that union came the blessing of four children. Upon his marriage to Mattie, the couple relocated to Fremont, Ohio in the early 1960s. John then relocated to the Utica area, where he has since resided. He later wed the former Clara L. (Billins) Brooks and shared a beautiful and fulfilling life together until her death on June 8, 2021. An outdoorsman, John could often be found fishing, and also became known as a master griller. Many a person spoke highly of his delicious BBQs. Above all, John was a wonderful father and a loving patriarch to his family. They always knew his love. He always was his happiest when he spent time with his loved ones. He adored spending time with his children and shared a special bond with his stepson Eric. His family will always remember his warm and safe hugs and his laughter, that was nothing short of the sound of pure joy. John is survived by his children, Rosi Liggins-Jones and her husband Willie Jones, Pamela Liggins, and John H. Liggins, Jr. Through his life he held close the memory of his daughter, Katherine Scott, who preceded him in 2002. He is also survived by his stepchildren and their loves, Valerie and David Bennett, Margaret Lilley, Joyce and Ervin Enoch, Clareitha and Richard Titus, Russel Brooks, Timothy Brooks, Donna and Anthony Brooks, Jackie Brooks, Mark Brooks, James and Alsarina Brooks, and Eric Brooks. He leaves behind 10 grandchildren including the memory of his grandson, Devin Liggins, 36 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. John will be missed by his siblings, Adlean Harris and the late Joe Harris, Lillie Mae and the late Richard Savage, Rose Pearl and Frank Cole, Dorothy and David Mathis, Marger Ree and the late Paul Bower; his numerous in-laws including Clover Liggins; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. John was preceded by his siblings, Willie Mae and Robert James Jones, Mary E. and Charles Williams, Robert Liggins, Tommie Liggins, James R. and Evelyn Liggins, and Arthur and Mary Liggins. The family wishes to extend their thanks to the staff and nurses at the MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center ICU, Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., and the Abraham House for their excellent care and compassion. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 10:45-11:45 a.m. at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 219 Leah St., Utica. John’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will immediately follow at 12 p.m. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. John Henry Liggins, Sr.

September 15, 1939 - February 14, 2023