Lillian R. Diggins, 80, passed away in Racine, Wisconsin on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, with her loving husband, John, by her side. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and dedicated nurse, Lillian touched the lives of many with her compassion and commitment to caring for others.

Born in Granada, MS on June 9, 1944, to Willie and Ruby Tillman.  Lilly and her parents eventually moved from Granada, MS to Evansville, IN where her parents started their own business.  Lilly was educated in the Evansville school system and graduated from Benjamin Bosse High School in 1962.  After graduating, Lilly continued her education at Evansville School of Practical Nursing and earned her LPN degree in 1964 and in 1965 she received her nursing license.

After leaving nursing school, she moved to work at a hospital in Chicago, IL.  She lived in Chicago for 2 years and eventually moved to Joliet, IL to work at one of the hospitals there.  In 1965, she gave birth to her daughter, Andrea.  After living in Joliet for a few years, Lilly moved to Racine where she met her husband, John Diggins.  They were united in marriage in 1968.  Lilly began working as a Nurse Practitioner for St. Luke’s Hospital for over 30 years.

Lilly was a faithful member of Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church and founder of the Nurses Guild for Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church.  In her spare time, Lilly loved shopping from the Home Shopping Network.  She enjoyed traveling and eating at nice restaurants.

She leaves to cherish her memories with her husband, John Diggins; son-in-law, James C. Hoskins, two grandchildren, Yori S. Hoskins and Amari J. Hoskins; one great grandchild, Zyn Andrea Hoskins; two special friends, Ella Richardson and Debra Bryant and a host of relatives and friends.

Lilly was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Andrea L. Hoskins.

Service Info

Committal services, inurnment, and honors by the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 12, 2024 at West Lawn Memorial Park, 9000 Washington Ave, Racine, WI 53406.