Ms. Ann Salwa Diggs Banks

Sunrise: July 9,1946 Sunset: September 24, 2020

Jesus said, “Come onto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. Matthew 11:28 KJV.

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Diggs, Newberry, Wreh and Smallwood families announce the peaceful passing of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, niece and cousin, Ms. Ann Salwa Diggs Banks. This heartbreaking event occurred during the early morning of September 24, 2020 at the Emory St. Joseph Hospital in Atlanta, GA, USA.

She was born on July 9, 1946 onto the union of William H. Diggs and Susannah Newberry Diggs.
She is survived on this earth by her two (2) cherished sons – Leroy Suku Wreh and Richard F. D. Smallwood, II; thirteen (13) grandchildren – twins Brittaney & Brionne Wreh, Jerrell Smallwood, Leland Creecy, Richard F. D. Smallwood, III, DeShawn Creecy, DeShawn Bridges, Tecedee Rushin, Letara Wreh, twins Jada and Jayden Wreh, Ayannah Wreh and India Wreh; and six (6) great grandchildren.

Also deeply mourning her loss are her siblings – Marinna Diggs Flowers Weah (Stephen), Rev. William Tynny Diggs (Marian), Dr. Margaret Diggs Sherman (Joseph), Otis E. Diggs (Bonica), Josephine Diggs Massaquoi (John), Laura Diggs, Henry Diggs, Moses Diggs, and Lauren Diggs. Others include an aunt (Eva Diggs), multiple first, second and third cousins in the family including those from her maternal Newberry family; nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives, numerous childhood and other friends, church family, her Booker T. Washington Institute (BWI) family and acquaintances in Liberia, the United States (US) and around the world.

She was predeceased by her beloved parents and her brother, Lawrence Prince Diggs.
Ann Salwa Diggs graduated in 1965 with honors from BWI and was awarded the coveted internship at the Firestone Plantations Company in Harbel, Liberia where she worked in Administration for many years. She matriculated to USTC in Monrovia and then found her “forever” home at the Ministry of Agriculture until moving to the US in 1983.

At an early age, she was converted to the Christian religious life at the Evening Star Baptist Church in Kakata, Liberia and then the Providence Baptist Church, Monrovia, Liberia. While in the US, she found solace as a staunch member of the Elizabeth Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA and served in the choir and on the “Mother Board” until her passing to her better life.

“Ma”, “Grandma Ann”, “Bigsister”, “Ann”, “Salwa”, “Aunty”, “Bignose”, “Aunty Ann”, and “friend”, you were loved by all and you are already missed. May your soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in perpetual peace in the arms of our Lord God.

Following are the preparation for Ann Salwa Diggs Banks’ departure to God’s kingdom: (Please note that due to COVID-19, changes may be made without prolonged prior notice. Occupancy in the Cascade Chapel is extremely limited, so we encourage well-wishers to plan to attend the program services online).

Location: Viewing, Wake and Funeral Services:
Murray Brothers Funeral Home; 1109 Utoy Springs Rd SW; Atlanta, GA 30331

Viewing: Thursday, October 29, 2020; starting at 09:00 am.
Wake-Keeping: Thursday, October 29, 2020 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Invitation for the Wake-Keeping Service:
Time: Oct. 29, 2020 @ 4:00 PM Eastern Time
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81135505742
Dial by Phone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Meeting ID: 811 3550 5742

Invitation for the Funeral Service: 
Time: Friday, October 30, 2020; 11:00 am. – 2:00 pm
Live Stream Funeral Services are broadcast on:
https://vimeo.com/murraybrothers

Interment:
Mount Harmony Memorial Gardens Cemetery
581 Veterans Memorial Hwy SE; Mableton, GA 30126

Repast: content and location TBD

COVID-19 restrictions during this pandemic limit all gatherings at the Murray Brothers Funeral Home to fifty (50) persons. All must wear a mask and cooperate with other protocols at the chapel during the services as per the State of Georgia Emergency Order.

Contacts:
Marianna Diggs Flowers Weah (770) 572-3742
Rev. William Tynny Diggs 011-231-886-882-081
Dr. Margaret Diggs Sherman (770) 845-3784
Otis E. Diggs (678) 964-1569
Leroy S. Wreh (404) 587-0767
Richard F. D. Smallwood, II (678) 396-0032