of North Little Rock, AR
May 17, 1923 - July 28, 2014
Gloria F. Wiggins, 91, of North Little Rock, Ark., passed away on Monday, July 28, 2014. She was born in the little town of Wheeler, TX on May 17, 1923 to Frankie and George Stanley. She is also preceded in death by her siblings, G.L. and Felice.
She spent most of her younger years in Shamrock, TX. While attending West Texas State University, she met the love of her life and soul mate, Austin Wiggins (aka Big Wig). They married on June 23, 1942. He was a dive-bomber pilot in the Marine Corps Aviation, so she became a ''service''wife. During those years, she worked at a bomb loading plant, attended college and even got her Private Pilots license! She was very proud of her 66 solo hours!
After the war, they lived in Quantico, Virginia. Both of her daughters, Carol and Vicki were born during that time. Although they moved around several times, Gloria really enjoyed living in Hawaii. She had always drawn and painted, but she really became serious about oil painting while living on the tropical isle of Oahu.
They returned to the states and after 15 years of service in the Marine Corps, Big Wig decided to switch careers to homebuilding. They moved to Little Rock in 1956 and built their first subdivision off of West Markham. While they were struggling to build homes and get their company off the ground, Big Wig traveled and sold heat and air conditioning systems to dealers. During this time, ''Glo'' took over the foreman duties. She got to know the carpenters, the plumbers, painters, etc., and they referred to her as ''Miz Wig''. It later supplied a great name for a personalized license plate!
They were blessed with a little surprise in 1965, when Randy was born. He tagged along with his dad on the job sites, where they become know as Wig and Wag. Gloria and Big Wig built houses and developed sub divisions for over 25 years. They also traveled extensively to places such as Europe, Asia and the Orient.
She retired in 1998. Her hobbies included painting, writing, hosting lots of family gatherings, dancing and throwing the best garage sales ever! She was a Signature Member of Mid-Southern Watercolorists and had fourteen paintings accepted and shown in the Arkansas Arts Center. She also received numerous awards for her artwork.
She taught us to always be positive and anyone saying anything negative would be told ''Cancel, Cancel''. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of North Little Rock and the Triune Sunday School Class. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and would spend many hours reading her Bible daily.
She is survived by her children, Carol Carlan, Vicki and Tommy Jones, Lisa and Randy Wiggins, all of North Little Rock, grandchildren, Bryan Carlan, Jaclyn Williams, 3 great grandchildren, a niece, Apreill and (Charlie) Prichard and her dear special friends, Marian Botsford and Marian hill.
Services include a visitation from 5:00-7:00 on Wednesday, July 30 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home on JFK Blvd. The funeral service is Thursday, July 31, 2:00 at First United Methodist Church of NLR, 6701 JFK Blvd. Place of interment is Rest Hills Memorial Park. Pallbearers are Dustin Colebank, Mike Corker, Denny Davenport, Harvey Gardner, Mike Glaze, Clay Smith, Roy Treat and Jay Warren.
I don't know if this will get to you because more than 4 months have passed since your mother's passing, however I'm going to take the chance. The Christmas card I sent was returned to me with no forwarding address, so that's when I turned to Google. My husband and I met your parents in 1990 on Intrav's Switzerland/Austria Tour and we toured with them for 2 FUN weeks. We have stayed in touch since that time. There were 7 of us amongst the tour group that became known as "the back of the bus group". We had a delightful time. Randy, I believe we met you in Las Vegas at the Sigmond and Roy Show. You and a friend sat at the same table ... what a small world it is. I hope to stay in touch with the family because when I pass, i think I have a "Treasure" that the family will enjoy. Your father painted me a photo of the two colored black and white goat following our wonderful trip. He even had it copy writed and I believe it's the only painting he ever did(I could be wrong on this). We knew your mom was an artist, but this just thrilled us. He passed not too long after we received it.
If you get this message, please let me know through my e-mail address. Our Heartfelt Thoughts are with you. Peggy and Jim Ganson
Randy and Lisa,
I am so very sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love you both! Judi
Randy ,Our thought prayers and heart are with you during your time of grief. Praying for you and your family's comfort .Gloria and Austin were like parents to Howard, they will be missed and loved
Randy and family, I'm sorry for your loss, she was a great boss and a wonderful lady.
Carol, Randy, and Bryan,
Praying God will comfort you during this difficult time.
With Heartfelt Sympathy
Johnny & Nancy Clark
Randy , My condolences for your loss. Kennie
Randy just know that our thoughts & prayers are with you during this time - Please know that I had the upmost respect & admiration for your mother.
Dear Randy and family,
We are so sadden by the loss of such a grand lady and dear friend.
The world has lost a noble lady and fine artist.
Sincerely,
William & Elizabeth McClanahan
Randy, I'm very sorry for your loss. I'm sending you my prayers.
Karen Sherrill Lee
Randy and the entire Wiggins Family, we are so
sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Doug and Shirley
What a great person! She was such a pleasure to have for a neighbor and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Al, Julie and Taylor Johnson
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Renata Partin Gann
Jean Partin
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Betty and Bill Askew
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We loved Auntie Butch and Big Wig. It's nice to know they are having a great time together again!
Sallie, Tracey and Chip
Our sympathy to your family. Mrs. Wiggins had such a lively bright spirit, and we remember her fondly.
My condolences; I know this is a very difficult time for you and your family. I want to share an encouraging Scripture that help me when I lost my sister, its John 5:28,29, "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.....to a resurrection of life." I hope this helps some at this time of sadness.
Vicki, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Your mother was a beautiful lady, inside and out. She will be missed by many.
What an amazing Lady! My deepest sympathy to each of you in your loss-May you find Peace in God's love.
Annette Delgado
My deepest condolences to the Wiggins family. I knew her for just a few years but each time I saw her she always had a smile on her face and an encouraging word to share. She will be missed here but she is with a doubt an exceptional member of Gods kingdom.
Bricen