Bernard Stigall, 59, of Benton Harbor, MI, departed this life June 11, 2016 at Lakeland Health.
Services celebrating his life will be held Friday, June 17, 2016 at 11:00 AM with visitation at 10:00 AM at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Interment will be at Crystal Springs Cemetery.
Bernard Stigall was born April 4, 1957 in Minter City, MS to Benjamin Leach Sr. and Helen Stigall.
Bernard attended Amanda Elzy High School in Greenwood, MS. He later moved to Chicago, IL where he was employed at Ludwig Guitar. He also coached basketball at Mollison Elementary School.
Bernard later relocated to Benton Harbor, MI where he met and married the love of his life, Debra Cummings and their union was blessed with four children. For many years Bernard was employed as a machine operator at Bearing Technologies and LECO Corporation. He also enjoyed working with his brother Carl at Stigall’s Concrete. He was well known in his community and loved by everyone who knew him. He always had a “joke” for everyone and never met a stranger.
Bernard leaves to cherish his legacy, his loving wife Debra of 26 years, three daughters, Marilynn (Weezie) Walker of Benton Harbor, MI, Brittany Stigall and Erika Stigall both of Nashville, TN. One son, Bernard Walker of Benton Harbor, MI. Four granddaughters, Dominique Walker, Kenea Conley, Keana Smith and Mia Williams. Two grandsons, Jayden Walker and Kyran Conley. Seven sisters, Emily (Willie Priest) Jennings of Oakland, TN, Magdaline (Cookie) Blossom of Benton Harbor, MI, Helen (Rev. Carl) Williams, Beverly Stigall and Laura Richie all of Popular Bluff, MO. Elizabeth Leach and Anita Atwater of Chicago, IL. Two brothers, Carl (Annette) Stigall of Benton Harbor, MI and Gregory (Christine) Leach of Popular Bluff, MO. Mother-in-law, Robbie Cummings; sisters-in-law, Brenda (Rev. Leamon Terrell Sr.), Delores (Sammy) Miller, and Michelle (George Jr.) Piggee, all of Benton Harbor, MI. Brother-in-law, Willie Cummings Sr. of Benton Harbor, MI and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Stigall; father, Benjamin Leach and brother, Benjamin Stigall.