Obituary for Penny Biggs
Glory Halleluja!!! Glory Halleluja!!! On the 30th day of July 1942 in the
small southern town of Cruger, Mississippi, Mary and Virgil Biggs were
blessed with their second child - a beautiful baby girl. She was also the new
“BABYSISTER” of their young son Otha Lee Biggs. They named their new
baby girl “Lenny Mae”. However, “BABYSISTER” seemed to be the favorite
name for their new addition. And so, she was affectionately called
“BABYSISTER” by all who knew and loved her until she was called “HOME”
on the 5TH of September 2021.
In the years that followed the family grew to six. Although “BABYSISTER”
became the big sister to Freddie, Leola, Herdestine and Earnestine, she was
still called “BABYSISTER” by them all. She was often tasked with looking
after her younger brother and sisters while her mother, Mary and father,
Virgil worked in the cotton fields.
“BABYSISTER” spent her early years in Mississippi until her father Virgil
decided to head north to Chicago in search of work as part of the Great
Black Migration. He went ahead of them to find and prepare a place to live.
When he was settled and found work, he sent for his wife Mary and their
six children.
When “BABYSISTER” arrived in Chicago her mother, Mary enrolled her in
the eighth grade at Jefferson Elementary school. Later, she would attend
Crane High School. Some time after High School, “BABYSISTER” decided
to change the name given to her at birth from “Lenny Mae” to simply
“Penny”.
“BABYSISTER” worked in various occupations throughout her adult life.
Along the way, she would, on occasion, enroll in a college credit class to
further her education. She retired while working at the Railroad Retirement
Board.
“BABYSISTER” gave birth to three children. Although “BABYSISTER”
worked while raising her three children alone, her unconditional love for
Rest in peace Mama,
I know you are up there having a good time already!
I know you are rejoicing with all your loved ones who
were called Home before you! I will remember the love
that we shared! I will miss you, but let you go!
Save a spot for me right next to you!
I love you Mama!
~Your loving and devoted daughter, Candy
We didn’t know the day God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you, the day
God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide,
and although we cannot see you,
you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.
Musical Prelude .............................................................. Musician
Processional ........................................................Family & Minister
Scripture - Psalm 23 ......................................................... Minister
Prayer ....................................................... Pastor Lamont Holifield
Solo/Selection - ”Take Me To The King” ............................ Musician
Acknowledgements and Resolutions ...............................................
Obituary .................................................... Pastor Lamont Holifield
Tributes to “BABYSISTER” ........................ Samanthia Weatherspoon
Solo/Selection - “I Won’t Complain ................................... Musician
Eulogy ....................................................... Pastor Lamont Holifield
Benediction ................................................ Pastor Lamont Holifield
Recessional ........................................................Family & Minister
Friday, September 17, 2021
Visitation: 9:30 a.m. Funeral: 10;00 a.m.
Smith and Thomas Funeral Home
5708 W. Madison St. Chicago, Illinois 60644
Pastor Lamont Holifield, Officiating
them never wavered. There was no sacrifice she wouldn’t make or burden
she would bear for her three little children. She was that “MAMA GRIZZLY
BEAR” who would put herself in harm’s way if it meant saving one of her
children. She devoted her life to raising and protecting her children. Later,
she would do the same for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
“BABYSISTER” was a God- fearing woman. She confessed her faith in Christ
at age 16. She was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church under the leadership
of Reverend W.W. Taylor. She loved listening to music. Her favorite genre
was blues. Her favorite singer was B.B. King. One of her fondest memories
was seeing B.B. King singing on the street corner.
“BABYSISTER” was a very private person and kept to herself. But, when
family came around, a good time was had by all. “BABYSISTER” always of-
fered an ear to listen and gave constructive advice whether you wanted to
hear it or not. She loved spending time with her great grandchildren who
affectionately called her “Gigi”.
If it’s not clear, let it be said that “BABYSISTER” was a devoted family Ma-
triarch. Her counsel went beyond her own offspring and extended to her
brother and sisters. Her thoughts and actions were guided by the teachings
of her late mother Mary Lee Biggs – respectfully and affectionately called
“MaDear”. More often than not, advice or counsel to those who sought it
was usually prefaced with the phrase “MaDear Used to Say”. If you ask
anyone from the Biggs family, they will surely tell you that phrase was
heard often.
“BABYSISTER” was blessed with Three children – Sharon Felicia Smith, Ka-
ren Smith and Alfred Charles Smith, Ten living Grand Children – Latoya L.
Huff, Nathaniel R. Cargle Sr., Ryan C. Smith, Nicholas D. Cargle, Ebony
N.C. Cargle, Bryan L. Huff, Jeremy N. Cargle, Jordan C. Smith, Allyssa C.
Smith, and Ashley E. Smith, Five Great Grandchildren – Leroy D.R. Cook,
Le Angelo L. Cook, Tyvin K. Cargle, Nathaniel R. Cargle Jr. and Julian A.
Smith. One son-in law - Leon Huff. She also was blessed with a host of niec-
es, nephews and cousins. Two grandchildren – Courtney E. Smith and Lo-
gan F. Cook as well as her two brothers Otha Lee Biggs and Jesse Biggs
answered the call “HOME” before her.
small southern town of Cruger, Mississippi, Mary and Virgil Biggs were
blessed with their second child - a beautiful baby girl. She was also the new
“BABYSISTER” of their young son Otha Lee Biggs. They named their new
baby girl “Lenny Mae”. However, “BABYSISTER” seemed to be the favorite
name for their new addition. And so, she was affectionately called
“BABYSISTER” by all who knew and loved her until she was called “HOME”
on the 5TH of September 2021.
In the years that followed the family grew to six. Although “BABYSISTER”
became the big sister to Freddie, Leola, Herdestine and Earnestine, she was
still called “BABYSISTER” by them all. She was often tasked with looking
after her younger brother and sisters while her mother, Mary and father,
Virgil worked in the cotton fields.
“BABYSISTER” spent her early years in Mississippi until her father Virgil
decided to head north to Chicago in search of work as part of the Great
Black Migration. He went ahead of them to find and prepare a place to live.
When he was settled and found work, he sent for his wife Mary and their
six children.
When “BABYSISTER” arrived in Chicago her mother, Mary enrolled her in
the eighth grade at Jefferson Elementary school. Later, she would attend
Crane High School. Some time after High School, “BABYSISTER” decided
to change the name given to her at birth from “Lenny Mae” to simply
“Penny”.
“BABYSISTER” worked in various occupations throughout her adult life.
Along the way, she would, on occasion, enroll in a college credit class to
further her education. She retired while working at the Railroad Retirement
Board.
“BABYSISTER” gave birth to three children. Although “BABYSISTER”
worked while raising her three children alone, her unconditional love for
Rest in peace Mama,
I know you are up there having a good time already!
I know you are rejoicing with all your loved ones who
were called Home before you! I will remember the love
that we shared! I will miss you, but let you go!
Save a spot for me right next to you!
I love you Mama!
~Your loving and devoted daughter, Candy
We didn’t know the day God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you, the day
God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide,
and although we cannot see you,
you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.
Musical Prelude .............................................................. Musician
Processional ........................................................Family & Minister
Scripture - Psalm 23 ......................................................... Minister
Prayer ....................................................... Pastor Lamont Holifield
Solo/Selection - ”Take Me To The King” ............................ Musician
Acknowledgements and Resolutions ...............................................
Obituary .................................................... Pastor Lamont Holifield
Tributes to “BABYSISTER” ........................ Samanthia Weatherspoon
Solo/Selection - “I Won’t Complain ................................... Musician
Eulogy ....................................................... Pastor Lamont Holifield
Benediction ................................................ Pastor Lamont Holifield
Recessional ........................................................Family & Minister
Friday, September 17, 2021
Visitation: 9:30 a.m. Funeral: 10;00 a.m.
Smith and Thomas Funeral Home
5708 W. Madison St. Chicago, Illinois 60644
Pastor Lamont Holifield, Officiating
them never wavered. There was no sacrifice she wouldn’t make or burden
she would bear for her three little children. She was that “MAMA GRIZZLY
BEAR” who would put herself in harm’s way if it meant saving one of her
children. She devoted her life to raising and protecting her children. Later,
she would do the same for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
“BABYSISTER” was a God- fearing woman. She confessed her faith in Christ
at age 16. She was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church under the leadership
of Reverend W.W. Taylor. She loved listening to music. Her favorite genre
was blues. Her favorite singer was B.B. King. One of her fondest memories
was seeing B.B. King singing on the street corner.
“BABYSISTER” was a very private person and kept to herself. But, when
family came around, a good time was had by all. “BABYSISTER” always of-
fered an ear to listen and gave constructive advice whether you wanted to
hear it or not. She loved spending time with her great grandchildren who
affectionately called her “Gigi”.
If it’s not clear, let it be said that “BABYSISTER” was a devoted family Ma-
triarch. Her counsel went beyond her own offspring and extended to her
brother and sisters. Her thoughts and actions were guided by the teachings
of her late mother Mary Lee Biggs – respectfully and affectionately called
“MaDear”. More often than not, advice or counsel to those who sought it
was usually prefaced with the phrase “MaDear Used to Say”. If you ask
anyone from the Biggs family, they will surely tell you that phrase was
heard often.
“BABYSISTER” was blessed with Three children – Sharon Felicia Smith, Ka-
ren Smith and Alfred Charles Smith, Ten living Grand Children – Latoya L.
Huff, Nathaniel R. Cargle Sr., Ryan C. Smith, Nicholas D. Cargle, Ebony
N.C. Cargle, Bryan L. Huff, Jeremy N. Cargle, Jordan C. Smith, Allyssa C.
Smith, and Ashley E. Smith, Five Great Grandchildren – Leroy D.R. Cook,
Le Angelo L. Cook, Tyvin K. Cargle, Nathaniel R. Cargle Jr. and Julian A.
Smith. One son-in law - Leon Huff. She also was blessed with a host of niec-
es, nephews and cousins. Two grandchildren – Courtney E. Smith and Lo-
gan F. Cook as well as her two brothers Otha Lee Biggs and Jesse Biggs
answered the call “HOME” before her.