Mrs. Johnetta 'Baby Sis" Mullen

Mrs. Johnetta Laverne Diggs-Mullen was born on May 30th, 1950, to the late John Brown and the late Beulah Arrington in Newport News, VA. After attending school and earning her high school diploma, Johnetta remained in Newport News and raised her family.

Johnetta dedicated her life to serving others.  She retired from Morningside Assisted Living in 2021 after 20+ years of devoted service.

Johnetta was also dedicated to serving her family. She was affectionately known as “Babysis” although she was oldest of nine girls.  She expressed her love in many ways, but especially through cooking her family’s favorite meals and giving thoughtful gifts. 

Johnetta enjoyed listening to music and loved to dance.  She could always be seen laughing and having a great time with family.  In her spare time, she enjoyed shopping, crocheting, and spending quality time with family and friends.  She was also a passionate New England Patriots and Boston Celtics fan.

Johnetta was a faithful member of the Hampton Roads Church where she was lovingly known as “Gramps” or “Momma”.  She was committed to serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through ministry to others.  She was a proud member of the SAGE ministry and various other ministries throughout her years in the church.  She loved God and demonstrated her love for God, by selflessly loving others.

Johnetta was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Alice and Sabrina Smith, her brother-in-law, Jackie Tisdale, as well a beloved nephew and niece, Aciento and Erainia Smith.

Johnetta’s physical presence will be missed tremendously by her surviving family. Johnetta is survived by her three sons who she loved dearly: Derick (Arleen) Diggs, Bruce (Joann) Diggs, and William (Benita) Diggs and her sisters, Carriethia Tisdale, Shirley (Charles) Shannon, Shelia (Walter) Copeland, Remonia Self, Pattie Crocker and Haroldlyn Burton.  Johnetta will be missed dearly by her 15 grandchildren: Marnica (Horace), Andrea, Derick Jr, Lea (Reggie), Angela, Tamisha, Bruce Jr, Jeremy, Arianna, Jessica, Taylor, Latavia, Brittany, William Jr, and Mariah. She also leaves to cherish her memory, 25 great-grandchildren, her best friend since childhood, Joyce Seay, and a host of much-loved nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.

We will remember our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend as a gentle spirit who had a big heart, loving all those who had the honor of knowing her. While we grieve her physical absence, we rejoice knowing that she did not endure long-suffering and is now resting peacefully with the Lord.

Johnetta completed her God-given, earthly mission on her birthday, May 30th, 2022.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

It is the Mullen- Diggs family request that you keep them in your prayers. 

The family of Mrs. Johnetta Mullen has entrusted her final care to C.C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc.

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