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Loretta M. Diggs

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | November 10, 2025

Loretta M. Diggs, age 92, of McKeesport, died November 6, 2025, at her home. Born October 4, 1933, in Monessen, PA, she was the daughter of James and Ocee (Nalls) Wong and the wife of the late Samuel R. Diggs, with whom she was married for 47 years.

Loretta graduated from the University of Pittsburgh's Nursing program. After, she became a psychiatric nurse, spending many years caring for patients during times of crisis at Western Psychiatric Hospital before eventually retiring.

Loretta's journey was marked by unwavering resilience and commitment to her community. Loretta made history on January 4, 2011, when she was elected as the first African American to serve as vice president of the McKeesport City Council. She told a reporter, "I got unanimous votes, and I couldn't believe it. It feels good. Whenever I ran for council, I was the first Black ever endorsed in this town." Loretta's achievement was not solely a personal triumph; it was a tribute to her family's legacy of activism and perseverance. Her grandparents fought tirelessly for the right to vote in Georgia, a struggle that deeply influenced her lifelong dedication to public service. As she recalled, "I'm a wise old lady. I've been in politics ever since I came to McKeesport, and that's been 40 years. My grandparents were in Georgia, and they fought really hard to get the right to vote, so this has always been important to me."

A proud member of the Daughters of the Sphinx, the Order of the Eastern Star, and the former Elks Lodge Temple #133, Loretta linked her passion for politics to her belief in justice and equality. During this time, she built relationships with influential figures, including Billie Holiday, former congressman John Lewis, former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and even regarded current Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis as her godson.

Beyond her political achievements, Loretta was known for her warmth and generosity. She enjoyed cooking, particularly barbecuing, and became a cornerstone of her neighborhood by organizing block parties that brought the community together.

With an eye for fashion, Loretta was always the best-dressed in the room. She particularly liked anything that sparkled. She loved all types of music, often filling her home with melodies and sharing many cherished moments dancing with her husband.

Loretta is survived by her daughter, Ava L. Bonner of McKeesport; step-children, Yolanda (Carlson) Moss, Michael (Tammy) Arrington, and Samuel R. (Shenithia) Diggs; grandchildren, Rhadshee Rowland, Jeffery Johnson, James Johnson, and Tamika Johnson; many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

In addition to her parents and husband, Loretta was also preceded in death by her son, James H. Johnson; daughter, Laura A. Johnson; and grandson, Lionel R. Bonner.

Family and friends will be received at the Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, starting at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in the McKeesport and Versailles Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com.

Charles Danforth, Supervisor

Originally published November 10, 2025.

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