John Digby Obituary

Married Ted & Linda Meachum December 19, 1966, rest in peace.

Pastor Digby was my mother´s neighbor for many years on Eberhart. I also took classes under his tutelage at Chicago Baptist Institute.
My uncle was his Minister of Music for many years.
Gone but not forgotten. Rest in Heaven

Mr Digby was my teacher at McKay School in Chicago. He was a great teacher who cared about his students and only wanted to see us learn. I´ll never forget the fond memories of learning in his class.

Rubén R Terrazas

Mr. Digby was my 5th grade teacher at Leslie Lewis School 1979-1980. He was a very strict teacher, but an excellent teacher. He used to make our class write the Gettysburg Address for talking too much or misbehaving.

It´s been 43 years since we moved from Chicago to Houston, but I still remember him well. He was the last teacher I had in Chicago.

My deepest condolences to his whole family.

Uncle John you are truly missed. Sending my love to you in Heaven.

Hello Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. I miss the smiles ofmy pastor. There was always wisdom coming to the young people with a smile I joined the church when I was 15 I remember my baptism when I was 16 I remember being in the youth choir that pastor change to the Young adult choir when he saw our maturity I remember the shakes when he was really funny his whole body would move.I loved touring around Chicago I would admire my pastor. We would sit in the choir area and I would think to myself MY pastor can really preach. Reverent Digby was a visionaire not only for the church but for the sheep as well .Me-I was his favorite I am now considered a senior citizen and I still love JESUS

I miss you Daddy, My first Christmas without you, You always looked out for me and I don't know how to get through this holiday without you. I still have a hard time getting through the day without you. It hurts so bad still

I'm just so thankful for all the love and support my family has received from the death of my daddy the great Rev. John Digby Jr. Words can't express how I feel all I can do is give praises to God almighty for my daddy and thank him for having my daddy for 36yrs of my life. You taught me my WORTH,I CAN DO ALL THINGS THOUGHT CHRIST THAT STRENGTH ME,AND TRUSTING AND BELIEVING IN GOD and I thank you in the mighty name of Jesus. RIP DADDY,
YOUR BABY GIRL,
Kimberly Digby-George

You will never be forgotten been such a great part of my family RIP.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Mr. Digby was my fourth grade teacher at McKay Elementary in 1987. He taught me so much. One thing I will never forget are the hundreds of times I had to write the Gettysburg Address as punishment for being too talkative. He was a great teacher, friend, and supporter of my family. I will never forget him. I love you Mr, Digby. Rest in Glory.
Catrina Lee (Chicago, IL.)

rest in peace Rev digby I Had a brief conversation with him a couple years ago he stated I really baptist you I told him I WAS only 14 then add 48 seems like a lifetime ago, but I'M still in church so his preaching and teachingcounts for something, the world will miss him, god bless

My deepest condolences to the entire Digby family for your loss...There are very few people in the world that are as easy to respect and admire, Rev. Digby was the perfect example of what it means to be a Gentleman, Friend and overall a great man, I feel honored and blessed to have known him. Julia and I will truly miss your spiritual advice and guidance.

God Bless you from Joshua M.B. Church

To the Digby Family
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your loss... our thoughts are with you and your family doing this difficult time. Pastor John Digby you will be missed. Thank you Pastor Digby for your teaching, your kind words and your wonderful laugh (chuckle).

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear. Pastor Digby will always live on in our hearts, his memory will never fade.

A giant oak has fallen. Dr. Digby was a good friend of the late Rev. Harold Freeman and myself. My prayers are with Kim, John-John and the entire family.

A prince among preachers and teacher personified. You will always be in our hearts and thoughts. And as often you admonished us on Sundays, as you took your texts, I will continue to "Lift Him Up". God bless & strengthen the Family.

Hello Digby and Altgeld family. Please know that Reverend Digby and the Progressive Baptist Church have both meant so much to so many of us from the Altgeld Gardens Community. A large number of AGer's were born at Progressive, christened at Progressive, members of Progressive, Baptised at Progressive (my daughter Gena and I were baptized together by Rev. Digby in 1983), married at Progressive, sang in the choir at Progressive, served as an usher at Progressive..., I could go on and on. Even if you were not a member of Progressive, you knew of Rev. John Digby and Progressive Church or perhaps attended a funeral or wedding or a meeting at the church. In spite of the fact that there were at least 3 other churches in Altgeld, Peters Rock, Our Lady of the Gardens, Mt. Olive, basically everything else was centered around Progressive Church and Carver School.

AG historians have shared their memories and stories about their foundation, membership and attendance at Progressive, which was formed in the late 40's, early 50's. Back in the day, it was the norm, that your "foundation" was formed in the church. Most of us formed our lifelong friendships beginning at Progressive Church or some church. We all should think about who we met at Progressive and are still friends with today. Sadly, today it's not so normal to meet new friends at church.

Many may not know that Progressive MBC started out, across the highway from Block 1, where services were held in Carver School's B Bldg gym and the Carver Park Children's Bldg. Under Reverend Digby's leadership, before long, the congregation marched down the street to the beautiful new structure behind Block 15. After a long planning and building process, Rev. Digby was so proud when Progressive moved to it's present state of the art home at 26 E. 127th St. True AGer's still say "Progressive is in the Gardens". Even though Rev. Digby was a young man when he first began his Pastorage at Progressive, he wasn't the first, but he is all most of us know. He came from a large family and married Lorraine formerly of block 7. We all have memories of her beautiful singing and his most powerful preaching back in the day. Though the Digby's were not from the G, they were very popular, Leroy, Lee Grant, Annie Mae, Willie "Bill" (Catfish Digby), William, Charles and Emma, (deceased are: Robert, James and Freddie).

My family moved to Altgeld Gardens (block 2) in 1960. We started out at the United Church in block 10, but my Mother later moved over and joined Progressive in 1983. Even though I left Progressive years ago, Reverend Digby always recognized me as one of his and he remained my friend and spiritual advisor throughout my life. When I was out of church he made sure that I knew, that even if I didn't come back to Progressive, that I needed a church home. I found one and made sure I let him know that I have been a member of Mt. Hermon Baptist church for the past 12 years. He let me know that he was proud of me for my accomplishments and I will always remember him for his kind words.

REVEREND DOCTOR JOHN DAVID DIGBY,JR., will be missed by many. His death will leave a large void in Progressive Church as well as the Altgeld Gardens Community. His shoes will be hard to fill. We will miss Reverend Digby so much. We (AG) wish his children John Jr. and Kim and his many family members and Progressive Church members, our deepest condolences. Fly away Rev. Digby, we know you are with the King.

Rest in peace Rev Digby, I'll see you on the other side.
You will be missed.
Mary White

Pastor Digby, I will always remember you for our compassion and helpfullnes. You came to my house and baptized my mother and counseled her about her fears. She did the resolution for her funeral. You were a great man of God. I offer my condolences for the entire Dukes Family. Rest in peace, Patricia A. Dukes

Pastor Digby always had a word from The Lord. My prayers go out to your family as well as your Progressive family.

Uncle John, Your heart has touched many within and out of the family. May You rest peacefully with the Lord above. Kim, John, for My Dad, Lee Grant and his siblings, cousins and friends, May God keep us close for the rest of our lives. Love Dawn(Digby)Horst

Dr.Digby,you were a Pastor of Pastors.We will truly miss you.To John and Kim, the Digby family and the Progressive congrrgation to have known him as pastor was to love him so we grieve with you. We were well taught the world has no sorrow that GOD cannot heal,

My prayer goes out to the church and the family rip

May God continue to bless you and keep you! Know that God is always there. I'm praying for you and the family. My love to all!

From my Mother to Rev. Digby you help to inspire and young women to raise them with Christ Maurice, Lionel (tangle) Ray , Sandra , God Bless you and keep you you are a True man of God !

To the family,God knows and He cares. I joined Progressive when I was just a little girl. I would ask Pastor Digby how do you feel and his reply was "I do fine!". God Bless You.

R.i.h mr.Digby my 8th grade teacher.

My condolences to the Digby family. Mr. Digby was one of the best elementary school teachers I had. He will be missed.

My prayer goes out to the Digby family.

Will miss you dearly. Rest in peace.

Deacon Preze L. Bailey, I will always carry on what you instilled in me. I Love and miss you." Together we stand, divide we fall,all for one and one for all

My condolences go out to youi and your family. Know that God makes no mistakes Be encouraged and blessed through your berievement period Sister Marva Davis from N.R.O.S.B.C.

To the family my heart felt condolences go out to you. Rev. Digby was a God fearing man who wanted all to know God. Know that God makes no mistakes, and Rev. Digby's course was over but he is now in the hands of the Lord. Continue to be encouraged and blessed

May God comfort family and church during this time of bereavement. I will miss my teacher (CBI).

Hold on to God's unchanging hands may he give you comfort and peace during this time. Love ya Kim

Love you Barbara & Charles

I'm sorry for your lost, stay strong in the Lord and He will comfort you.
Earnestine Akbar-Tulsa, Ok

My condolescences and prayers go out to the family. I pray for their strength at this time. Rev. Digby will be surely missed but to know that .he is well loved by many. I Thank him for his advice and concern and was a blessing to have met him.

Thank You Uncle Johnny for the spiritual guidance and prayers that you shared with us, along with the super glue that has held our marriage together for over 25 years. We Love You and will keep you in our hearts for our lifetimes.

Condolences to the family.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

I'm sorry for your loss.May the comfort only God can supply be with you during this difficult time.
~ Berdell Jones-Gary

My family and I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Rev J Digby snd the Progressive Church Family. He was truly a man of God and will be sorely missed. My mother was sn active member of Progressive and served on the Usher's Board sb school other auxiiailires., before her goingvto becwith the Lord. She loved hin dearly and spoke highly of him often. I wss privleged to have met him as well, He was an eloquent speaker and hid message was always inspiring. SIP, Rev Digby, We loved you bhai but God LOVES YOU MORE.. But God.. Blessings of Love abd Peace. The Family of Mrs Helen Campbell ( SIP with Gof) . Submitted by daughter, Mrs Carolyn Campbell-Jones and the Campbell Family.. "Earth Has No Sorrow that Heaven Cannot Heal". Namaste'

I will always remember u as a warm loving Pastor and dedicated father to all your children in christ we will forever remember u and cont. to keep the word hidden in our hearts forever

To: Kim & John words can not express the love that my family has for your dad he was an outstanding pastor, mentor, father and friend for 41 years of my life. God has truly been good to us when he blessed us with a leader of his magnitude. It is hard losing a parent we know first hand but with the love of God you will be able to get thru this! May God comfort and strengthen you & your entire family during this difficult time. We love you and will continue to pray for you! Rest on Pastor, job well done! The Survillion, Smith, Williams and Bennett family

Rev. Digby thank you for all your prayers for many of us AGers you were our rock someone we could talk to and receive the beacon of hope which helped us stay on the path to salvation The Brown family (blk.13 Golden gates)sends their condolences to the Digby family and members of progressive church W.Brown

Rest in peace Man Of God

To my spiritual father I will miss you dearly and also your kind heart.

Pastor you will be greatly missed. Rest peacefully. Love The Winding Family

Pastor digby you will be greatly missed. Rest peacefully. Love, the Winding family

Pastor MY HEART IS SO HEAVY, but I know you have a prepared place waiting for you & earth has know sorrow that heaven can not heal. The Progressive Church Family will greatly miss you... Rest in Heaven, our beloved Pastor. Until we meet again, The Peterson's Family

So many memories of his preaching. Rest in Heaven.

Pastor MY HEART IS SO HEAVY, but I know you have a prepared place waiting for you & earth has know sorrow that heaven can not heal. The Progressive Church Family will greatly miss you... Rest in Heaven, our beloved Pastor. Until we meet again, The Peterson's Family

I will truly miss his leadership, his great sense of humor and spirit. You have been my pastor for my entire life. (30 years) and a blessing. Praying for the digby family and my progressive church family. A true man of God. Love you, pastor. Rest in heaven.

My dearest cousin may you RIP

To John, Kim, the Digby Family and my Progressive family. You have my deepest sympathies in the loss of our pastor. We all have great memories and will miss him. In his words, we have no magic wand to wave to bring our loved one back but we do have the assurance that he is in a better place. I thank God for everything he taught me naturally and spiritually and I am better for all the teachings, the love of God and God's Word that he imparted in me. Be encouraged and know that God will strengthen us all during this time. Stay strong church and keep doing God's will. His legacy and that of the church will live on. Love always, Andrea Evans aka affectionately known as "his problem child". lol God bless.

My condolences to the family tfrom the Alsberry family

Rev Digby was truly a mentor of mines, in every aspect of life, from the first time I walked in Progressive a young man no direction in life, you steered me on the right path and inspired me to be the preacher I am today, I hold you in high esteem and regards, thank you for being the man of God and father that so many of us looked up to over the years, your passing is truly a loss to us but heaven's gain. see you on the other shore one day.

My deepest heart felt and warm condolences to my Progressive MB Church family, Pastor Digby's children and grandchildren and the Digby family. We all mourn togethter, yet, as the scriptures say: "... but joy cometh in the morning." Good Morning Pastor Digby and God Bless you.

Bless all the officers members and family of a Pastor Digby. May God comfort you during this difficult time of a life well lived.

From the cousin of Sister Mary Hampton .
Pastor Barbara Simmons
Boston Ma.

Hello to the Progressive family. Rev. Debby was my very first Pastor. I loved him then and 1 love him Now. We will now fellowship in HEAVEN. W

To the Digby Family and Progressive Church family you have our condolences and we have you in our prayers. He was a long time friend of our family. The Hubbard, Cotton, Odom and Yarbrough families.

Uncle Johnny I love you with all of my heart. I miss you so much already. I have always had the utmost respect for you. You have been the best Pastor we could ever have and one of the best uncles that I have. The last thing you said to me was that you love me and I will remember that always. I keep your words close to my heart when I think about you and get sad. You said "God has been good to me, he has brought me, he has kept me, protected me, watched over me while I was right, while I was wrong still watching over me. All I can do is say Thank You for another days journey". I thank God for blessing all of us with you. It is an honor.

We will miss our uncle and spiritual leader, may God bless and keep the family in prayer, Romero,Suzette Lynnette Digby-Powell

I'm really going to miss you Pastor & My Condolences to The Digby Family

Dear family and friends we are sorry for your loss.May the comfort only God can supply be with you during this difficult time.