Billy Stiggers Sr.

Billy Ray Stiggers Sr. was born August 30, 1945 in Oklahoma. He was the first child born to Willie B. Stiggers and Juanita Roark Stiggers. Their second child, Calvin B. passed shortly after birth. Billy often bragged about being delivered at home by his grandmother Mary, a licensed Mid-Wife. The neighbors in the small town knew that Billy was the apple of his grandparents eyes, therefore, Lonnie and Mary Roark did not allow anyone to discipline their larger than life grandson.

There was little work in their home town, therefore when Billy was age five his parents began serious job seeking. The search resulted in Willie finding work as a brick mason and Juanita as a nurse, in Denver.

Billy attended Whitter Elementary School, Cole Middle School, and Manual High School. His teachers described him as athletic, very intelligent, but restless and eager to learn new things in the world around him.

Following high school, Billy enlisted in the US Army for four years where he served as a Military Police Officer. He chose not to make a career of the military and returned to Denver to assist his ill mother in the care of his younger siblings Ronald Harrison and Demetria Harrison. Both of whom preceded him in death.

Billy continued to enjoy learning and received an Associates Degree in Sociology from Community College of Denver. Soon after receiving the degree he was jointed in matrimony with Twilla Armstrong and three children were born to that union. The Honorable Judge Billy Ray Stiggers II, Nichelle Rae Stiggers, and LaShae Rae Stiggers.

Melanie

In 1954 my moms family (the Adams) moved to Colorado and met the Stiggers family where in the years to come Billy would have his fourth child Melanie Bass and the rest is history. I remember when I was younger I used to ride on the RTD bus with him while he ran his routes and as I grew up and started my family he’d come to his grandkids (Dedrick, Cedrick, Derrick, Rodrick) birthday parties.

Eloise and Felicia

In the following years Billy married Jacqueline Ann Williams, they were married for more than 30 years until her death. Billy enjoyed traveling, fishing, and watching television especially the Broncos. He and Jacqueline enjoyed reaching out and helping others in need.

In 1983 our father (Billy-Ray) entered our lives when we were ages eight and thirteen, he was always a good father to my sister and I. Billy Ray was every bit of a true father to us. He enjoyed taking us fishing and on family road trips, we had the best Bronco Parties, card games and birthday parties with friends. All will now be pleasant memories and a tradition that we will continue.

As we became adults and started families of our own, they adored Billy-Ray. He was always very helpful in many ways. I, Eloise have two sons, Eddie D. Harper and Erin D. Harper. My sister Felicia Vaughns has two daughters, Swan'y C. Smith and Jerrica D. Watts.

-We Love you PaPa or “Pa PaPaPaPaPa”!

Billy Ray departed this life on April 20, 2022 comfortably in his own home and is survived by daughters Nichelle Rae Stiggers, Eloise McNeal, LaShae Rae Stiggers, Melanie Bass-Smith, Felicia Vaughns, Aza'Riyah Shorty-Stiggers, and Erin Shorty-Stiggers. Son Judge Billy Ray Stiggers II (Saba). Grandsons Bryce, Josiah, and Samuel Stiggers, Dedrick Bass, Cedrick Smith, Derrick Smith Jr., Rodrick Smith, Eddie D. Harper,  and Erin D. Harper. Granddaughters Swan’y Smith and Jerrica Watts. Great grandchildren Shi'Yae, Tre'Shawn, Jordynn, Eeli'Yaa Marie, and Zylah. And a host of other friends and relatives.