“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His Word I put my hope.” Psalm 130:5 NIV

Mary Ellen Diggs, 89, of Bethlehem, entered the nearer presence of her Lord and Saviour on July 14, 2026 while residing at Cedarbrook Nursing Home in Allentown. She was the beloved wife of the late Hulie M. Diggs who passed in 1996.

Mary Ellen was born on June 25, 1937 in Bethlehem, Pa. to the late Bert Tarboro Jr. and Louise Lillian Edmondson. She was the oldest of three siblings, Vivian Hungerford, John Tarboro and Bert Tarboro III with the addition of cousins, Elsie S. Luciano and Ricardo Saunders.

Mary Ellen was raised in the Christian faith as modeled by her parents and continued to live a life rooted in the teachings of faith, redemption, hope and love. She was a very active member while starting at St. Paul Baptist Church and ending at Grace Deliverance Baptist Church, where she was a founding member. She held the positions of Secretary, Sunday School Teacher, Biblical Counselor and shared her singing talents with the choirs.

Mary Ellen attended schools in the Bethlehem Area School District, graduating from Liberty High School in 1955. While excelling in school academics, she played softball for the Southside Little League, intramural softball and basketball.

Years later, she obtained an Associates Degree from the Northampton Area Community College.Mary Ellen inherited her parents work ethic - dedication and commitment while pursuing employment as an Administrative Secretary at the Harrisburg P.A. State Capitol, Bethlehem Steel, McDonald’s Corporation (Washington D.C.) Lehigh Valley Community Action Committee and AT&T (New Jersey).

Mary Ellen never forgot her early introduction to music as gleaned from her mother, Louise. She continued to sing in local groups/choirs such as: the Jewel Tone Gospel Singers (York, PA - Director: Doretha McDaniel);the Community Gospel Choir of the Lehigh Valley (Director: Faith Strong with Gene & Ella Strong); Grace Deliverance Baptist Church Gospel Choir (Director/Pastor Lorenzo Hall) and the Reading Community Gospel Choir (Reading PA - Director Lewis Fains).

Mary Ellen is known as a woman of Great Faith who navigated the many responsibilities of life: Daughter, Sister, Mother, Aunt, Grand/Great Grand Mother, Friend, Confidant, Consoler, Songstress and Queen of the Homemade Yeast Rolls - ‘’you better ask somebody”!

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her mother, Louise and father Bert; her daughter, Lisa L. Huertas; brothers, John Tarboro, Bert Tarboro III and former husband, Hulie M. Diggs.

Mom will be fondly remembered by her Children, Taaz T. Crossley (Joseph) and Hulie M. Diggs; Grandchildren: Wynton (Tiera) Crossley, Sterling Crossley, Vincent Diggs, Maricella (Charles) Johnson, Asia (Jude) Saforo, and Camille Huertas; Great Grandchildren: Micah Saforo, Immanuel Saforo and Nathaniel Saforo.

Services:  Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Saturday, July 25th from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, followed by her funeral service at 11:00AM all from Grace Deliverance Baptist Church, 74 East Broad Street, Bethlehem.  Cremation will take place after services.  Burial will be private at Fairview Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to JAMES FUNERAL HOME, 527 Center Street, Bethlehem. (Please park in the funeral home parking lot for the viewing and service.)