Erika Stephens Wiggins

Erika Tremayne Stephens-Wiggins also known as “Dude” was a radiant light in the lives of all who were blessed to know her. Born on February 7, 1975, Erika entered the world with a spirit full of warmth, strength, and purpose—qualities that would define her life and legacy. On December 31, 2025, she peacefully transitioned, leaving behind a love so deep and a presence so powerful that it will forever echo in the hearts of her family, friends, and community.

Erika was raised in Ruffin, South Carolina, where she attended Ruffin High School and proudly graduated in 1993. From her early years, she was known for her charisma, her unmistakable sense of humor, and her outspoken honesty. Erika had a way of filling a room with laughter—her jokes, playful teasing, and quick wit were a source of joy to everyone around her. Yet beneath that vibrant personality was a woman of remarkable depth, compassion, and resilience.

As a devoted and faithful member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Ruffin, SC. Erika’s love for God and her church family was evident in the way she lived her life. Her faith anchored her through every season, giving her strength in trying times and humility in moments of triumph. She believed deeply in caring for others, often putting the needs of those she loved far above her own.

Early in life, Erika embraced her role as a devoted wife and mother, raising her family with unwavering love and dedication in Cottageville, South Carolina. Being a mother was not just something she did—it was who she was. Her children, Mercendia, Anthony, and Jamell, were the pride and joy of her life. She poured her heart into them, teaching them the values of hard work, kindness, resilience, and love. Erika was fiercely protective, endlessly supportive, and deeply proud of the people her children became.

Her heart grew even fuller when she became a grandmother to Ryan and Roman. Erika cherished her grandchildren beyond measure. She delighted in their laughter, their milestones, and the simple joy of being present in their lives. To them, she was not just “Nani”—she was comfort, warmth, and unconditional love.

Erika was known as a tireless worker and a woman of integrity. She dedicated over ten years of loyal service to Jaxco Industries, where she was respected for her strong work ethic, dependability, and dedication. Never one to shy away from growth or new challenges, Erika later made the bold decision to step into something new and exciting, beginning a new chapter at Clean Management Environmental. Her courage to embrace change reflected the bravery and eagerness within her—a woman who never stopped striving, learning, and moving forward.

Above all else, Erika was a giver. She loved deeply and without limits—her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, and coworkers all held a special place in her heart. She had a natural ability to make people feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether through a listening ear, a comforting word, or a perfectly timed joke, Erika showed up for others in the ways that mattered most.

Erika was strong—strong in spirit, strong in love, and strong in the face of life’s challenges. She was a fighter who endured with grace and courage, never allowing hardship to dim her light. She was undeniably beautiful, inside and out, possessing a soul that radiated kindness, sincerity, and love.

Although she is no longer physically with us, Erika Tremayne Stephens Wiggins leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years alone. Her life was indeed one of service, laughter, resilience, and joy unconditional love. She lives on in every lesson she taught, every laugh she shared, and every heart she touched.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories her mother: Bernetha Hudson Stephens of Walterboro, South Carolina. Her children: Mercendia Asaage Stephens (Robert) of Walterboro, South Carolina; Anthony Allen Wiggins II and Jamell Allen Wiggins of Cottageville, South Carolina; Two beautiful grandsons: Ryan Amir Crawford and Roman Armani Crawford of Walterboro, South Carolina. She also leaves behind to cherish her legacy a host of loving siblings: Sandra Jenkins-Stephens of Stamford, Connecticut; Anthony McNeil Stephens (Linda) of Germantown, Maryland; Sonya Stephens of Walterboro, South Carolina; Gerald Stephens (Barbara) of Sumter, South Carolina; Parez Stephens (Barbara) of Ruffin, South Carolina; Scott Stephens (Jamie) of Walterboro, South Carolina; Mary Stephens-Breland (Harvell) of Walterboro, South Carolina; Tammy Stephens-Breland (Melvin) of Ruffin, South Carolina; Shajobia Stephens-Brown (Nathaniel) of Walterboro, South Carolina; Patrick Stephens of Ruffin, South Carolina. She leaves behind Anthony Allen Wiggins of Cottageville, South Carolina; A special friend Jaermel Wilson of Walterboro, South Carolina. She also leaves behind a grand host of nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; cousins; friends; and church families.

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