Dr. Kayla June McKinney Wiggins, a devoted professor of English at Martin Methodist College, passed away on October 4th, 2023, at her home in Giles County, surrounded by her beloved family. Born on August 27th, 1955, in Big Spring, Texas, Dr. Wiggins dedicated 68 years to a life enriched by the love of learning and teaching. Her passion for the theater was equaled only by her love for family. Known for her strong will and outspoken nature, she leaves a lasting legacy.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Mac McKinney and Billie Eskew, and her brother, Randy McKinney. She is survived by her loving husband, Mike Wiggins of Pulaski, Tennessee, her daughters, Dahn McDonald and Jennifer Lamberth of Pulaski, and cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to oversee the arrangements for Dr. Kayla June McKinney Wiggins, whose memory will forever resonate in our hearts.

Please follow to view Dr. Wiggins’ obituary.

A memorial endowment for Dr. Kayla Wiggins is in progress. This is an unrestricted endowment for the drama department. For more information, https://giving.utsouthern.edu/wiggins.

The University of Tennessee Southern is a liberal-arts university established in 2021 through the acquisition of Martin Methodist College, founded in 1870. Located in Pulaski, UT Southern stands as the fourth undergraduate campus in the UT System. It is the only public four-year institution of higher education between Chattanooga and Memphis, and situated along Tennessee’s southern border, the campus is conveniently located about 70 miles south of Nashville and 40 miles north of Huntsville, Alabama.