Alabama Obituaries

Fatal Accident - Mr. G. B. Higginbotham, a young man, residing between Camden and Prairie Bluff, in Alabama, was accidentally killed by the discharge of his gun on the 5th inst. He was loading one of the barrels of the gun while carelessly standing near the edge of his mother's piazza, when the piece slipped , and one of the hammers of the lock struck on a step, causing the explosion of the loaded barrel. The contents entered his side, and he died in a few minutes.

Mrs. Higginbotham, wife of Burl Higginbotham, died at Chulafinnee on Nov. 24th, in her 64th years. She had been greatly afflicted for several years. For more than forty years she had been a faithful consistent member of the M.E. Church as was shown by her daily life. As a wife and mother she set a shining example. Her death has cast gloom over the community in which she so long and usefully lived. The sympathies of many friends go out to the bereaved husband and children.

Mrs. Nancy L. Higginbotham died at home in Edwardsville last Saturday night after a long illness. She was a consecrated Christian woman, having joined the church in early life, she remained true to the teachings of the master. Funeral service was held at the M.E. Church and her body laid to rest in the Edwardsville cemetery Monday. Many of her Heflin friends attended the funeral.

J.D. Higginbotham, a well-known citizen of this city, died Monday at his home on West Fourteenth Street, and the funeral services were held from the late residence of the deceased on Tuesday afternoon a 3 o'clock. The Rev. R.M. Phiffer conducting the ceremony.

Mr. Higginbotham is survived by his wife, one son and two daughters. Interment at Edgemont followed the services at the family residence.

Birmingham, Ala., Aug. 5. - Zora Bell Higginbotham, 16, and her sister, Mary Ruth, 11, were drowned late yesterday at Edgewater Lake, near here, when the younger girl got into deep water while wading and her sister went to her assistance. The bodies were rescued shortly afterwards. Efforts at resuscitation proved futile.

Pleasant Grove News 11/25/1926
Mary Elizabeth Watson Higginbotham (1845-1926) AL

We are sorry to report that Aunt Bett Higginbotham passed away last Monday
night the 15th. We all hope to meet her again in the sweet bye and bye.

E. L. Higginbotham, 38, well known man of this city, died at his home at 2320 Gurnee Avenue at 12:30 o'clock Tuesday morning following an illness of about two weeks.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at McCoy Methodist Church, Rev. Roy L. Hewett will be in charge of the services. Interment will be made in Edgemont cemetery.

Mr. Higginbotham was a member of the Masonic lodge and the Odd Fellow lodge at Blue Mountain and was a member of McCoy Methodist church. Members of the Blue Mountain lodge will be in charge of services at the grave.

Surviving are his widow, three daughters, Esta, Alice and Ruth Elizabeth, and one son, Ralph, all of this city, and his father. W. L Higginbotham, of Montgomery.

Pallbearers will be H. A. Smitherson, W. H. Fuller, M. S. Nowlin, W. E. Parker, L. C. Guier and Joe Wise.

Funeral services for S. H. Higginbotham, 80, who died at his home at Chulafinnee Sunday night following an illness of about two months, were held from the Chulafinnee Methodist church at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon, Rev. L.D. Tyson of Anniston officiating, and interment was in Chulafinnee local cemetery, with Usrey of Anniston in charge. Surviving are two sons, W.F. of Anniston and R.L. of California, and a daughter Mrs. Ike Hayes of Bremen, Ga.

Funeral services for H. M. Higginbotham, age 20, Alabama Power Company employee, who was drowned Monday morning while on a fishing trip at Mellon's Pond in Choccolocco Creek, were held at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at Chulafinnee Methodist Church, with the Rev. L. N. Claxton officiating. Burial was in Chulafinnee Cemetery, with Usrey directing.

Pallbearers were Fred Pool, P. E. Wine, C. J. Sanders, E. R. Stewart, M. J. Meaders and G. R, Krape.

Mr. Higginbotham was drowned when the boat which he and small boy were using in putting out a trot line plunged over the dam. The boy jumped out above the dam, and swam to shore, but Higginbotham stayed in the boat.

Alabama Power Company employees tried for more than an hour and a half to resuscitate Mr. Higginbotham, but their efforts were futile. The body had been in the water for about two hours when recovered.

Surviving are the widow, and three children, Mary, Mildred and Franklin Higginbotham; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Higginbotham of Oxford; three brothers, Ollis, Cecil and Carl Higginbotham, and two sisters, Mrs. C. R. Dunwoody, Chattanooga, and Mrs. W. W. Bennett of Anniston. He is also survived by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Hollis of near Chulafinnee.

Funeral services for Mrs. C. M. Higginbotham, age 28, of near Oxford who was drowned Thursday in the Alabama River near Montgomery while on a swimming party, were conducted at Chulafinnee Church at 4 o’clock this afternoon by the Rev. T. O. Slaughter, pastor of the First Christian Church. Interment was in Chulafinnee Cemetery with Usrey in charge.

Mrs. Higginbotham’s body was found about three miles downstream from the point where she stepped off a ledge of shallow water into the deep part of the river. Joe Stewart, a member of the swimming party, narrowly escaped drowning when he attempted to rescue Mrs. Higginbotham when she screamed for help. The body was found by searching parties late Sunday afternoon and was returned to Anniston early today.

Surviving Mrs. Higginbotham are her husband and her sister, Mrs. Mary McKeand whom she was visiting in Montgomery.

About a year ago, her brother-in-law, H. M. Higginbotham of the Alabama Power Company office here, was drowned in Mellon’s Mill pond near Oxford.

PELL CITY, Ala., Aug. 9 (U.P.) - The county grand jury today opened an investigation into the slaying of Macon Higginbotham, 38-year-old World War veteran who was beaten to death with a baseball bat here yesterday.

Held on murder charges in connection with the veteran's death was Troy Lee Voss, 23, a cotton mill worker. Higginbotham was slain in Voss' home, police said.

Deputy Sheriff George Lovell said Higginbotham was annoying a 17-year-old white girl employed as a cook in the Voss home, when Voss ordered him to stop. He refused and Voss struck him with the bat, the deputy said.

Mrs. Sallie McMichael passed away on Monday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Horace Nations, at Acmar, after a lingering illness.

Funeral services were conducted at Mt. Carmel Church in Cordova on Wednesday afternoon. The body lay in state at the church from noon until two o'clock. The Rev. Gus Nichols officiated, assisted by Rev. McClesky.

Mrs. McMichael formerly made her home in Cordova, but for the past several years she has lived in Acmar with her daughter. To know Mrs. McMichael was to love her. She was always so kind and pleasant. She was a good neighbor, loving mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed. The beautiful floral offerings and the messages of love to the bereaved ones showed the high esteem in which she was held.

She leaves to survive one daughter, Mrs. Horace Nations, of Acmar; two sons, John McMichael of Birmingham, and Vilas McMichael of Cordova' Her mother, Mrs. W. H. Higginbotham; two sisters, Mrs. Jim Nelson and Mrs. Jimmie Haynes of Cordova; one brother, Mr. Tip Higginbotham of Cordova, and several grandchildren and a host of friends.

Funeral services were conducted from the Union Church in Clay County this afternoon for little Mary Zoe Higginbotham, the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F.O. Higginbotham of 708 Leighton Avenue, who died at the local hospital at 7:30 o'clock last night. The Rev. Clinton Mulalley officiated at the services. Interment was in the church cemetery, with Jones in charge.

Surviving are the parents and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. S.V. Higginbotham of Oxford.

A pall of gloom was cast over this community when the shocking news came of the sudden death of little Gerald Higginbotham, age two years, on April 26. He is survived by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Gardner Higginbotham, and one brother, Erskin. Interment took place in the Bottoms Cemetery, with Toney Rainey in charge.

Fort Myers, Jan. 16. - Sgt. Brooks Higginbotham of Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Sgt. Alvin J. Vrewer of Birmingham, Ala., were killed when an Army light bomber plunged into the Gulf of Mexico off Sanibel Island, officials at Page Field here announced.

The body of Sgt. Higginbotham was recovered and a search was underway for the other victim's body.

HIGGINBOTHAM - Mrs. Margaret Ophelia Higginbotham, age 66, of Nyota, Ala., passed away at the residence Thursday p.m. Surviving are the husband, J.R. Higginbotham; four sons, L.C., of Bradford; F.S., R.C. and J.C. Higginbotham, of Nyota; two daughters, Mrs. W.C. Armstrong and Mrs. C.T. Garner. Funeral services Friday 2:30 p.m. from the Hopewell Baptist Church. Interment adjoining cemetery. Vice directing.

Funeral services for Miss Nora Higginbotham were conducted last Wednesday at the home, the Rev. Willie Steelman officiating, with burial in Bottoms Cemetery.

She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Higginbotham; five sisters, Mrs. Oliver Pratt and Mrs. Claud Brakefield of Athens, Route 2; four brothers, Gardner, Ozell, Hubert and Junior Higginbotham, all of near Athens; five nieces and 10 nephews, two of whom are in the armed serves. Pallbearers were the brothers of the deceased, Gardner, Junior, Ozell and Hubert Higginbotham and Claud Brakefield and Oliver Pratt, brother-in-laws.

Navy Dead: Higginbotham, Louis Carlton, S1-c, USNR, wife, Mrs. Ruth Azalia Gorham Higginbotham, and father, George Ellie Higginbotham, Cullman.

HIGGINBOTHAM - James R. Higginbotham, age 70, passed away at the residence Nyota, Ala., Tuesday p.m. Survived by 2 daughters, Mrs. Maggie Lou Ella Armstrong, Mrs. Della Garner, Nyota; 4 sons, Chalmer Leroy Higginbotham, Dixiana, Ala.; F.S., Claude , and Clyde Higginbotham, Nyota, Ala.; 3 sisters. Funeral services from the Hopewell Baptist Church Thursday 2 p.m. Rev. John Calvert and Rev. Robert Brooks officiating. Interment adjoining cemetery. Vice directing.

Funeral services for Mrs. Emory L. Higginbotham, 58, of 2105 Gurnee Avenue who died Tuesday afternoon, were held this afternoon at 3 o'clock at McCoy Methodist Church, the Rev. R.L. Baker of Alabama City and the Rev. E.B. Ogburn officiating. Burial was in Edgemont Cemetery, Ursey in charge.

Mrs. Mary Louise Higginbotham, 39, wife of C. M. Higginbotham, died in her home in Eutaw early Sunday morning after an illness of three months. She was a native of Troy, Ala., but had lived in Eutaw 28 months.

Surviving are her husband, one son, Carl M. Higginbotham Jr., her father J. T. Jones of Troy, three brothers and three sisters.

The body was to be sent today to Troy for burial there at 10 a.m. Tuesday from the Union Hill Church by Jones and Spigener.

Sympathy is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Higginbotham in the loss of their infant daughter at Limestone Hospital on July 8th. The mother is doing fine.

Mrs. Hubert Higginbotham died Sept 11 about eight o'clock and was laid to rest in Mitchell cemetery Friday afternoon with Rainey in charge. Rev. Steelman conducted the services.

Pall bearers were Floyd and Elvis Dunnavant. Harold Smith, Joe Loggins, Dale Black and Fred Evans. She was 39 years of age and is survived by her husband and eight children, her mother, sisters, brothers and many friends. Our tenderest sympathy goes out to the many bereaved ones.

Funeral services for Glenda Jean Higginbotham, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie Ray Higginbotham of Bynum, who died at Anniston Memorial Hospital at 4 o'clock Sunday morning, were held Sunday afternoon at Coldwater Cemetery. Usrey was in charge.

The child is survived by her parents and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Higginbotham of Bynum and Mrs. Hary Russell.

Mrs. Bama H. Dunwoody Hieb, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Higginbotham of Oxford, died at Al Hambra, Calif., last night.

Mrs. Hieb is survived by her parents; three brothers, C.W. Higginbotham of Eutaw and C.R. Higginbotham and S.O. Higginbotham of Oxford; one sister, Mrs. Jack Bennett of Oxford; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Hieb was born and reared in Calhoun County and was a resident until a short time ago when she moved to California.

Mrs. Celler Mae Higginbotham, 18, died at Jackson's Clinic on October 31, just one year after her marriage. Her home was Anderson Route 1 and last rites were held at Anderson Church of Christ on Tuesday, November 2 and 2 p.m. Interment was in Mitchell Cemetery, McConnell directing. Rev. Gilbert Crutcher officiated.

She is survived by her husband, Alton Higginbotham; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Corum; three sisters, Mrs. Arlin Alexander, Mrs. Chester Farmer and Miss Othell Corum; one brother, James Earl.

Pallbearers were Lonnie, Hubert and Junior Ritter, Alton and Almond Corum and Arthur Brown.

Funeral services for Mrs. Lena M. Higginbotham, 56, who died yesterday at her residence at 615 East 22nd Street, were held at at 4 o'clock this afternoon at Pine Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. E.B. Ogburn officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery, Usery in charge.

Mrs. Higginbotham is survived by two brothers, George McNeal of Anniston and Charles McNeal of Gadsden; four sisters, Mrs. T.E. Bonds of Anniston, Mrs. Mary Ballard of Bessemer, Mrs. Tom Statom of Gadsden, and Mrs. Joe Minzer of Galveston, Tex; and several nieces and nephews.

First cousins serving as pallbearers were: James and H.T. McNeal, Bass Huff, Oscar Dorris, and Arthur and Clarence Sims.

Irene Higginbotham Wilson (1893-1951) AL
WILSON - Mrs. Renie Wilson, age 57, Warrior, Ala., Route 1, passed away at the residence Tuesday p.m. Survived by the husband, Will Wilson; 1 daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Mae Youngblood; 4 sons, Barney, Freeman, Wilbur, Olen Wilson; 9 grandchildren; 4 sisters, 1 brother, 2 stepdaughters, 1 stepson. Funeral services from Bethel M.E. Church Thursday 2 p.m., interment adjoining cemetery, the Rev. Dewey Cato and the Rev. Marvin McCoy officiating. Vice directing.

Walter Franklin Higginbotham, 69, of 310 Munger Street, Oxford, died at 6 o'clock yesterday morning at his residence. He had been ill for the past year. A retired employee of the Southern Natural Gas Company, Mr. Higginbotham was born and reared at Chulafinnee in Cleburne County, but had resided In Oxford for the past 23 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Oxford. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Dular Higginbotham; three sons, S. O. and Cecil R. Higginbotham, both of Oxford, and C. M. Higginbotham of Eutaw; one daughter, Mrs. Lanier Bennett of Arlington, Va.; one brother, R. L. Higginbotham of El Central. Calif.; one sister, Mrs. Ike Haynes of Cullman; 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the Chulafinnee Methodist Church, with the Rev. Gerald Walker, the Rev. C. P. Brooks, and the Rev. Edwin Kimbrough officiating. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery, Usrey Funeral Home in charge. Active pallbearers were: Clyde Parnell, Ralph Nabors, W. M. Cornelius, E. D. Jordan, Henry Hollingsworth, and Joe Blue. Honorary pallbearers were: A. E. Patty, J. B. Hobbs, R. R. Pope, Murphy Cole, Dr. Irwin Boozer Dr. Hugh Gray, Dr. C. H. Day J. B. Self, W. A. Neal. J. M. Peoples, Melvin Bible, Roy Snead, and employees of the Southern Natural Gas Company.

Myra Sue Higginbotham, age four months, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Higginbotham of 524 Palmetto, died early this morning at Memorial Hospital, after an illness of three months. Funeral services will be held at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the Glen Addle Baptist Church with the Rev. G. D. White officiating. Burial will be in Edgemont Cemetery, Usrey in charge. Besides the parents, the child is survived by two brothers, Robert Earl and Billy Wayne Higginbotham; the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Crossley of Anniston and Chess Higginbotham of Lakeview.

Mrs. Izora Johnson, 88, of Delta, Rt. 1, dies at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon at her home.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Pleasant Hill Church by the Rev. Barnett Moore and the Re. Charlie Mange. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery. Jones is in charge.

Mrs. Johnson is survived by five sons, Dave and Plemon Johnson of Delta, George Johnson of Fort Payne, Melvin Johnson of Anniston and Joe Johnson of Birmingham; four daughters, Mrs. T. O. Moore and Mrs. A. C. Jones of Delta, Mrs. Wilma Howell of Abilene, Tex., and Mrs. Byron Davis of Sweetwater, Tex.; a sister, Mrs. J. O. Striplin of Hico, Tex.; 64 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

HIGGINBOTHAM - Cpl. Bobby Higginbotham, age 20, of Pinson, Rt. 1, passed away Friday p.m. in Tallapoosa, Ga. Survived by the parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.M. Higginbotham; 3 brothers, Newman, Doyle and Thomas Higginbotham; 1 sister, Mrs. Willie Mae Hancock. Funeral service from the Hopewell Baptist Church, Monday 2 p.m. Interment adjoining cemetery, the Rev. Dunnigan officiating. Brown, Norwood, directing.

Homer Crossley, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Higginbotham, Mr. and Mrs. Chess Higginbotham and Mrs. Nell Nunley attended the funeral of the late Harold Higginbotham of Montgomery Thursday.

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Morrison, 70, of Delta, Rt. 1, died last night at Memorial Hospital at 11 o'clock following an illness of one day. She was a lifelong resident of the Delta community and was a member of the Delta Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon at the Abel Church with the Rev. M. V. Steadham officiating. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery, Usrey directing. Survivors include her husband, John W. Morrison; three daughters, Mrs. C. C. Gann of Birmingham, Mrs. J. L. Pate of Anniston and Mrs. W. C. Burrell of Bakersfield, Calif.; five sons, H. R. Morrison of Oxford, the Rev. T. E. Morrison of Milbry, Clifton Morrison and A. N. Morrison of Anniston and W. E. Morrison of Delta, Rt. 1; four brothers, Dudley Higginbotham, Vernon Higginbotham and Chess Higginbotham of Anniston and George Higginbotham of Gadsden; two sisters, Mrs. Ellen Spears of Delta, Rt. 1, and Mrs. Lonnie Messer of Tarboro, N. C. ; 31 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Grandsons will act as pallbearers. The body will lie in state until just prior to services at the home of H. R. Morrison, 704 Hale St., Oxford.

Mrs. W. D. Higginbotham, 70, of 3004 Noble St. Died this morning at the hospital after a long illness. A resident of Calhoun County for 19 years, she was a member of the Nazarene Church and had come here from Cleburne Couty.

Funeral services will be Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 at Usery Chapel with burial in Forestlawn Gardens. The Rev. Oxford Myers will officiate.

Survivors include the husband, W. D. Higginbotham; two daughters, Mrs. Hillard Green and Mrs. Albert Shaddix, all of Anniston; two sons, Hermon C. Higginbotham of Anniston and Manning E., Clifton, N.Y.; Five sisters, Mrs. Essie Taylor of Geraldine, Mrs. Perla Fetner of Anniston, Mrs. Leola Strickland of Gadsden, Mrs. Flora Clifton of Hennegar, Mrs. Myra Womack, Gadsden; one brother, Dewey Pate of Ft. Payne; 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Active pallbearers will be George Myers, Dr. Hugh Gray, Dr. James Williams Jr., Dr. William G. White, Dr. I. M. Boozer, Herbert Smith, Charles Harbin, Dort Dees, Winston Morrison, the Rev. D. D. Parker, the Rev. Cecil Harrington and Charles Bentley.

Mrs. Lizzie Teague, 70, of Heflin, Rt. 3 died yesterday at 8:30 p.m. in her residence following along illness.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 2 p.m. in the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church near Heflin with the Rev. Zakie Carpenter officiating. Gantharp Funeral Home of Heflin will be in charge of the burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Surviving are the husband, Austin Teague; one son, Hop Teague; one brother, Virgil Higginbotham and one sister, Mrs. Irene Kennedy.

William Dudley Higginbotham, 77, 3804 Noble St., died Tuesday in St. Clair County Nursing Home following a long illness.

Funeral services will be held at the Noble Street Baptist Church at 3 p.m. Thursday with the Rev. O.D. Parker officiating.

Usrey of Anniston will be in charge and burial will be in the Forestlawn Memorial Gardens. The Body will lie in state at the home of Mrs. Vera Shaddix, 2221 Gurnee Ave., prior to the services.

The retired merchant is survived by two sons, Herman of Anniston and Manning E. of Clifton, N.J.; two daughters, Mrs. Vera Shaddix of Anniston and Mrs. Hillard M. Green of Anniston; three brothers, S.V. Higginbotham and C.L. Higginbotham of Anniston and George Higginbotham of Gadsden; two sisters, Mrs. Ellen Spears of Lineville and Mrs. Lonie Messer of North Carolina; 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Active pallbearers will be J.L. Dempsey, Ralph Hill, Leonard Hill, D.A. Deese, Russell Morrison and Flavo Higginbotham.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Davis and Dr. Moseley of Leeds, H. Stewart, C.R. Colquit, Gordon Willingham and C.H. Bentley.

Opelika, Ala. - Mrs. Louise Higgenbotham, 40, Opelika, died early Tuesday in Lee County Hospital here, following a lengthy illness.

Funeral will be held today at 2 p.m. (CST) at the local First Baptist Church, with the Rev. W.F. Wagner, pastor, conducting the service.

Burial will be in the local Garden Hill cemetery, with Frederick's Funeral Home of Opelika in charge.

A native of Troy, Ala., Mrs. Higginbotham was a member of the First Baptist Church here.

Survivors are her husband, G.J. Higginbotham, Opelika; two daughters, the Misses Linda and Betty Higginbotham, both of Opelika; mother, Mrs. J.W. Knight, Troy; and five sisters, Mrs. A.N. Stephens and Mrs. Aubrey Floyd, both of Troy; Mrs. Homer Colley, Opelika; Mrs. James Jackson, Columbus, Ga., and Mrs. Lamar Morgan, Brantley, Ala.

West Blockton - Funeral services for Mrs. Annie Mae Higginbotham, 60, of West Blocton Rt. 2, were to be held at 1 pm today at the Lucille Baptist Church with the Rev. Troy Martin officiating. Burial was to be in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery with the Jack Lee Funeral Home in charge.

Survivors include her husband, Abner B. Higginbotham; a son, Oscar L. Higginbotham of Birmingham; two daughters, Mrs. J. David Wright of Bessemer and Mrs. J. Aubrey Mink of West Blocton; a sister, Mrs. William Baldwin of West Blocton; two brothers, John Scott of Bessemer and Fred Scott of New Orleans; and five grandchildren.

William James Higginbotham, 69, of Bynum died at the Veterans Hospital in Birmingham Tuesday after a short illness.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Antioch Baptist Church with the Rev. Alton Kirk and Bill Harris officiating. Burial will be in the adjacent cemetery with Gray Brown Service Mortuary in charge.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lula C. Higginbotham; three sons, Johnnie Ray, Charles William and Jack, all of Bynum; one daughter, Mrs. Kelly F. Prady of Runtsville; three sisters, Mrs. Effie McGuffie and Mrs. Dora St. John, both of Ragland, and Mrs. Corene Bice of Wattsville; one brother, Dallas Higginbotham of Ragland; three half-brothers, Jesse, Austin, and Bud Rainy of Ragland; seven grandchildren.

Active pallbearers will be Denny Cofield, Ralph Thornton, Jackie Thompson, Enos Holmes, Marvin Bentley, and Jimmy Lindsey.

Honorary pallbearers will be Buddy Singleton, John Pilkington, Walter Hurst, Will Bentley, and Bill Murphy.

Mr. Higginbotham had lived in Calhoun County since 1944. He was a retired employee of Anniston Ordnance Depot and a veteran of World War I.

Mrs. Carrie Whitlock, 71, of 217 Main St., Oxford, died unexpectedly at 4:20 p.m., Thursday at Anniston Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at the residence Sunday at 11 a.m., with burial in Box Cemetery near Ragland with Gray Brown-Service Mortuary in charge.

She is survived by one son, J. E. Whitlock of Oxford; one daughter, Mrs. Ruby Kelly of Oxford; one sister, Mrs. Fannie Summers of Coldwater; one brother, Claude Higginbotham of Coldwater; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Mae Etta Higginbotham, 68, of 3807 George St, died at Anniston Memorial Hospital Wednesday at 4 p.m., after a long illness.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m., at Mount Zion Church of Christ in Clay County with Ervin Strickland and the Rev. Charlie Mange officiating. Burial will be in Forestlawn Gardens with Gray Brown-Service Mortuary in charge.

She is survived by her husband, Sanders V. Higginbotham; three sons, F. C. of Anniston, J. F. of Oxford and F. V. of Fontana, Calif.; three daughters, Mrs. C. L. Hassel of East Gard, Ind., Mrs. Ellen Boyd of Mentone, Calif., and Mrs. Barbara Hayes of Fontana, Calif.; two brothers, Marvin Carter of Savannah, Ga., and John Carter of Oxford; two sisters, Mrs. Josie Burchfield of Lineville and Mrs. Myrtle Chandler of Boaz; 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Ralph Hill, Leonard Hill, Robert Denson, B. F. Traywick, R. D. Gann, Johnny Deese.

Mrs. Higginbotham had resided in Anniston for 29 years. A former resident of Clay County, she was a member of the Mount Zion Church of Christ in Clay County.

Gary Higgenbotham, 5, of Birmingham was killed when a car struck him near his home Thursday.

Graveside services will be held Saturday at l p.m. at Oxford City Cemetery, Gray Brown-Service in charge.

He is survived by one brother, H. H. Higginbotham of Atlanta; one sister, Mrs. A. Z. Heard of Auburn, and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Higginbotham, a native of Oxford had lived in Alexandria, La., the past several years. He was a veteran of World War 1 and a retired railroad employee.

A 41 year old Anderson Rt. 1, man was drowned last night (Monday) when he slipped off a high bluff and fell into the Tennessee River at Lucy's Branch picnic area, according to Limestone County Coroner Charlie Sammett.

Loren Higginbotham, slipped into the river about 11:15 p.m., and his body was recovered about 12:25 a.m., by the Athens Limestone County Rescue Squad. Apparently he had walked too close to a large bluff that over looks the river near the picnic area, the coroner reported.

Limestone County law officers said William Thomas Whitworth 35, Athens Rt. 5, and Higginbotham were returning from Huntsville and stopped for a brief rest at Lucy's Branch.

Whitworth told Limestone County Sheriff M. W. (Buddy) Evans he heard a scream and a splash and ran to aid Higginbotham who apparently could not swim.

He said after jumping into the river at one time he had a hand hold on his shirt but could not bring him to safety.

After rescue efforts failed Whitworth went to the home of Mrs. William Vinson, Athens Rt. 5, to summon help and request she call authorities.

Athens Limestone County Rescue officials said the body was recovered after approximately 15 minutes in about 10 feet of water and 25 feet from the bank.

Opelika, Ala. - Funeral for Donald Wayne Higginbotham, 3-1/2 , who died Tuesday, will be at 2 p.m. (CST). Burial will be in Garden Hills Cemetery.

Survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Higginbotham, Opelika; a brother, Edward Philip Higginbotham, Opelika; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ora Kelly, Bratt, Fla.; and paternal grandmother, Mrs. Mary E. Higginbotham, Opelika.

Dock Higginbotham, 88, of Anniston, Rt. 4, died Sunday in a Birmingham hospital after a short illness.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 1 p.m., at Oak Ridge Baptist Church with the Rev. Lawrence Greenwood officiating. Burial will be in Munford Cemetery. Gray Brown-Service Mortuary in charge.

Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Sarah Pilgreen, Mrs. Lula May Murray and Mrs. Ada Mae Johnson of Anniston and Mrs. Cora Lee Ponder of Oxford; four sons, D. C. and Wesley Higginbotham of Anniston, Robert Higginbotham of Birmingham and Jack Higginbotham of California; 2 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Davis, Louis Higginbotham, James Slaughter, Glen Williams, Johnny Sims and Johnny Bean.

A resident of Calhoun County most of his life, Mr. Higginbotham was a retired moulder.

The body will lie at the residence of D. C. Higginbotham until time of services.

HIGGINBOTHAM, Mrs. Velma L., age 67, of Star Rt., Pinson, passed away Thurs. a.m. at the residence. Survived by 1 son, Wallace Higginbotham; 1 brother, Mr. Will Proctor of Pinson; 1 sister, Mrs. Minnie Thomas of Pinson; 1 grandson, Wallace Higginbotham, Jr. Funeral services Sat. 2 p.m. at Roebuck Chapel. Interment Hopewell Cemetery, Rev. Wallace Higginbotham officiating. Active pallbearers, J.A. Dorman, Herman Higginbotham, Howard Thomas, Donald Bradley, Bill Ward, Bill Russell. Ridout's Brown-Service, Roebuck Chapel directing.

WASHINGTON (AP) – Two Alabama soldiers have been killed in action in

Vietnam

, the Pentagon said Monday.

They were Pfc. Richard L. Higginbotham of Scottsboro and Pfc. Leroy Nelson of Theodore.

Their deaths raise to 1,003 the unofficial tally of Alabamians killed in action in the conflict in Southeast Asia.

MARION M. HIGGINBOTHAM, 78, Pinson, who died Wednesday, was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County. He was a retired coal miner and a member of Massey Line Church of God. Funeral was today at Massey Line Church of God with burial in Hopewell Cemetery, Roebuck Chapel directing. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Mrs. John Hancock, Center Point; three sons, Newman Higginbotham, Thomas Higginbotham and Doyle Higginbotham; two brothers, Alvin Higginbotham and Will Higginbotham, and a sister, Mrs. Etta Mae McAbee, all of Pinson.

Horace D. Higginbotham, Sr. 83 of Belle Ave., Tarrant who died Sunday was a native of Jefferson Co. He was a retired employee of L&N Railroad and was a supervisor of the night staff at the Athens Building. He was a member of Boyles United Methodist Church for 55 years. Funeral will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Brown-Service Norwood with burial in Forest Hill. Survivors include three sons, H. D. Higginbotham, Jr., and Cecil W. Higginbotham both of Birmingham, and James E. Higginbotham, Tarrant; three daughters, Mrs. Evelyn Isaacs and Mrs. Era Ruth Horn both of Tarrant, and Mrs. Betty Ann Redmond, Hueytown; two brothers, Oscar Higginbotham, Tarrant, and Bernard Higginbotham, Village Springs, and a sister, Mrs. Clara Clark, Los Angeles, Calif.

PELL CITY - Mrs. Grady Carlisle Bell, 59, of Bellflower, Calif., died Wednesday at a Longview, Tex., hospital after a brief illness.

Funeral services were scheduled today at 2 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church in Ragland with the Rev. John Hastins officiating. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery with Kilgore Funeral Home in charge.

Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Sarah Chapman of Los Angeles, Mrs. Carolyn Sue Walker of Montgomery and Mrs. Yvonne Shaffer of Indiana; two sons, Edward James Carlisle of Auburndale, Fla., and William Carlisle of Haines City, Fla.; three sisters, Mrs. Katie Phillips, Mrs. Minnie Phillips and Mrs. Lucy St. John, all of Ragland; three brothers, Robert Higginbotham and Buddy Higginbotham, both of Ragland, and Bradford Higginbotham of Longview, Tex.; 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Ralph Higginbotham, an Anniston civic leader who helped her husband found Higginbotham Incorporated Printers, died at her home this morning. She was 55.

The daughter of Henry L. Burnham of Jacksonville, Mrs. Higginbotham was an active member or Anniston civic clubs. She was a past president of the Women’s Civic Club, a member of the Forthian Club and a Pink Lady at Anniston Memorial Hospital. She was a member or Parker Memorial Baptist Church, where she worked in the Intermediate department.

She worked together with her husband to round their business in 1946, and continued working there until 1953.

Mrs. Higginbotham, who lived at 336 Wildwood Road, is survived by her husband, Ralph O. Higginbotham; two daughters. Miss Diane Higginbotham of New York City and Nancy H. Bryson of Manchester. Ga.; a son, Danny Higginbotham of Anniston , and her father, Henry L. Burnham of Jacksonville.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at Parker Memorial Baptist Church. The Rev. Charles Martin will conduct the service. Gray Brown Service Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. W. F. Higginbotham, 93, formerly of Oxford, died Thursday in Arlington, Va., after a short illness.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at Chulafinnee Methodist Church, Cleburne County, with Dr. Eli Landrum officiating. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery with Gray Brown-Service Mortuary in charge.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Robert M. Bartell of Arlington, Va.; two sons, F. O. Higginbotham of Oxford, and Cecil R. Higginbotham of Anniston; a sister, Miss Dovie Hollis of Heflin; three brothers, Chester V. Hollis and Gwin Hollis. both of Heflin, and Gaston B. Hollis of Anniston; 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Samuel S. Higginbotham, F. V. Higginbotham, Joel Gray Bennett, James E. Brooks Jr., Luther Wayne Oliver, Donald R. Oliver, Richard Brooks and Randall Brooks.

Mrs. Higginbotham was a native of Cleburne County and lived in Calhoun County most of her life.

Claude Higginbotham, 76, of 1027 Constantine Ave., Anniston, died Friday in Anniston Memorial Hospital after a long illness.

Funeral services will be today at 2 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church in Ragland, Ala., with Rev. J. W. Minton officiating. Burial will be in Box Cemetery in Ragland with Gray Brown-Service Mortuary directing.

Survivors include a niece, Mrs. Gladys Freeman of Anniston and a number of other nieces and nephews.

Mr. Higginbotham, a native of Ragland , had lived in Calhoun County 25 years and was a member of Providence Baptist Church in Ragland.

CENTRE - Mrs. Willie Frances Higginbotham, 90, of Leesburg, died Thursday at Cherokee County Nursing Home after a long illness.

Funeral services were scheduled today at Perry Funeral Home with the Rev. Glover Garmon and the Rev. Eulis Hughes officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Survivors include five sons, Carl Higginbotham of Chicago, Ill., Otis Higginbotham of Centre, Junis Higginbotham of Leesburg, John Higginbotham of Detroit, Mich., and R. B. Higginbotham of Gadsden; two daughters, Mrs. Lois Watkins of Detroit, Mich., and Mrs. Juanita Gomez of Chicago, Ill.; a brother, Henry Sherbert of Collinsville; two grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Carl Higginbotham. Walter Higginbotham, James Turner, James Farrington, Bobby Farrington, Melvin Sherbert, Walter Roberts and J.W. Pollard.

CENTRE - Mrs. Tressie Jane Smith, 79, of Collinsville, died Monday at Cherokee County Hospital after a long illness.

Services were scheduled for today at 11 a.m. at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church with the Rev. Rodney Yarbrough and the Rev. Troy Chamblee officiating. Burial was to be in the adjoining cemetery with Jordan Funeral Home in charge.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Ruby Hudgins of Leesburg, and Mrs. Mary Harding of Chattanooga, Tenn.; a son, Howard Smith of Collinsville; a sister, Mrs. Delia Murphy of Collinsville; a brother, Gordon Higginbotham of Leesburg; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Smith was a native of Cherokee County and a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church No. 2.

Alice Hickenbottom, 79, of Los Angeles, and formerly of Anniston, died Friday in Los Angeles after a short illness.

Survivors include four sons, Lonnie Higginbotham of Anniston , Joseph Higginbotham, Charles Higginbotham and Paul Higginbotham, all of Los Angeles; and four daughters, Mrs. Sylvia Greggs, Mrs. Lillian Smullen, Mrs. Kay Aston and Mrs. Chris King, all of Los Angeles.

Mrs. Hickenbottom was the sister of the late Marshall, Lon and Coleman Welch of Anniston.

Funeral services will be conducted today at 2 p.m. at New Prospect Church for Mrs. Nellie A. Higginbotham, 76, Cullman 1. Mrs. Higginbotham, a housewife, died Monday afternoon at Doctor’s Hospital. The body will lie in state today from 1-2. She is survived by her husband, W. G. Higginbotham; three sons, Hick, Wayne, and Don Ray Higginbotham; three daughters, Mrs. Ellen Baulet, Mrs. Mildred Rye, and Mrs. Jackie Fell; five sisters, Mrs. Lela Moon, Mrs. Letha Nelson, Mrs. Roxie Thomas, Mrs. Annie Russell, and Mrs. Opal Huff; three brothers, Willie, Woodrow, and Sammie Wilson; 18 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

CENTRE - Otis Wesley Higginbotham. 60. of Centre died Saturday in Atlanta after a long illness. Services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at Perry Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev Frank Teal officiating. Burial will be in Cherokee Memorial Gardens. Survivors include his wife. Mrs. Joe Strawn Higginbotham four brothers. Carl W. Higginbotham of Chicago, Ill, R B Higginbotham of Gadsden, Junis A Higginbotham of Leesburg and John Roy Higginbotham of Detroit. Mich.; and two sisters. Mrs. Juanita Gomez of Chicago, Ill. and Mrs. Lois Watkins of Detroit. Mich. Pallbearers will be W L Roberts. Kenneth Hale. J W Pollard. Leonard Coker. Troy O'Neal. Kell Chandler. Alfred Bobo and Charlie Sommers. Mr Higginbotham was a native of DeKalb County and a veteran of World War II. The family will receive friends today from 6-9 p m.

Funeral services for Mr. Donald Duane Higginbotham, 17, Rt. 4 Athens, were yesterday at 2 p.m. at the Sardis Springs Baptist Church with Bro. Calvin Inman and Bro. Hershel Blalock officiating. Burial followed in the Bottoms Cemetery with Spry Funeral Home in charge. Mr. Higginbotham died Saturday night. Mr. Higginbotham is survived by the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Erskin Higginbotham of Athens; one sister, Miss Jennifer Higginbotham of Athens; one brother, Mr. James Christopher Higginbotham of Athens; the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. BXT. Higginbotham of Athens. Mr. Higginbotham was a student at East Limestone High School and a member of the Sardis Springs Baptist Church.

Funeral services for William David (Baby Bill) Higginbotham, age two months, of Harvest Rt. 1, will be held today at 2 p.m. at Parker Chapel Methodist Church. Burial will be in Huntsville Memorial Gardens with Pat Holbrook officiating. Spry Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Doyce Higginbotham of Harvest; two brothers, Jason Dale Chambers and Daniel Chambers; his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Billy Higginbotham of Harvest; Mr. Charles Johnson of Harvest; and Mrs. Ellen Johnson of Athens.

Clarksville, Ind. - Erbert Higinbotham, 81, formerly of Clarksville, died Friday in Ohatchee, Ala.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Higinbotham, a daughter, Ilene Webb of Borden; and two grandchildren.

Mrs. Evelyn Higginbotham Isaacs, 72, of Tarrant City, died Tuesday. She was a lifelong resident of Tarrant City. She was a member of Boyles United Methodist Church, and Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 104. Funeral will be at 2pm Thursday at Roebuck Chapel with burial in Forest Hill. Survivors include her husband, Clarence Isaacs; a son, Don Isaacs, a daughter, Mrs. Betty Ruth Handley, both of Center Point; two sisters Mrs. Betty Redmond, Hueytown and Mrs. Era Horn, Tarrant City and three brothers, Cecil and James Higginbotham, both of Tarrant City and Buddy Higginbotham of Vestavia Hills.

Myrtle Jaworski, age 52, of Huntsville, Alabama, died Wednesday, March 1, 1989, at Huntsville. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Yates.

Survivors include her husband, Joseph Jaworski; her father, George Higginbotham of Russell Springs; two sons, George Streeval of Greenwood, Indiana, and Marvin Streeval of Jackson, Mississippi; one daughter, Mary Jane Turner of Jamestown; seven sisters, Willie Ruth Freck, Elsie Lloyd, and Arvella Garner, all of Russell Springs, Ruby Hill and Viola Bunch of Jamestown, Helen Hadley of Clearwater, Florida, and Polly Hawkins of Greenwood, South Carolina; one brother, Rester Lee Higginbotham of Russell Springs; and six grandchildren.

Funeral services were Monday, February 28, 1989, 10:00 a.m. at the Rippetoe Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Larry Bissell officiating.

Funeral for Mrs. Thelma Marie Tully, 72, Birmingham, who died Monday, will be 10 a.m. today, Cathedral of St. Paul, burial Elmwood, Johns-Ridout's Southside directing. Retired South Central Bell. Survivors: son, Charles N. Flowers, LaGrange, N.C.; daughter, Mrs. Thelma Willene Flowers, Gadsden.

Birmingham - The funeral for Doris Jean Higginbotham, 75, 2640 First St., N.E., will be at 12:30 p.m. today at Roebuck Chapel Funeral Home, Birmingham, with the Revs. Gary Harper and Richard Cato officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Birmingham.

She died Thursday, August 1, 1991, at her residence.

She was a native of Mississippi, a member of Hughes Memorial Baptist Church, a nurse, a commercial artist and an elementary school teacher.

Survivors include her husband, the Rev. Wallace Darrell Higginbotham, Birmingham; her son, the Rev. Darrell Thomas Higginbotham, Birmingham; brothers, Cebron Allen Montgomery, Dexter Wood Montgomery, both of Belmont, Miss.; sisters, Miss Vera Ann Montgomery, Mary Alice Moore, both of Belmont, Mrs. Ella Edris Green, Rogersville.

Mr. Dentas M. Higginbotham, 84, of 31731 Stateline Road in Ardmore, TN, died Thursday, August 19, 1993 at Medical Center Hospital in Huntsville, AL. Funeral services were held Saturday, August 21, 1993 at 2:30 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dalton Warden officiating. Burial followed in Gatlin Cemetery with Taylor Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Mr. Higginbotham was a deacon of Macedonia Baptist Church and one of the church's original founders. Survivors include one son, Charles Higginbotham of Ardmore, TN; one daughter, Ann Whitt of Huntsville, AL; one sister, Tinnie Hardiman Smith of Ardmore; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Grace Turner Higginbotham, 84, of 11201 Watermelon Road, died Oct. 17, 1994, at Heritage Health Care Center.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Sunset Funeral Home. The Rev. Lawrence A. Rogers will officiate with burial in Bethel Presbyterian Cemetery and Sunset Funeral Home directing.

Pallbearers will be nephews Mike Smith, Greg Smith, Robert Tierce and Joe. R. Tierce. The Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 tonight at the funeral home.

Shirley Wallace Higginbotham, 45, of Pinson, daughter of an Opelika resident, died Monday at Medical Center East, Birmingham.

The funeral and burial will be 2 p.m. today at Society Hill Baptist Church, according to Jeffcoat Funeral Home, Opelika.

Mrs. Higginbotham was born Dec. 17, 1949, in Macon County, daughter of Carlton Wallace and Dorothy Stewart. She lived in Birmingham most of her life.

Survivors include her mother and stepfather, Fred and Dorothy Stewart of Opelika; two sons, Tommy Lee of Pinson and Scott Lee of the U.S. Navy; a brother, Carlton Wallace of Opelika; two sisters, Pam Wright of Pinson and Debbie Bowen of North Carolina.

Charles W. "Chuck" Higginbotham, 63 , formerly of Texas City, passed away Thursday, Dec. 14, 1995 in Mobile, Ala.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m., Monday at Grace Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. today at the Emken-Linton Funeral Home in Texas City.

Mr. Higginbotham was born Feb. 2, 1932 in Birmingham. Ala. He was a newspaper circulation manager and a former employee of the Texas City Sun.

Survivors include his daughters, Kathryn Higginbotham of Galveston and Elizabeth Reed of Austin; a brother, J.D. Higginbotham; grandchildren. Zachariah Higginbotham and Allen and Shannon Lang ; and special friends. Bill and Rita Lang.

Manning E Higginbotham, age 81 of Hokes Bluff, Ala, was a native of Clay County. He was a disabled Veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was a cattleman and resided in Etowah County over the past 30 years. He was a member of Union Baptist Church, Alabama Cattlemans Assn, and Old Hickory Lodge No 598 F&AM. He is survived by his wife, Sara Higginbotham; daughters, Linda Cassella, Nancy Murphree; son, Miles; brother, Herman; sister, Vera Shaddix; grandchildren.

Graveside service for James Paine Higginbotham, 84, of Decatur was to be today at 2 p.m. in Roselawn Cemetery with Charles Littrell officiating and Roselawn Funeral Home directing.

Mr. Higginbotham died Saturday, March 1, 1997, at Huntsville Hospital. He was born February 4, 1913, in Georgia. He was a member of the Church of Christ and was a World War II U.S. Army veteran. He worked in construction.

He is survived by his wife, Gwen Higginbotham; two brothers, Samuel Higginbotham of Cummings, Ga.; and Howard Higginbotham of Decatur, Ga; and three sisters, Mary McCord of Stone Mountain, Ga.; Marion Higginbotham of Tucker, Ga.; and Frances Tate of Hartwell, Ga.

Weaver, Al. Graveside services for Lulu J. Higginbotham, 86, will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at Anniston Memorial Gardens. Chapel Hill Funeral Home will be in charge. Mrs. Higginbotham died Thursday at Stringfellow Hospital. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Taylor of Weaver ; two sons; Larry Higginbotham of Meansville, Ga. and Donald Higginbotham of Tallapoosa, Ga.; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Mrs. Higginbotham, a Pine Grove, W.V. native, was a resident of Calhoun County for the past 23 years. She was a member of The Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church of Weaver.

Mr. Bailey Gardner (B. G.) Higginbotham, age 93, of 18640 Moorseville Road, Athens, AL, was born April 2, 1905 and died January 5, 1999.

Services were held Thursday, January 7, 1999 at 10:00 a.m. in the Limestone Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Kennum and Rev. Calvin Inman officiating. Interment was in Bottoms Cemetery (Limestone County, AL).

Survivors include wife, Edna Higginbotham; sons, James Erskin Higginbotham, Douglas Earl Higginbotham, and Milton Ray Higginbotham; 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson; brother, Ozell Higginbotham.

Birmingham Paper 04/24/1999
Betty Ann Higginbotham Redmond (1927-1999) AL
BETTY ANN HIGGINBOTHAM REDMON, Age 72 of Hueytown, Alabama died on April 22, 1999. She was born and grew up in Tarrant, Alabama, graduating from Jefferson County High School in 1945. She was a member of the Boyles Chapter of the Eastern Star. She was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for several years and served as a WMU Circle Leader for over 20 years. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Perry Redmond, Sr. of Hueytown; daughters, Peggy (Danny) Richey of Cropwell, and Elizabeth (Wayne) Bush of Clay; three sons, Perry Jr. (Ann) Redmond of Maryville, Tenn., Paul (Gina) Redmond of Hueytown, and Bruce Redmond of Hueytown; eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren; brothers, H.D. Higginbotham of Vestavia, James Higginbotham of Tarrant, and Cecil Higginbotham of Pinson; several nieces and nephews. Services will be Saturday, April 24, at 2:00 p.m. at Brown Service West Chapel in Hueytown with Burial in Forest Hills Cemetery in Birmingham. Rev. J. Paul Hunter and Peggy Merritt will be officiating. Brown Service West Chapel Funeral Home directing.

HARTSELLE -- Funeral for Kenneth L. Higginbotham, 66, of Hartselle will be Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home with the Rev. Sherril Hill and the Rev. David Lett officiating. Burial will be in Johnson Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends tonight from 6 to 9 at the funeral home. Mr. Higginbotham died Monday, Sept. 6, 1999, at his residence. He was born Nov. 5, 1932, in Limestone County, to William H. and Ettece J. Stanford Higginbotham. He made candy at Brach's Candy Co. in Chicago and was a Marine veteran. He is survived by his wife, Margret Nethery Higginbotham; two sons, Kenneth Lee Higginbotham of Hartselle and Daniel Raye Higginbotham of Falkville; one stepson, James Murrell Frazier of Hartselle; one daughter, Betty Juanita Niebres of Sleepy Hollow, Ill.; one stepdaughter, Debbie Richard of Birmingham; four brothers, Doyce J. Higginbotham and Billy R. Higginbotham, both of Hartselle, William E. Higginbotham of Orlando, Fla., and Donald W. Higginbotham of Gibsontown, Fla.; two sisters, Bobbie N. Lee of Hartselle and Carol Counts of Florence; five grandchildren and one step-grandson. Pallbearers will be Robert Puckett, Thomas Marshall, Lewis Rogers, John Chenault, Ray Kirby and Kenneth Standridge.

The Brunswick News 01/29/2000
Leona Higginbotham Jones (1916-2000) FL/AL
Leona Higginbotham Jones, 83, of Kingsland died Thursday (01/27/2000) in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
The funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church of Kingsland. Burial will follow at Lawnwood Cemetery with the Rev. Vernon Dillingham officiating.
The family will receive friends from 3 until 5 p.m. Sunday at Edo Miller-Dekle-Wainwright Funeral Home.
Surviving are a son, Ronald K. Jones of Tuscaloosa; three grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mrs. Jones was born in Nassau County, Florida. She moved to Camden County in the mid-1940s.
She retired from Barnett Bank, and was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Kingsland.

Graveside service for Gwen Higginbotham, 85, of Decatur will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at Roselawn Cemetery with Roselawn Funeral Home directing and Charles Littrell officiating.

The family will receive friends today from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mrs. Higginbotham died Friday, Jan. 19, 2001, at Sunbridge Care and Rehabilitation of Decatur. She was born May 13, 1915, in Decatur. She was a member of the Church of Christ and the widow of James Higginbotham.

Survivors include three grandsons, Terry Farish of Falkville, Mike Farish of Decatur, and Tim Farish of Phenix City; one granddaughter, Angie Burnham of Hickory, N.C.; and seven great-grandchildren.

GULF SHORES -- Jack Higginbotham, 81, died Monday, July 1, 2002, at a local health care facility. He was a native of Birmingham and a resident of Gulf Shores. Higginbotham retired from U.S. Steel where he worked as an accountant for many years. He was also a union arbitrator, and served in the U.S. Merchant Marines during World War II. He is survived by his wife, Mildred McCay Higginbotham of Gulf Shores; one son, Danny Higginbotham; one sister, Jane Omen of Sterling, Ill.; a brother, Mack Higginbotham of Gulf Shores; and four grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. today at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Bessemer. Arrangements are by Baldwin Funeral Home in Gulf Shores.

Daily Home 08/11/2002
Rachel Kay Higginbotham (1980-2002) AL
WEOGUFKA — Funeral service for Rachel Kay Higginbotham, 22, will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church in Sylacauga with the Rev. Jeff Finklea and the Rev. Danny Bynum officiating. Burial will be in Childersburg City Cemetery.
Miss Higginbotham died Aug. 9 at her residence in Weogufka.
She is survived by her parents, Frank J. Higginbotham Sr., and Judy Higginbotham of Weogufka; brothers, Frank Higginbotham Jr., and his wife Venessia of Germany, and Samuel Monroe Higginbotham of Weogufka; grandmothers, Vonna Higginbotham of Childersburg and Betty Gardner of Sylacauga; grandparents, Martha Hamilton and Maskon Hamilton of Sylacauga; and nephews, Corbin Higginbotham, Dalton Higginbotham and Blaine Higginbotham.
Pallbearers will be J.W. Gardner, Kent Gardner Sr., Jason Swint, Christopher Gardner, William Gardner, and Randall Foster.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home will direct the service.

Mack Higginbotham, 82, a native of Bessemer and resident of Gulf Shores, died Nov. 5, 2002.

Survivors include his wife, Ethel Mae Higginbotham of Gulf Shores; one daughter, Audret Fielder of Milton, Fla.; one son, Kenneth Higginbotham of Mobile; one sister, Jone Ommen of Sterling, Ill.; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Mattie Lou Chambers Higginbotham (1918-2003) AL

The funeral for Mattie Lou Higginbotham, 84, of Athens will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at McConnell Funeral Home with John Gibson officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery.

Mrs. Higginbotham died Tuesday, May 6, 2003, at the Athens Convalescent Center. She was born November 13, 1918, in Limestone County to Samuel Forrest Chambers and Myrtle Kate McKinney Chambers.

She was retired from Sweet Sue Kitchens and attended the Northside Church of Christ.

She is survived by her husband, James Ozell Higginbotham of Athens; two sons, Jimmy Higginbotham and Tim Higginbotham, both of Athens; four sisters, Ruth Fisk, Lucille Holt, Mary Swanner and Margaret Garner, all of Athens; six grandchildren, Gina Pierce, John Higginbotham, David Higginbotham, Bradley Higginbotham, Steven Higginbotham and Amy Higginbotham; and five great-grandchildren.

William Thomas "W.T." Higginbotham, 84, of Quinton died Wednesday, July 23, 2003, at his residence. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2003, at New Horizon chapel with burial in Shanghi Cemetery. Rev. Doug Tate will officiate. New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home is directing. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today, July 25, 2003, at New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home. He was retired from Frisco Railroad where he had worked as a car inspector. He was a member of Faith Worship Center in Sumiton. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ethel Higginbotham; daughters, Judith Higginbotham and Sharron Wires and her husband, James, all of Sumiton; sons, Gene Higginbotham and his wife, Mary Nell, Larry Higginbotham, and Randy Higginbotham and his wife, Sandra, all of Quinton; brother, Dank Higginbotham of Quinton; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Gloria Frances Fowler Higginbotham (1925-2003) AL
Southcrest Baptist member
Gloria Frances Higginbotham of Bessemer died Aug. 9, 2003. She was a member of Southcrest Baptist Church.
She is survived by her daughter, Terri (Steve) Hartsfield of Birmingham; two grandchildren, Dylan and Cale McSweeney of Birmingham; and two sisters, Jean Heard of Palmerdale and Montriel Pitts of Birmingham.
Service was Aug. 11 at Southern Heritage Chapel, the Rev. Scott Bush presiding. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery, Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home directing.

Selma Time-Journal 07/29/2004
Flora B. Higginbotham Nichols (1935-2004) AL
Flora Nichols, 69, of Selma, died Wednesday, July 28, 2004, at her home.
Services are at 2 p.m. Friday, July 30, at the Chapel of Lawrence Funeral Home with the Rev. Tommy Fancher officiating. Burial will follow in New Live Oak Cemetery with Lawrence Funeral Home directing.
Survivors include a devoted companion, Ricky Moore; sons, Phillip (Brenda) Higginbotham, Ben (Aleyda) Higginbotham and Randy (Gayle) Higginbotham; daughter, Debra (James) Smith; 15 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Active pallbearers are Butch Huffman, David Rinehart, Micky Patterson, Bob Cook, Pete Nichols and Roger Nichols. Family visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, at the funeral home.

Ruth Elizabeth Higginbotham Blackwood (1920-2004) AL
HARLEM, Ga. - Entered into rest Saturday, January 24, 2004 at Doctors Hospital. Mrs. Ruth Higginbotham Blackwood, 84, wife of the late Mr. Claude F. Blackwood of 1106 Rolland Rd. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at 1 p.m. at Cliftondale United Methodist Church in College Park, Ga. with the Rev. Sally Oakes and Terry DeLand officiating. The internment will follow at the Highland Cemetery in Anniston, Alabama. Other family members include his daughter, Kay Blackwood Doby; a son, Joe A. Blackwood, of Cumming Ga.; a sister Alice Key of Anniston, Ala. and a brother Ralph Higginbotham of Jacksonville, Ala.; two grandchildren Edward Lee Doby of Harlem, Ga. and Brent A. Blackwood of Oxford, Ala. Two great-grandchildren, Edward Jacob Doby and Jessica Ann Doby. The family will receive friends from 12 Noon until 1 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be made to the Cliftondale United Methodist Church, Stonewall Tell Road, College Park, Ga. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com

Preston Holland Higginbotham, 77, died Sept. 11, 2004 at his residence. He was born March 21, 1928 in Tarrant City and he resided in Summerdale. He served in the United States Army in the Korean War as a Major and retired from the Alabama By-Products Corporation. Survivors include: two daughters, Peggy (Ernie) Lay of League City, Texas; Joyce (Buck) Tucker of Destin, Fla.; one sister, Betty (William) Deneke of Mobile; one granddaughter, two great-granddaughters and a special friend/companion, Jackie Woodrome of Fairhope. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Mary Pierce Higginbotham. Services were held Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Wolfe-Bayview Chapel. Interment followed at Jubilee memorial Cemetery, Daphne. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made in his name to the Alabama Elks Association, Covenant Hospice, 6475 Van Bueren Ave., Daphne, AL 36526, or your favorite charity. Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairhope.

Alfred "A.B." Higginbotham, 79, of Cordova, died Monday, Jan. 17, 2005, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 19, at Bell Sumiton Funeral Home with burial at Brasfield Cemetery in Burnwell. The Rev. Harvey Mitchell will officiate. Bell Funeral Home will direct. Mr. Higginbotham was a member of Cordova Church of God on the River Road. He was a veteran of World War II and retired from Hammond Lead Products in Hammond, Ind. and from the city of Cordova. He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Higginbotham; brother, C.J. Higginbotham; and sister, Carrie Jones. He is survived by his sons, Arwine Higginbotham, and his wife, Louise, of Sipsey, Terrell Higginbotham, and his wife, Lenita, of the Pleasantfield community, and Paul Higginbotham, and his wife, Pat, of Parrish; daughter, Mary Higginbotham of Cordova; sister, Nita Nutter of Palos Heights, Ill.; 13 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren.

HIGGINBOTHAM, H. D., Jr. died March 8, 2005, at the age of 89. He is now able to join his beloved first wife of 46 years, Helen West Higginbotham. He was born on June 27, 1915, in Birmingham, Alabama. Retired from L Railroad, where he worked as a Yardmaster, he was a longtime member of Boyles Methodist Church in Tarrant and more recently, Mountain Chapel Methodist Church in Vestavia Hills. He was also a member of the Shriners and Masonic organizations. Known and loved by many as “Buddy”, he contributed much of his time helping others with handyman projects, in particular voluntarily painting for the church and other charitable organizations.
He is survived by his spouse, Ovada Williams Higginbotham, his brother, James of Tarrant, Alabama and his six children, Horace D. Higginbotham, III of Atlanta, Georgia, Charles E. Higginbotham of Bainbridge, Georgia, Sandra G. Voss of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Patricia H. McKinney of Ocean Ridge, Florida, Nancy H. Hanklin of Birmingham, Alabama, and Donald Ray Higginbotham of Atlanta, Georgia; his 9 Grandchildren are Keith. Kimberlee, Gretchen, Craig, Brian, Megan, Colin, Julie, and Michael; and his great grandchildren are Wesley, Landon, Makenzie, Aaron, Compbell, Hudson, Griffin and Kyle. A viewing will be held at John Ridout’s Funeral Home on March 11, from 6-8 p.m. on March 12. Ridout’s Valley Chapel directing.

Robert Higginbottom, 72, of Florence, Ala., formerly of Memphis, railroad yard foreman, died Tuesday at his home. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia, Ala., has charge. He was a Korean War Marine Corps veteran and a Catholic. Mr. Higginbottom, the husband of Eleanor Maugum Higginbottom, also leaves two daughters, Laurie Strauch of Memphis and Angel Hancock of Florence; two sons, Casey Higginbottom of Memphis and Cody Smith of Florence, and five grandchildren. The family requests that any memorials be sent to the American Cancer Society.

Dorothy H. Simmons, 72, of Huntsville died Thursday. Funeral services will be at noon Sunday at Walking by Faith Church. Interment will be in Cochran Cemetery. The family will begin receiving friends after 5 p.m. today at Berryhill Funeral Home.

Margaret Louise Higginbotham McCombs (1926-2005) AL
MCCOMBS, MARGARET LOUISE, age 79, of Trafford, AL, passed away on August 2, 2005. Funeral Services will be held at Messmer-Goodwin Funeral Home on Friday, August 5, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. with burial in Hopewell Cemetery. Rev. Gayle Lombard officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 5, 2005 from 12:00 Noon until service time. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Reno of Trafford, AL.; sons, Freddie Fendley of Pinson, AL., Don Fendley of Oxford, AL., Larry Fendley of Trafford, AL.; sisters, Ruby Scott of County Line, AL., Carolyn Goodwin of Trafford, AL., Clara Wilkins of Nectar, AL., Dorothy Higginbotham of Warrior, AL.; brother, Tommy Ray Higginbotham of Lincoln, AL.; 11 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

Cherokee County Herald 12/05/2005
Joe Clifton Higginbotham (1929-2005) AL
The Rev. Joe C. Higginbotham, of Centre, passed away Thursday, Dec. 1, following a brief illness. Perry Funeral Home had charge of the arrangements. Rev. Higginbotham is survived by his wife, Ann; their three children, Joe P. Higginbotham (Deanna) of Dothan, Joan Ingram (Russell L.) of Jacksonville and John C. Higginbotham (Kristi) of Tuscaloosa; a sister, Flora Self of Clay and six grandchildren.

Bonnie Lewellen Higginbotham Turner (1921-2005) AL
Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Collier-Butler Funeral Chapel for Bonnie Higginbotham Turner, 84, Gadsden, who passed away Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005. The Rev. Bob Payne will officiate. Entombment will be in Forrest Cemetery. Collier-Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Service directing.
Mrs. Turner was a native and lifelong resident of Gadsden. She was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Forrest Avenue, a member of the Mt. Laurel Garden Club and an American Red Cross volunteer for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Irvin Turner; and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.B. Higginbotham.
Mrs. Turner was a loving wife, mother, sister and a great Nana.
She is survived by her son, Bill (Teresa) Turner; grandchildren, Meghan and Jimmy Turner; brothers, Robert C. (Avis) Higginbotham, Austin, Texas, and Walter C. Higginbotham; sisters, Jimmie Farrington and Frances Higginbotham; nephews, Robert Farrington and Robert Higginbotham Jr.; nieces, Sandra Nichols and Ruthie Wilson; three great-nieces; and a great- nephew.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 tonight at the funeral home.

SFC Carl M. Higginbotham, Jr., a 22 year veteran of the U.S. Army, passed away February 16, 2006, at the age of 67. Graveside services will be noon Saturday at Mt. Hebron Church Cemetery in Akron with Memory Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. He leaves behind a devoted wife, Lena Higginbotham; three daughters, Lynn Higginbotham, Mary Durrett (Kenneth), and Missy Sartain (Tony), all of Tuscaloosa; five grandsons, Rhyan Higginbotham, Jon, Grant, Adam, and Luke Sartain. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of choice.

Vivian Inez Perez Higginbotham (1912-2006) AL/MS
Vivian Higginbotham, a native of Pascagoula and widow of Prieur Jay Higginbotham, Sr., died on Tuesday, February 21 2006 in Mobile, AL in her 94th year.
Mrs. Higginbotham was born in Pascagoula on November 18, 1912, daughter of Vincente Pe'rez and Maude Irene Davis of Pascagoula. On her father's side she was descended from the earliest settlers of Mobile, Ocean Springs, Gautier, Dauphin Island and Pascagoula.
She attended the Pascagoula Public Schools, excelling in drama, music and athletics. She spent her youth in Pascagoula and in Mobile where her grandmother, sister and numerous relatives lived.
In 1931, she entered Mississippi Woman's College in Hattiesburg, where she majored in music and foreign languages. She was president of her class and president of the Spanish Club, and was selected by the student body as "Most Versatile," and "Most Popular."
After her graduation, she began her teaching career in the public schools. From 1935 until 1968, she taught English, Spanish and French, while directing numerous plays, musicals and operettas, as well as the Pascagoula High School Chorus. In the 1950's she founded and was the first director of Choraliers.
In 1936 she married Prieur Jay Higginbotham, Sr. and had three children Prieur Jay, Mary Kay and Richard Dale.
"Miss Higgy" as she was fondly known, was active in numerous civic activities, such as the Woman's Club and Anola Club, of which she served as President. She also served on the library board for nearly a quarter-century, and as chairman for several years. She ran several times in the Azalea Trail Race in Mobile during the early 1980's.
She began as pianist for the Baptist Church in Pascagoula in 1924 at the age of 12. Later, she became organist and served in that capacity for 73 years. In addition, she played for hundreds of weddings, funeral and social functions and played for the Pascagoula High School graduation exercises until 1996.
An ardent feminist, she was among the first women in Jackson County to run for public office and was only narrowly defeated in 1965 for the Pascagoula City Council.
In 1996, she appeared on NBC's "Today Show" playing the piano and speaking about one of her long-time friends and former pupils, Trent Lott.
Mrs. Higginbotham is survived by her three children, Jay Higginbotham of Mobile, AL; Mary Kay Parrish of Shawnee, OK; and Dale Higginbotham of Natchitoches, LA; seven grandchildren: Jeanne-Mercier, Denis Prieur, Robert, John Michael, Robin, Amelia, and Julia; three great-grandchildren, Carson, Holly and Kerrie, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.
Visitation will be Friday, February 24 , 2006 at O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula from 7-9 pm. Funeral Services will be Saturday, February 25, 2006 at 2:00pm from the First Baptist Church of Pascagoula with visitation one hour prior to service. Interment will follow at Old Spanish Fort Cemetery also known as Krebs Cemetery in Pascagoula.
Mike Flechas, Gary Greenough, John Wilkinson, Bill Lambert, Joe Webb, Gary Holland, Bobby Canty, and John Corlew will serve as pallbearers.
Arrangements by O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Pascagoula, MS.

Ralph Daniel Higginbotham Jr. (1945-2006) AL
Graveside services for Ralph “Dan” Higginbotham Jr., 61, of Anniston were at 10:45 a.m. May 13 at Highland Cemetery. Rev. Bruce Hodge officiated. Gray Brown-Service Mortuary officiated.
Mr. Higginbotham died May 9 at his residence.
Survivors include his father, Ralph Daniel Higginbotham Sr. of Jacksonville; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Nancy and John Bryson of St. Simons Island, Ga., and Diane Higginbotham of New York City; and two nephews, Benjamin D. Bryson and Samuel J. Bryson.
Mr. Higginbotham was a native and resident of Anniston. He was a graduate of Anniston High School and Georgia Tech. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of Parker Memorial Baptist Church and the Anniston Rotary Club. He was owner and operator of Higginbotham Printing.
Memorial donations may be made to Parker Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund, American Heart Association or to the Mississippi Sheriff’s Boys and Girls Ranch.

Matthew Thornton Higginbotham Jr. (1916-2006) AL
HIGGINBOTHAM, M. T., JR., age 89, of Bessemer, AL, passed away on May 25, 2006. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Bessemer where he was an Elder and Sunday School teacher. Funeral Services will be held in the Chapel of Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home on May 27, 2006 at 11:30 a.m., with burial in Highland Memorial Gardens. Rev. Randy Kessler officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, May 26, 2006 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Mr. Higginbotham is survived by his: wife, Grace Higginbotham; son, Michael (Sheryl) Higginbotham of Tuscaloosa; granddaughters, Sarah Higginbotham of Winston-Salem, NC and Emily Higginbotham of Tuscaloosa. Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home will be serving the Higginbotham family. 425-2424.

Ray Harold Higginbotham (1928-2006) AL
HIGGINBOTHAM, RAY HAROLD age 77, of Birmingham, passed away on Friday, June 9, 2006 at this residence. He was born in Blount County, Alabama to the parents of George Ellis Higginbotham and Mable Lee Marsh Higginbotham. He was a retired truck driver specializing in heavy haulers and a Korean War Messenger. He was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Sue Higginbotham; parents, Ellis and Mable Higginbotham; sister, Ezell Guarracino and brothers, Carl Higginbotham and Russell Higginbotham. He is survived by his wife, Dot Walker of Birmingham; sons, Harold (Sheila) Higginbotham of Clay, Randal (Benita) Higginbotham of Moody, Carl Higginbotham of Irondale; daughter, Debra (Walter) McGarr of Hoover; brother, Perry Higginbotham of Texas; sisters, Estell Cornelius of Easley, Elmira Forrester of Prattville, Linda Gail Snider of Albany, GA; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, June 12, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at Lemley Chapel with interment in St. Mountain Memory Gardens. Rev. John Ray officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2006 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be David McGarr, Chase Higginbotham, Nick Higginbotham, Jason Higginbotham, Santigo Chappro, and Jeremy Ryer. Lemley Chapel of Oneonta Directing, 205-274-2323.

The Gadsden Times 06/13/2006
Opal Christine Higginbotham Miller Hicks (1923-2006) AL
Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Morgan Funeral Chapel for Opal Christine Miller Hicks, 83, Attalla, who died Sunday, June 11, 2006. Pastor Bill Scott will officiate. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. Morgan Funeral Chapel & Crematory directing.
Mrs. Hicks was a native of Etowah County and was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, Luke and Tommie Higginbotham; sisters, Vernice Clark and Dalhia Boba; and brother, Milton Higginbotham.
She is survived by her sons, Glenn Miller (Helen), Attalla, and Ricky Miller (Jeanie), Attalla; daughter, Sylvin Lowery, Attalla; grandchildren, Richard, Tina, Jason, Christina and Tiffany Miller and Misty Driskell; and great-grandchildren, Luke, Zachary, Lindsey and Hannah.
Pallbearers will be Richard Miller, Jason Miller, Roger Cleveland, Rodney Cleveland, Shannon Cleveland and Cain Parrish.
Honorary pallbearers will be Nick Clark, Wayne Bobo, Conley O'Rear, Tommy Earl Clark and Joe Hereford.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 tonight at the funeral home and Wednesday until the hour of service.

The Birmingham News 06/27/2006
Robert Corbett Higginbotham (1939-2006) AL/FL
HIGGINBOTHAM, ROBERT CORBETT, age 67, died June 18, 2006 in New Smyrna Beach, FL. Corbett was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Gertrude. A loving memorial service was held at Baldwin Memorial Chapel and was attended by his surviving sons, Michael and Stephen of Birmingham; wife, Debbie; daughter, Leah; granddaughter, Paige; brother, Dennis; and a host of grieving family and friends. Also, Corbett will be missed by his beloved pets, Honey and Dudley.

The Birmingham News on 8/26/2006
Billy Roland Higginbotham (1931-2006) AL
HIGGINBOTHAM, BILLY ROLAND, age 74, of Birmingham, went to be with the Lord on August 24, 2006. Billy was a good man that worked very hard for his family. He retired from Citadel Cement Corp with 27 years of service. He was a member of North Park Baptist Church for over 40 years. Billy and his wife, Patsy celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary February 13, 2004. Billy will be missed by all his family. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, August 27, at 2 p.m. at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel with burial in Hopewell Cemetery. Chaplain David Farry officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. He was preceded in death by parents, Charlie and Dora Higginbotham; oldest brother, Ray Higginbotham; sister, Edna Tidmore and a brother, Rev. W. D. Higginbotham. Survivors: wife of 52 years, Patsy Heaton Higginbotham; sons, Michael (Tamra) Higginbotham of Springville and David (Carolina) Higginbotham of Trussville; grandchildren, Cory, Connor, and Joshua David Higginbotham; sisters, Annabelle Dawson of Gardendale, Frances Cooley of Birmingham and many nieces and nephews. A very special thank you to Nurse Ronnie Green, Chaplin David Farry, Social Worker Linda Kicker, and to the two ladies who came everyday to bath Billy, they were Lecita and Mime. Memorials may be made to Odessy Hospice. Ridout's Gardendale Chapel directing.

The Birmingham News 08/26/2006
Lorine Marie Kennedy Higginbotham (ca1933-2006) AL
HIGGINBOTHAM, LORINE MARIE, age 73, of Trafford, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2006. Funeral Services will be held at New Generation Church on Sunday, August 27, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. with burial in Hopewell Cemetery. Bro. Keith Brewer officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2006 from 6-9 p.m. at Messmer-Goodwin Funeral Home. Survivors: husband, Robert Higginbotham Sr. of Hayden; daughters, Freda Ennis of Trussville, Teresa Dobbins of Oneonta & Roberta Wells of Trafford; son, Robert Higginbotham Jr. of Hayden; brother, James Kennedy; also survived by 16 grandchildren & 23 great grandchildren host of nieces & nephews.

The Birmingham News 10/2/2006

Albert Earl Higginbotham (1915-2006) AL
HIGGINBOTHAM, ALBERT EARL age 90, of Cropwell, AL, died Sunday, October 01, 2006 at home. Mr. Higginbotham was born on October 7, 1915 in Sayreton, AL to the late Floyd Washington Higginbotham and Rosa Mae Buckalew Higginbotham. Albert served in WWII in the Pacific Theater as a Master Sergeant in the Headquarters & Service Company of the 1874th Engineer Aviation Battalion. He was a mining engineer for Republic Steel his entire career; working in Birmingham, AL, Uniontown, PA and Berry, AL. Albert was married to the late Alwilda Granger for fifty-nine years. Mr. Higginbotham is survived by his son, A. Darryl (Lee) Higginbotham; granddaughters, Storey H. (Curtis) Freeman and Samantha Higginbotham (Michael Thomas); great-grandson, Peyton Freeman; sister, Beryl H. Ferguson and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 03, 2006 at 10:00 AM, Jefferson Memorial Trussville in the Abbey Mausoleum with Services following at 10:30 AM. Memorials may be given to the Big Oak Boys and Girls Ranch, Rainbow City, AL. Jefferson Memorial Trussville, directing.

Mobile Register 11/24/2006
Paul Higginbotham (1930-2006) AL
HIGGINBOTHAM Paul Higginbotham - age 76. A longtime resident of Mobile, Alabama died at a local hospital on Tuesday, November 21, 2006. He was a member of Creekwood Church of Christ and retired from Scott Paper Company in 1994. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Mrs. Annie Ruth Higginbotham of Mobile, AL and son Roger Von (Susan) Higginbotham of Wimberley, TX. Sisters in law Verna Higginbotham of Pittsburg, KS, Vera Abercrombie of Bessemer, AL, Glenda Davis of Birmingham, AL and Jean (Frankie) Witt of Birmingham, AL. Two grandchildren Christopher Paul Higginbotham, Jacob Scott Higginbotham, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Graveside services and interment will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 12 Noon in Mobile Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Saturday 11 AM until 12 Noon at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers family request memorials be made to Creekwood Church of Christ Building Fund 1901 Schillinger Rd. Mobile, AL 36695 Funeral arrangements by Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home 6040 Three Notch Rd. Mobile, AL.

Alton Guy Higginbotham, 52, professional musician, of Sheffield, died Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006, at Huntsville Hospital.
The funeral was held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006, at Parkway Funeral Home, with O.D. Bowling officiating. Burial was in Colbert Memorial Cemetery.
He was born May 8, 1954, in Madison County, to Joan Carmichael and the late Fred Higginbotham.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Higginbotham, of Carbon Hill; mother, Joan Carmichael, of Sheffield; sister, Carole H. Pigg, of Tuscumbia; nephews, Chris Newton, of Clanton, and Craig Newton, of Mobile; great-niece, Sara Grace Newton, of Clanton.
He was a God-gifted, outstanding musician who had the biggest heart ever. He was well-known throughout the world for his talent and passionate ability to make Bulah, his tenor saxophone, sing their song. He could play flute and guitar as well as many songs published in his publishing company. Guy cherished his family and friends and would give the shirt off his back if you needed it.

Robert Claude Higginbotham (1919-2007) AL/TX
HIGGINBOTHAM, ROBERT CLAUDE (BOB), 87, of Austin, Texas died after a long bout with cancer on February 7, 2007. He was a long time resident of Birmingham, Alabama, and was a Southern Company Services, Inc. retiree. He was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church, a graduate of Auburn University, and a veteran of World War II. Visitation will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, AL, on Monday, February 12, from 11am to noon, with funeral at noon. Burial will follow in Jefferson Memorial Gardens. Rev. Terry Bentley of Christ Central UMC of Gadsden officiating. Survivors include wife Avis, daughter Sandra H. Nichols (Mark) of Austin, TX; son Robert C. Higginbotham Jr. (Bonnie) of Orlando, FL; granddaughters, Angela N. Davis (Ryan) of Austin, TX; and Bridget and Anna Higginbotham of Orlando, FL; brother Walter C. Higginbotham of Gadsden, AL; sisters Jimmie Farrington and Frances Higginbotham of Gadsden, AL; and nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes any donations be made to St. John's United Methodist Church (356 Killough Springs Rd, Birmingham, AL 35215).

Adelene Ola Mae Lee Higginbotham (1923-2007) AL
HIGGINBOTHAM, ADELENE O., age 83, of Pinson, AL, died Monday, March 19, 2007. Mrs. Higginbotham was a long-time member of Masseyline Church of God. She was preceded in death by her husband, Doyle Higginbotham and her son, Arnold Higginbotham. Survivors include her son, Harold Higginbotham (Barbara); her daughter, Charlotte Morton (J.C.); her grandchildren, Eddie (Jennifer), Michael (Lisa) and Jon (Joanne) Higginbotham, and Cherie League (Craig); her great-grandchildren, Kalyn and Kyle League, and Joshua Higginbotham; and her daughter-in-law, Gloria Higginbotham. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 23, 2007 at Ridout's Trussville Chapel with Reverend Roger Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow at Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery in Pinson. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday evening from 5:30-8 p.m.

Theda Jeaneta Matthews Higginbotham (1934-2007) AL
Jeaneta Higginbotham, 73, of Anderson, died Thursday, March 22, 2007, at ECM Hospital. Visitation will be Saturday, March 24, from 6-8 p.m. at Rogersville Funeral Home, where the funeral service will be Sunday at 2 p.m.
J.D. Harrison will officiate. Burial will be in Bethel Cemetery.
Mrs. Higginbotham was preceded in death by her parents, Ovitte and Clara Matthews, and her husband, Pete Higginbotham.
She is survived by her daughter, Elaine (Ronald) McGill; sons, Michael (Sarah) and Richard (Denice) Higginbotham, all of Anderson; seven grandchildren; a great-grandson; brother, Dwight Matthews; and a sister, Bettie Wallace.

Wilma E. Tedder Higginbotham (1921-2007) AL
Died March 27, 2007
Wilma E. Higginbotham, 85, of Scottsboro died Tuesday. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Scottsboro Funeral Home. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel with burial in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

Annie Bell Higginbotham Dawson (1919-2007) AL
DAWSON, ANNIE BELL (Anderson, Findley), Beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Born in Bradford, AL., September 11, 1919. Died May 3, 2007. She is preceded in death by her parents; Charlie and Dora (Self) Higginbotham, Brothers, Raymond Higginbotham, Rev. Wilber D. Higginbotham, Billy Higginbotham, sister, Edna Tidmore, husbands, Robert S. Anderson, Charles Findley and Robert L. Dawson. Survivors include daughters, Nancy (Ernest) Downs, Jane (Larry) Morton, Carmen (Gene) Rooker. 9 grandchildren, Keith (Cindy) Morton, Kenneth (Penelope) Morton, Karmen (Michael) Fischbach, Jeff (Melissa) Downs, Steve (Tracy) Downs, Laura Wald, Terry (Kim) Rooker, Mark Rooker, Rebecca (Jeff) Taylor. Also surviving are 20 great grandchildren, sister, France Cooley and sister-in-law Patsy Higginbotham, a host of nieces and nephews, friends, and special friends at Covenant Place of Gardendale, AL. where she lived for the last 5 years. Visitation will be on Mon. the 7th from 1-2pm and services will follow at Bradford Sanctuary of Praise in Pinson. Burial in Hopewell Cemetery. Jefferson Memorial, Trussville, directing.

Florence (AL) Times Daily 05/30/2007
Mary Christine Wilson Higginbotham (1917-2007) AL
Christine Wilson Higginbotham, age 90, of Florence, died Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at Mitchell-Hollingsworth Rehab and Nursing Center.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 30, from 6-9 p.m. at Elkins Funeral Home, Florence. The funeral will be Thursday, May 31, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in Pettus Cemetery, Lexington, Ala. The Rev. Larry Bullard will officiate.
Christine was a member of Broadway Baptist Church. She was the last surviving charter member of First Baptist Church, Lexington.
She was preceded in death by husbands, Clark Higginbotham and Stewart Higginbotham; her parents, R.O. and Mary Wilson; brothers, Paul, Clyde Norris, Ralph and Bill Wilson.
She is survived by sons, John Higginbotham and wife, Ginnie, Tommy Higginbotham and wife, Barbara; daughters, Martha Shaffer and husband, Joe Yearling, Mary Jean Ligon and husband, Al; grandchildren, Chris Curtis and wife, Naomi, Craig Curtis and wife, Mary, Andrea Geissler and husband, Bill, Shawn Ligon and wife, Whitney, Candace Schlosser and husband, Al, Thomas Higginbotham and wife, Deanna, Heather Ward and husband, Logan; great-grandchildren, Kaya and Alia Curtis, Devon and Graham Curtis, Mary Karlin and Rachel Geissler, Mackenzie Ligon, Luther and Eliot Ward; step great-grandchildren, Kristen and Sam Dalton; brothers, Marvin Wilson and wife, Frances, Coye Wilson and wife, Frances; sister, Ellen Johnson; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Clinton Wilson.
Pallbearers will be grandsons.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Wee Care Day Care Center, c/o Broadway Baptist Church, 3215 Huntsville Road, Florence, AL 35630.
Special thanks to the Station 6 Staff at Mitchell-Hollingsworth for their loving care.
Elkins Funeral Home, Florence, is assisting the family.

Gene Higginbotham, 64, of Quinton, died Thursday, June 7, 2007, at University Hospital in Birmingham. Funeral services will be at Bell Funeral Home with burial in Shanghi Cemetery. Pastor Mark Eddy will officiate. Mr. Higginbotham was a retired coal truck driver and loved rodeos and horses. His wife and family were very important to him. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Mary Higginbotham, of Quinton; children, Laura Jones and her husband, Mike, of Moulton, Regina Higginbotham of Orlando, Fla., Donna Berry of Arab, Rita Culbert and her husband, David, of Guntersville, and Guy Higginbotham of Moulton; sisters, Judy Higginbotham and Sharon Wires, both of Sumiton; brothers, Larry Higginbotham and Randy Higginbotham, both of Quinton; seven grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family.

Lucille Avo Higginbotham Langley (1921-2007) AL/GA
Lucille Avo Higginbotham Langley, 85, Palmetto, died June 17, 2007. She was born Sept. 18,1921 in Anderson, Ala., the daughter of Charlie Tillman and Mattie Mae McGraw Higginbotham. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, the Rev. Renard W. Langley. After graduating from high school, she moved to Atlanta and worked for Continental Insurance. In addition to being a homemaker, she ran her own income tax service in Hapeville for many years.
Services were at the Parrott Funeral Home chapel., with the Rev. Ralph Bobo and the Rev. Al Busby officiating. Interment was at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, College Park. Survivors include children, Glenda and Ralph Gamblin, Palmetto, Nonnie and Joe Christopher, Newnan, Boyd and Andrea Langley, Buford, Marie and Carew Carswell, Decatur, and Kevin and Kim Langley, Norcross; 18 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to Southwest Christian Care, 7225 Lester Road, Union City, GA 30291.

Ellen Delora Smith Higginbotham (1933-2007) MS/AL
Funeral for Ellen Delora Higginbotham, 73, of Falkville will be Sunday, July 7, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Lebanon Baptist Church with Dr. Randy Ashley officiating and her sons giving personal memories. Peck Funeral Home is directing.
Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery. Visitation will be tonight from 6 to 9 at the funeral home.
Mrs. Higginbotham, who died Thursday, July 5, 2007, at the residence of her son, John, was born Oct. 26, 1933, in Walthall, Miss., to Newell Booker Smith Sr. and Bessie Lee Hall Smith. She was a homemaker and a graduate of Southwest Mississippi Junior College, The University of Southern Mississippi and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. While at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, she met and married her future husband, Jesse Higginbotham. They served in the ministry together for 41 years, retiring in January of 1996. The churches they served were Enon Baptist Church in Atmore, First Baptist Church in Destin, Fla., First Baptist Church of Samson, Providence Baptist Church in Clayhatchee and Lebanon Baptist Church in Falkville. Before going to the seminary, Mrs. Higginbotham taught high school business classes (typing, shorthand and bookkeeping) in Tylertown, Miss., for four years. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Jesse Andrew Higginbotham, who died June 11, 2007; her parents; and by her brother, Newell Booker Smith Jr.
Survivors include four sons, David Andrew Higginbotham of Columbus, Miss., John Newell Higginbotham of Hartselle, and Paul Lee Higginbotham and Joel Allen Higginbotham, both of Birmingham; two brothers, John Neil Smith of Tylertown, Miss., and Joe Lindy Smith of Enterprise; three sisters, Alda Flo Smith of Tylertown, Miss., Alla Faye Fike of Prentiss, Miss., and Willa Lee Smith of Tylertown, Miss.; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Mike Anders, Jim Aycock, Don Crow, Bill Dobbs, Bobby Rhoads and Eugene Speegle.
Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons of Lebanon Baptist Church.

Patricia A. Higginbotham (1923-2007) AL
OHATCHEE — Patricia A. Higginbotham, 83, died Friday, July 20, 2007 at RMC Anniston. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ebbert Higginbotham. Arrangements by K.L. Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Jacksonville.

The Gadsden Times 08/28/2007
Bessie Veneda Higginbotham Ingram (1917-2007) AL
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Collier-Butler Chapel for Veneda Higginbotham Ingram, 89, Glencoe, who died Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007. The Revs. Barry Benefield and Bill Harbison will officiate. Burial in Rainbow Memorial Park. Collier-Butler Funeral Home and Cremation Service directing.
Mrs. Ingram was a charter member of Eastside Baptist Church and was presently a member of First Baptist Church of Glencoe. She was valedictorian of Cedar Bluff High School Class of 1935 and attended Jacksonville State University.
Mrs. Ingram was preceded in death by her husband, Grady A. Ingram; mother, Mary Ashworth; father, Horace Higginbotham; stepfather, Tom Ashworth; sisters, Odell Neese, Alma Meadows; and brothers, Nelson Higginbotham, Stewart Higginbotham and Carey Ashworth.
She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Alton and Martha Jo Ingram, Glencoe, Thomas Nolan and Martha A. Ingram, Glencoe; daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Helen and Bobby Posey, Glencoe, Linda and Ralph Freeman, Gardendale; grandchildren, Jeff and Joel Ingram, Lisa Bradshaw, Dennis Posey, April Snow and Jenny Freeman; and great-grandchildren, Jake and Madison Ingram, Brennan and Brandt Ingram, Joshua Freeman, Rachel, Zack and Reid Bradshaw.
Active pallbearers will be family and friends.
Special thanks to her friends at Melodie Meadow and her caregiver, Tina Phillips.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 tonight at Collier-Butler.

The Huntsville Times 10/01/2007
Lois Mae Carter Higginbotham (1928-2007) AL
Nov. 3, 1928 - Sept. 29, 2007
Lois Carter Higginbotham, 78, of Scottsboro died Saturday in Chattanooga. She was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Scottsboro. She is survived by her son, Tommy Higginbotham and wife Jo Ann; one brother, Doyle Carter of Scottsboro; three grandchildren, Melani Higginbotham, Emily Waldrop, and Daniel Haga; two great-grandchildren, Shelby Waldrop and Gabriel Waldrop. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. today at Valhalla Funeral Home with the Rev. Joe Evans officiating. Interment will be in Valhalla Memory Gardens.

ANNISTON — Funeral services for Mr. Louis Wesley Higginbotham, age 67, of Anniston will be Sunday, October 7, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Gray Brown Service Mortuary. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6 to 8 at the funeral home. Mr. Higginbotham died Wednesday, October 3, 2007 in Anniston.
Survivors include: son, Joseph Dale Higginbotham and wife, Sandra, of Anniston; step-daughter, Theresa Bragg and husband, Adam, of Anniston; sisters, Jessie Swindall and husband, John, Shirley Bean, Mary Slaughter and husband, James, Louise Stone and husband, Dale, Carolyn Angle and husband, William, Terra Lee Davis and husband, Wayne, Judy Crawford and husband, Ralph; grandchildren: C. Justin Higginbotham, Michelle Cosper, Richard Williams, Joshua Williams, Tosha Levesque, Anthony Levesque; great-grandchildren: Amber and Ashley Atkinson and Jyrris; also numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be C. Justin Higginbotham, Travis Talley, Billy Gandy Jr., Allen Slaughter, James Thompson, Eddie Davis and Dennis Yarborough, Johnny Bean.
Mr. Higginbotham was a lifelong resident of Calhoun County. He retired from Blue Mountain Industries.
He was preceded in death by his wife Frances Elaine Higginbotham and his parents, Wesley and Louise B. Higginbotham.
Gray Brown-Service Mortuary in charge of arrangements.

The Birmingham News 10/16/2007
Oscar Lee Higginbotham (1931-2007) AL
HIGGINBOTHAM, OSCAR LEE, age 75, of McCalla, AL, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 14, 2007. He was a Navy Veteran who served during the Korean War. He was inducted into the Central Alabama Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame in 2002. Graveside Service will be on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. with burial in Montevallo Cemetery. Rev. Stan Huguley, Rev. Bill McCall and Rev. Keith Higginbotham officiating. Visitation will be at Brown Service Funeral Home Bessemer on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 from 5 until 8 pm. Mr. Higginbotham is survived by his wife of 50 years, Betty Higginbotham; 2 sons, Keith (Darlene) and Ken (Diane) Higginbotham; 4 grandchildren, Mike-U.S. Army, Steve, Becca and Katie; 2 sisters, Rose Wright and Clara Mink as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to CBS Ministries, P.O. Box 489, Green Pond, AL 35074. Brown Service Funeral Homes Bessemer is honored to serve the Higginbotham family.

The Huntsville Times on 11/27/2007
Robert Jefferson Higginbotham (1982-2007) AL
Died Nov. 25, 2007
Robby Higginbotham, 25, of Skyline died Sunday. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today at Scottsboro Funeral Home with the Revs. William Ikard and Billy Kennedy officiating. Burial will be in Gold Cemetery.

Tuscaloosa News 12/01/2007
Eula Belle Mathews Higginbotham Miller (1918-2007) AL
GORDO Eula Belle Miller, age 89, of Gordo, died Nov. 29, 2007, at Pickens County Medical Center. Services will be 1 p.m. today at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Marshall Sutton and Rev. Ben Logan officiating. Graveside services will follow at 3 p.m. at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Noman, Aaron, and Herman Mathews; her sister, Margie McCoy, her granddaughter, Armi Frame; and her great granddaughter, Brandi Moore.
Survivors include her husband, J. T. Miller of Gordo; her daughters, Anna Rae Turney (Millard) of Birmingham and Sherry Guy (Benny) of Reform; her sons, Joe Higginbotham (Ricki) of Randolph, Jack Higginbotham (Gail) of Gordo, and Danny Miller (Joyce) of Elrod; her sister, Ruby McCoy of Fayette; 17 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.
Mrs. Miller was born March 3, 1918, in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama to the late Early E. Mathews and Beulah Mae Weaver Mathews. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church of Foley, Alabama, a retired kindergarten teacher with the Tuscaloosa County School System, and a well-known resident of Pickens County.
Pallbearers will be Tyler Higginbotham, Ben Cohron, James Robertson, Auzie Martin, Earl Beams, and Elmer Lynn.
Honorary pallbearers are all of her sisters in-law, Faye Sutton, Dr. Catherine Skinner, Lynwood Holliman, Gerald Homan, Bobby Cowart, Amedisys Home Health staff, and Pickens County Medical Center caregivers.

The Birmingham News 12/07/2007
Jerry Wayne Higginbotham (1942-2007) AL
HIGGINBOTHAM, JERRY WAYNE, age 65, of Graysville, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, December 5, 2007, a veteran of the Korean War, retired from Busby Trucking and was co-founder of Engine Warehouse in Baton Rouge, La. He will be remembered as an avid racing fan, mechanic, fisherman and BBQ chef. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan Higginbotham; and brother, Donald Higginbotham Moore; and parents, Roy Leslie and Dorothy Martin Higginbotham. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Higginbotham; sons, Jerry "JoJo" Higginbotham and wife Jackie and Brian Weslee "Boo" Higginbotham; grandson, Adam; stepchildren, Tyler Durham and Mary Elizabeth Diab and husband Philip; step-grandchildren, Leila, Victor and Juliana; sister, Shirley Kelly; brother, Larry Higginbotham and wife, Marie; and sister, Pam Nakhleh and husband, Jenan; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 8th at Bell Funeral Home Forestdale Chapel with burial at Crestview Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 7th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Bell Funeral Home Forestdale directing.

The Birmingham News on 12/19/2007
Sarah Frances Reynolds Higginbotham (1921-2007) AL
HIGGINBOTHAM, SARAH FRANCES REYNOLDS, age 86, passed away December 15, 2007. She was a homemaker and beloved mother and grandmother. She is survived by her sons, Dr. Robert W. Higginbotham (Shelley), J. T. Higginbotham (Linda), Col. W. N. Higginbotham, Ret. (Jane), and Andrew R. Higginbotham (Jo Ann); daughter, Sue Rejonis; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren. Graveside service will be held Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at Remlap Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 21, 2007 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Ridout's Roebuck Chapel.

The Birmingham News 01/12/2008
Scottie Ruth Higginbotham Lovell (1933-2008) AL
LOVELL, MRS. SCOTTIE HIGGINBOTHAM, of Pell City passed away January 10, 2008. Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008 at 2 p.m. at Usrey Funeral Home-Pell City. Visitation will be Sat. from 6 until 8 p.m.

The Gadsden Times 02/08/2008
Rimp Stancil Higginbotham (1968-2008) AL
Rimp Stancil Higginbotham, 39, Gadsden, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008. Funeral services will be announced by Village Chapel Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Anniston - Funeral Services for Mrs. Alice H. Key, age 90, of Anniston will be Monday at 1:00 p.m. at McCoy United Methodist Church with Rev. Kenneth Bishop officiating. She will lie in state for one hour prior to service at the church. Burial will follow at Anniston Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6-8 tonight at Gray Brown Service.

Survivors include her daughters, Rachel Burt and husband, Jim, Martha Hayes and husband, Horace; sons Eugene (Denson) Greene and wife, Billie, James Greene and wife, Nancy; a brother, Ralph Higginbotham, all of Anniston. Also nine grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 21 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Key was a lifelong resident of Anniston. She graduated from Anniston High School in 1936 and Gadsden Business College in 1956. Mrs. Key retired from Ft. McClellan Civil Service, where she worked in the finance department. Mrs. Key was a lifelong member of McCoy United Methodist Church, where she served on several committees, also the past president of UMW. She is preceded in death by her husband Wyatt Key and a granddaughter, Lanita Eason.

Catherine Cummings Higginbotham (1922-2008) AL
OXFORD — Graveside services for Catherine C. Higginbotham, 85, of Oxford were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday February 20, 2008, at Oxford Memorial Gardens with Miller Funeral Home in charge. The Rev. Terry Bostick and Hugo White officiated. Mrs. Higginbotham died on Monday, February 18, 2008.
Survivors include her husband, John Fletcher Higginbotham, of Oxford; daughter, Wanda White and her husband, Hugo, of Panama City, Fla.; daughter, Linda Fair and her husband, Lamar, of Dalton, Ga.; son, Ronnie Higginbotham and his wife, Cynthia; grandchildren, Pam Hill, Jay White, Jeremy Higginbotham, Jennifer Donahue and Kelly Fair; great-grandchildren, Whitney White, Jackson White, Christina Hill, Candyce Hill, Cody Higginbotham, Brittney Cumbia, Mason Donahue, Brooke Bishop and Brian Bishop; great-great-grandchild, Brile Thompson. Mrs. Higginbotham was a resident of Oxford and a member of First Baptist Church of Oxford. She was preceded in death by her parents J.W. and Beatrice Ward Cummings and a grandchild, Lisa White Bishop.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to First Baptist Church of Oxford.

HIGGINBOTHAM, AVIS BURNS, a resident of Austin, Texas for the last 6 years, passed away May 17, 2008 at age 82 after a long bout with Parkinson's disease. She was a long time resident of Birmingham, Alabama. She was formally employed by Liberty National Insurance Co. and was a member of St. Johns United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday, May 22, 2008, with funeral at noon. Burial will follow in Jefferson Memorial Gardens. Rev. Reagin Brown will be officiating. Avis was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Claude Higginbotham. They were married for 58 years. Survivors include daughter, Sandra H. Nichols (Mark) of Austin, TX; son, Robert C. Higginbotham Jr. (Bonnie) of Orlando, FL; granddaughters, Angie Davis (Ryan) of Austin, TX, and Bridget and Anna Higginbotham of Orlando, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Johns United Methodist Church (356 Killough Springs Road, Birmingham, AL 35215).

HIGGINBOTHAM, MAMIE CRIBBS, age 98, of Hoover, AL, formerly of Central Park, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2008. She was a longtime member of Central Park Methodist Church. She retired from Parisian Dept. Store in 1955. Funeral Services will be held at Valhalla Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at 2:00 pm with burial in Valhalla Cemetery. Dr. Reese Sherman officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 from 1:00 until 2:00 pm. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas D. Higginbotham. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Ruth (Bill) Jones; grandchildren, Karen Cunningham, Vicki Rich and Dr. Tracy S. Jones; great grandchildren, Ian and Brenna Hoppe, Cameron and Brittany Rich; a number of nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

MASTERS, JO HIGGINBOTHAM, age 78, of Gardendale, passed away Friday, July 18, 2008. She was a member of Mt. Olive United Methodist Church and was a retired school teacher at Pinson Elementary School. Jo was a member of Berry College and James Madison University Alumni Associations. Survivors include her sons: Kenneth N. Higginbotham, David H. Higginbotham, Robert L. Higginbotham and Carl Jonathan Higginbotham; daughter, Peggy Jo Skelton; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers: George Franklin Nelson and Lowell Thomas Nelson; sisters: Mary Lou Johnson and Betty Harp; uncles, Kenneth Isbell and Kelly Nelson. Her funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel with burial in Remlap United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or the National Parkinson's Foundation. Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, is directing.

Janile Lindsey Higginbotham, 77, of the Prosperity community near Westville died July 20. She was born Aug. 7, 1930, in Gonzales, La., to the late John William and Mary Bougeois Lindsey. She was a member of Hickory Hill Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Marion L. Higginbotham of Westville's Prosperity community; one daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie Gale and Tom Weaver of Dallas, Texas; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Glyn Marion Higginbotham of Fort Lauderdale, Lyle Troy "Jack" and Farida Higginbotham of Houston, Texas, and three grandchildren. Service was held July 25 in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Kenneth Bradley officiating. Burial was in Hickory Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home of Geneva directing.

WREN, MRS. MABLE FAY HIGGINBOTHAM, 76, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away at her daughter's home on Saturday, July 26, 2008. Mrs. Wren was originally from Village Springs, Alabama in Jefferson and Blount County. She was generous and loving, always giving to, and helping others. She adored children, and her greatest blessing was being a mother and grandmother. No one could tell a funny story better than our Mable, and we will cherish her stories and treasure the memory of her laughter and wonderful sense of humor. She was very dear to us all. Her husband, Billy Wren of Tarrant, her daughter, Carla Higginbotham Monaghan, her son-in-law, David Monaghan, and grandsons Ashton and Mason Monaghan, of Oneonta, survive her. Other survivors include her sisters, Virginia Kourmoulis of Albuquerque, NM; Pauline Walker of Valparaiso, FL; Peggie Smith of Birmingham; Judy Key of Birmingham; and her brother Jimmy Higginbotham of Fayetteville, NC. She was a beloved aunt to numerous nieces and nephews. Mable was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Belle Hicks Higginbotham and Paul Lafayette Higginbotham of Village Springs, her first husband, Carl Higginbotham, sister Sara Higginbotham Allen, niece Clara Lee Withers, and brother Jesse Higginbotham. Funeral arrangements: Visitation, Tuesday, July 29, 2008 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with graveside at 3:00 p.m. at Remlap Methodist Church Cemetery, in Remlap, near her parents.

MOBILE, Ala. - Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Heidelberg Presbyterian Church for Marian Higginbotham, 89, of Mobile, Ala., formerly of Heidelberg, who died Sept. 1, 2008, at Cogburn's Nursing Home in Mobile. Burial will be in Heidelberg Cemetery. Mrs. Higginbotham was a bookkeeper for an oil company in Heidelberg and managed property and oversaw production at selected oil wells in Jasper County. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Weldon Higginbotham, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Royal Sopher. Survivors include two sons, Weldon Francis "Joe" Higginbotham of Columbus and Robert T. "Bob" Higginbotham of Madison; a daughter, Anna Elizabeth Higginbotham Rogers of Mobile; and six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday at the church. Memory Chapel Funeral Home of Heidelberg is in charge of arrangements.

HIGGINBOTHAM, JEANNETTE, age 73, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2008. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill Higginbotham. Beloved Sister, Aunt, and Friend She is survived by her sisters, Betty Love of Kimberly and Gail Hallmark of Center Point; 3 nieces and 1 nephew. Services will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. in the parlor of Gardendale Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to the service starting at 4:00 p.m. and after the service until 6:00 p.m. Graveside service will be held on Sunday October 26, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Hopewell Cemetery on Hwy 79 in Pinson. Arrangements are by Gardendale's only locally owned and operated funeral home.

Era Higginbotham Blankenship, age 93, born September 21, 1915, went to her heavenly home on Sunday, November 9, 2008. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, William Lawrence Blankenship, Sr., and her precious great-grandson, Jarrett Graham. She is survived by her devoted and loving daughter, Qail Kelley and husband Jay of Pinson; her dedicated and loving son, William Lawrence "Larry" Blankenship, Jr., and wife Brenda of Lake Charles, LA; her sister, Helen Higginbotham Ervin of Tupelo, MS; her brother, Burnie Higginbotham, Sr., of Mt. Olive; her brother, Drew Higginbotham of Cataula, GA; five beloved grandchildren, Cynthia Kelley Grant and husband Ronnie of Pell City; Jaycylyn Kelley Nail and husband Chris of Birmingham; Lisa Blankenship Graham and husband Terry of Culpepper, VA; Stacey Blankenship of Lake Charles, LA; Wendy Blankenship Clayton of Lake Charles, LA; eleven cherished great-grandchildren, Kelleyne, Jayron, and Caycyn Grant; Jaycy and Jake Nail; Brandon, Alyssa and Ryan Graham; Hannah and Nick Nocilla, and Marlie Clayton; and one treasured great-great-granddaughter and her namesake, Kera Grant, along with numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. Mrs. Blankenship and her late husband owned and operated A & A Mattress of Tarrant for several years, and she retired from Queen Mattress of Birmingham in 1976. She was a member of Tarrant First United Methodist Church and later Tarrant Rock Methodist Church. She was well-known throughout her community for her love of yard work and passion for decorating during the holidays. For her efforts, Mrs. Blankenship was awarded the Tarrant Beautification Award, the Tarrant Christmas Decorations Award, and was featured in The Birmingham News. Her family and friends will remember her for her sense of fashion, her attention to detail, and her "good southern home-cooking." She took great pride in her appearance and looked much younger than her 93 years. Until recently, she would cook elaborate Sunday dinners for her family to enjoy. Her happiest moments were spent with those she loved, and one of her most memorable events was her 92nd birthday which she celebrated with more than 100 family members and friends. Mrs. Blankenship was surrounded by many wonderful people throughout her life and cherished her relationship with each and everyone of them. Her family would like to extend their love and special thanks to Dr. Gregory Hill and his wife, Roberta, along with his entire staff for their devotion and care. They also would like to thank Pastor Patrick Turner for his concern and support and the ladies of the UMW and all the members of Tarrant Rock Methodist Church for always making Mrs. Blankenship feel so special. Funeral Service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Trussville with burial at Jefferson Memorial Gardens. The family will receive guests from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Jefferson Memorial Trussville. Mother/Mam-Maw, You will never be forgotten, Although we are apart, Your spirit lives within us, Forever in our hearts.

HIGGINBOTHAM, REUBEN CLAY, age 79, of Bessemer, Alabama, passed away on December 4, 2008. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Hoover. A U.S. Army veteran, he was an electrician at Ziegler's in Bessemer for 20 years. He then went on to become the Business Representative for UFCW #442, retiring in 1985. Funeral services will be held at Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home on Monday, December 8, 2008 at 10:00 am with burial in Currie-Jefferson Memorial Gardens. Rev. Randy Atkinson and Bro. Earl Tew officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2008 from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at the funeral home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben J. and Gertrude F. Higginbotham; and brother, Lawrence Eugene Higginbotham. He is survived by his beloved wife, Robbie; children, Scott Higginbotham, Judi Wright, Marcelle Higginbotham and David Higginbotham; step-children, Judy Ann King, David E. Williams, Linda Maloy and Brenda Hamner; grandchildren, Thomas Higginbotham, Scott Higginbotham, Alexis Higginbotham, Gwen Jackson and Christina Higginbotham; step-grandchildren, Jenny Wisham, Jason King, Brian Maloy and David Maloy; and great-grandchildren, Brooke Atchison and Jaden King. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimers of Central Alabama, P.O. Box 2273, Birmingham, AL 35201. Every day had a purpose with accomplishments to achieve. Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home is honored to serve the Higginbotham family.

HIGGINBOTHAM, ROY, age 88, of Hoover passed away December 18, 2008. Higginbotham was born April 21, 1920 in Flint Hill, AL. During his lifetime he was active in many activities. He graduated with honors from Bessemer High in 1939, also attended Birmingham Southern for five years getting two degrees from Birmingham Southern and one from the University of Alabama. After graduation, he served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He taught school for Minor Elementary for 33 years, was active in his church after retirement continued to be a prolific writer of letters to the editor and Education Journals and founded The Higginbotham Property, Invest, LLC. Mr. Higginbotham was preceded in death by his mother and father, Matthew Thornton Higginbotham and wife Lucy; five brothers and one sister. He is survived by his loving wife, Doris; son, David Higginbotham (Linda); daughters, Deanne Vetrans (E.J.) and Angela Brown (Michael); five grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, December 20, 2008 at Ridout's Elmwood Chapel on Dennison Avenue at 1:00 p.m. Reid Crotty officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Ridout's Elmwood Chapel directing.

HIGGINBOTHAM SR., HAROLD E., age 68, of Leeds (June 28, 1940 - January 8, 2009). Harold was retired from the Veterans Administration Police Force and served as a police officer in Leeds and Springville. He was a veteran of the Air Force, where he had been stationed in Japan and Cape Canaveral. He was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Adelene Higginbotham of Pinson; and a brother, Arnold of Moody; as well as his father and mother-in-law, L. C. and Gladys Taylor of Leeds. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Higginbotham and; their two sons and their wives, Ed Higginbotham and Jennifer Young and Mike and Lisa Higginbotham as well a grandson, his "little man," Joshua, son of Mike and Lisa; his sister, Charlotte Morton and her husband, J. C. and their daughter, his niece, Cherie League and her family also survive him; additionally, his sister-in-law, Gloria Higginbotham and her son, his nephew, Jon and wife Joann, survive him. Services will be held Monday, January 12, 2008 at Kilgroe Funeral Home in Leeds. Visitation will be from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 in the Chapel with burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leeds Welfare Cooperative, P. O. Box 192, Leeds, AL 35094. Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds directing.

HIGGINBOTHAM, CAROLYN ANN, age 74, died January 11, 2009, as a result of a brain hemorrhage. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama, the daughter of W.O. (Harry) Higginbotham and Mary Lou (Cork) Higginbotham. She lived in Graysville, Alabama during her early life and spent the last forty-two years living in Forestdale. She was a member of Crumly Chapel United Methodist Church. Carolyn graduated from Phillips High School and the University of Montevallo. She worked for Loveman's as a retail buyer in the jewelry department. She received a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Alabama and enjoyed a career in education teaching third grade at West Jefferson Elementary for over thirty years. She enjoyed traveling and her goal was in visiting every state. Carolyn spent her later life caring for family members very faithfully and unselfishly while tenaciously fighting her own battle with cancer. She was a genuine lover of animals and will be sorely missed by countless 'furry friends'. In addition to her own "rescued" cats and dogs, she braved all types of weather for more than seven years taking food daily to more than twenty feral cats living in the Forestdale area; paying for surgery for many of them. "Greater Love hath, no one than caring for God's creatures." She is survived by her sisters, Rachel Hubbard (Howard), Jean Doss (David); a niece and a nephew; an uncle, Charles G. Cork; and a loving host of very special cousins and friends. Carolyn was dearly loved and she will be greatly missed! The Funeral service will be Wednesday, January 14th at 1PM at Elmwood Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior. Memorial contributions may be made to: The Greater Birmingham Humane Society, 300 Snow Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209 or to the charity of choice.

HIGGINBOTHAM, MARTHA JEAN, age 74, of Remlap, AL, passed away January 14, 2009 at her residence. She was born in Jefferson County, Alabama to Lee Bolden Parsons and Mae Parsons. She was a retired clerk from the Social Security Administration. She is survived by her husband, Thomas E. Higginbotham of Remlap, AL; son, Mike Higginbotham (Jo) of Remlap, AL; daughter, Janet H. Enfinger of Remlap, AL; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and brothers, Terry Parsons (Dian) of Pinson, AL and Jack Parsons (Gloria) of Argo, AL. Lemley Funeral Home & Crematory Directing.

Mrs. Sandra Jean Higginbotham, age 46 of Birmingham died Thursday, March 19, 2009, at her residence. Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Sunday, March 22, 2009, at Shanghi Cemetery with Rev. Doug Tate officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home. Mrs. Higginbotham is survived by her husband, Randy Higginbotham of Birmingham; daughters, Krystal Higginbotham Adams of Birmingham and Ashley Higginbotham of Birmingham; parents, James A. and Donna J. Lovell of Quinton; brothers, Michael W. Lovell and James S. Lovell, both of Quinton; brother-in-law, Larry V. Higginbotham of Dora; sisters-in-law, Judith A. Higginbotham and Sharon E. Wires, both of Sumiton; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services will be today at 7 p.m. at Collinsville Funeral Home-Sharpe Chapel. Burial will follow in Black Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be today from 5-7 p.m.

DUNCANVILLE Doris Higginbotham, age 89, of Duncanville, died May 15, 2009, at Hospice of West Alabama. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2009, at Liberty Baptist Church in Duncanville. She was preceded in death by her parents, Christian and Matilda Porzelius, brother, Wayne Porzelius, husband, Forrest Higginbotham, and son, Paul Higginbotham. Survivors include four sons, Robert, Forrest, David, and Ken Higginbotham; daughter, Linda Watkins of Duncanville; dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Grace Shafer and brother, Glen Porzelius, both of Illinois; and numerous other relatives. During World War II, Doris was an acetylene welder at Caterpillar plant in Illinois where she met and married her husband, Forrest. She was an avid reader, an arts and crafts enthusiast, gardener, and nature lover. She was kind and sweet to everyone. Doris was a faithful, loving servant of the Lord and is with him now, but she will be greatly missed.

JACKSONVILLE — Visitation for Howard Lee Higginbotham, 71, will be today from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at K.L. Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Center Chapel in Jacksonville. Mr. Higginbotham died Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at his residence. He is survived by four daughters, Deborah A. Murphy, Kim L. Green, Tamyra H. Arbuckle and Louanna H. Cumbie; two sons, Alan L. Higginbotham and Howard R. Higginbotham; three sisters, Mary Frances Henson, Melinda Johnson and Lenora Castleberry; two brothers, Lonnie G. Higginbotham, Roger L. Higginbotham; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three nieces and four nephews. Mr. Higginbotham was a native of California and moved to Calhoun County in 1956. He was a good friend, father and husband. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Country Side Hospice, 1021 Noble St., Suite 204, Anniston, Ala. 36201 Online condolences to the family at: www.klbrownfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Pearl H. Higginbotham was born January 18, 1919 to the late Mr. Yancey Horton and Mrs. Pearl Cowans in Madison County, Alabama. She departed this life on June 1, 2009 in Huntsville, Alabama in her home. Pearl grew up in the Pond Beat Community and accepted Christ in her life at an early age, attending Cedar Grove Methodist Episcopal Church during her youth. She attended school and high school in the community going on to attend Alabama A&M University. Following her college years, Pearl left Alabama to fulfill duties with the United States Army. Married to Ted Richardson until his death and later married to Garnett Higginbotham, Pearl worked as a nurse in the Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. for many years and at the Huntsville Hospital and Fox Army Hospital until retirement. She was an immaculate homemaker, who served her family with compassion, love, unselfish sacrifice, devotion and loyalty and after joining Lakeside United Methodist Church – she remained a faithful member until her death. Preceded in death by her parents, Yancey and Pearl, her son, Stephen R. Higginbotham; brothers and sisters: Andy Horton, Frank Horton, Archie Horton and Leonard Horton, Maggie Horton, and Hattie Robinson. Pearl leaves to cherish her memory, a loving daughter, Ms. Brenda Richardson, a devoted brother and caregiver, Mr. Earl Horton, nephews, nieces, and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mrs. Pearl H. Higginbotham will be held on Monday, June 8, 2009 from the Lakeside United Methodist Church with Pastor Sara Cameron, officiating. Interment will follow in the Valhalla Memory Gardens. The remains of Mrs. Higginbotham will be in the church one hour prior to funeral time.

James Ray Higginbotham, 70, of Parrish, died Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at his residence. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. today, June 14, at Odom Memorial Baptist Church in Parrish with burial in Gray Cemetery. Charles Underwood will officiate. Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. until service time at the church. Collins-Burke Funeral Home will direct. He was preceded in death by his son, Dustin Ray Higginbotham; daughter, Robin Roxanne Higginbotham; parents, Michael and Ruth Jordan and Luther and Lessie Higginbotham; brother, Drew Benny Sargent; and father-in-law, Frank Ferguson. He is survived by his wife, Betty Higginbotham of Parrish; daughter, Sonya Higginbotham of Parrish; brothers, Fletcher Jordan of Sumiton and Nathan Jordan of Como, Miss.; mother-in-law, Dorothy Ferguson of Cordova; sister-in-law, Della Jordan of Sumiton; and grandchildren, Robby Sargent and Lee Sargent; great grandchild, Callie Jean “Baby Girl” Sargent. Pallbearers will be Don Woods, Clarence Miles, Earl Moore, Barry Daniel, Joe Daniel, Michael Craig, Robby Sargent and Lee Sargent. Honorary pallbearers will be W.T. Ferguson, Wayne Thursby, and Fletcher Jordan.

HIGGINBOTHAM, RUBY MCDONALD, age 88, passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2009. She was born May 21, 1921 on the same property of her death in the Fourmile community near Columbiana. Left to cherish her memories are her care giving family, Shannon, Danny, and Haley Clark; nephew, Tommy McDonald (Sylvia); sister-in-law, Emmie McDonald, many nieces, nephews, and friends. The family would like to express their appreciation to Comfort Care Hospice and the wonderful sitters who helped us through this difficult time. Ruby was a retired accountant who volunteered with tireless enthusiasm at The Ministries Center for Shelby Baptist Churches in Columbiana from 1992 - 2006. Visitation will be at Fourmile Baptist Church at 1:00 pm, Friday, June 19 until service time at 2:00 pm with interment at the church cemetery. Bolton Funeral Home is directing.

HIGGINBOTHAM, CLARIS, age 74, of Sylvan Springs, AL, passed away on June 27, 2009. Graveside Services will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 10:30 A.M. in Forest Grove Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Survivors: Sons, Barry Higginbotham, Larry Higginbotham; Sister, Virginia Alexander. Claris was a superb seamstress.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 3, 2009 at 10 a.m. in Curtis and Son Funeral Home Childersburg Chapel in Childersburg, Ala. for Johnnie Mae Kellar, 87, of Picayune who passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at her residence. Burial will follow in Greenhill Memorial Gardens under the direction of Curtis and Son Funeral Home in Childersburg. Dr. Jasper Fail and the Rev. Ralph Barrow will officiate at the service. Mrs. Kellar was formerly of Childersburg. She was a Deaconess of the New Testament Baptist Church in Picayune. She was preceded in death by: one son, John William Boggs; her parents, John Wesley and Mary Francis Higginbotham; and brothers and sisters, Louis Orbin Higginbotham, Clarence Cleveland Higginbotham, Howard Franklin Higginbotham, Carol Griffin Higginbotham, Lilly Mae Higginbotham, and David Woodrow Higginbotham; Dorothy Ann Kellar and Geneva Catherine Craddock. Survivors include: her husband, Oliver E. Kellar of Picayune; one son, James O. Pike, Jr. (Barbara) of Adger, Ala.; four daughters, Mary Jane Lee (Ed) of Sylacauga, Ala., Ruby Jewell Reagan of Childersburg, Jacquelyn Lorene Kropp of Houston, Texas and Darlene Phillips Mathis (Paul) of Childersburg; 19 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be: Paul Mathis, Joshua Mathis, Zachary Mathis, Howard Higginbotham, Frank Higginbotham, and Carol Higginbotham. Honorary pallbearer will be D.J. Pody. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 2, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Curtis and Son Funeral Home Childersburg Chapel. Curtis and Son Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of the arrangements.

Gary Lane Higginbotham died in Roseville on July 2. He was 65 years old.

Private services have been held.

He was born February 27, 1945, in Cleveland, Ala., to Robert O.D. and Vallie (Marsh) Higginbotham.

He graduated from high school in California and attended Mason Technical Education. He retired after 34 years as a brick mason. He married Linda Sue Arnswald in Reno, Nev., on Aug. 9, 2000.

He enjoyed fishing and riding his motorcycle.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, of Nevada City; daughters Laurie and Nicole Higginbotham; step-son Matthew Higginbotham; son Jeff Fochs; step-children Jenna, Deanne and Matthew Vance; and 12 grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel of the Angels Mortuary and Crematory, Grass Valley.

HIGGINBOTHAM, ANN SMITH, age 71, of Pelham, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2009 in her home surrounded by her family and friends. Private services were held. She was born in Virginia, the daughter to the late Mr. Waymond Ware Smith and Mrs. Laura Blackburn Smith. Survivors include her husband of 47 years, William "Bill" Higginbotham; son, Les W. Higginbotham and his wife, Elizabeth and their children, Loren Bilbro and Lagen Hope Higginbotham all of Vestavia Hills, AL; son, Ben E. Higginbotham of Columbiana, AL; and brother, Ray Smith of San Francisco, CA. The family would like to especially thank Hospice Service of Alabama for their compassion and care during this most difficult time. Charter Funeral Home.

HIGGINBOTHAM, EDWARD EARL, JR., age 56, of Trussville, AL, passed away on July 21, 2009. He was the owner of Lube Supplies and Service, Inc. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Earl and Alva Marie Higginbotham. He is survived by his wife, Milinda Higginbotham; daughter, Kelly Grace Higginbotham Curry; son, Jacob Andrew Holloway; sisters, Glenda Chandler and Lisa Hearn; brother, Mark Higginbotham. Visitation will be Friday, July 24, 2009 from 2 to 3PM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at 3PM at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East.

Frances Elizabeth Higginbotham Battles of Clifton, TN was born June 20, 1926 in Birmingham, Alabama, the daughter of the late Henry Higginbotham and Lillian Price Higginbotham House. She was united in marriage to Elmer Battles on February 23, 1941and he preceded her in death on September 18, 1981. Mrs. Battles was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. She had lived on Chigger Ridge Road in Brookwood, AL before moving to Clifton, TN. Mrs. Battles departed this life on Monday, August 3, 2009 at Wayne County Nursing Home in Waynesboro, Tennessee at the age of 83 Years, 1 Month, 14 Days. She is survived by sons, Randy Battles and wife, Joanie and Paul Battles and wife, Janice all of Clifton, TN; grandchildren, Scotty Battles and wife, Stacey, Kenneth Battles, Eric Battles and wife, Natalie, Miranda Battles and friend, James Thompson, Ashley Battles, Carrie Battles Hamsley and husband, Billy; great grandchildren, Elizabeth Nicole Battles, Ethan Battles, Haley Beth Battles. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Battles was preceded in death by brothers, Gene, Simpson, and Cecil Higginbotham. Services will be held on Friday, August 7, 2009 at 1:00 PM at Shackelford Funeral Home in Waynesboro, Tennessee, with William (Butch) Burns officiating. Graveside services and burial will be on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 2 pm in the Big Hurricane Cemetery at Brookwood, Alabama with Shackelford Funeral Directors of Wayne County directing. Visitation will be Thursday, August 6, 2009 from 7 pm to 9 pm and Friday, August 7, 2009 from 8 am until service time at the funeral home. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Joe Hall, Kendra Prater, Hall Clinic Staff, Wayne County Nursing Home Nurses and Staff, Wayne Medical Center Nurses and Staff.

Funeral services for Ophelia Goolesby Higginbotham, 78, will be held at 1 p.m. today at Rudder Funeral Home in Scottsboro. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today.

SELF, MARY FLORA, age 85, of Clay, AL, went home to be with her Lord on September 22, 2009 in Birmingham, AL. She was a member of Clay United Methodist Church and a faithful giver to her church and family. Mrs. Self was preceded in death by her husband, J. L. Self; parents, W. F. Higginbotham and Alma Ruth Higginbotham; brothers, Fred Higginbotham, Rev. Joe Higginbotham and Dicky Higginbotham; daughter, Sarah Ruth Self; daughters-in-law, Gloria Self and Carole Self. She is survived by children, Bill Self and his wife Shirley, Jack Self and his wife Robbie, Carolyn Webster and her husband Charles, and Waide Self; 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 23, 2009 from 5 PM until 7 PM at Ridout's Trussville Chapel. The funeral service will be Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 10 AM at Ridout's Trussville Chapel. Interment will follow at Clay United Methodist Church Cemetery. Officiating will be Dr. John Higginbotham.

PELL CITY - Graveside service for Louise Henderson, 89, will be Thursday, Oct. 29, at 11:30 a.m. at Providence Cemetery, Ragland. Ms. Henderson died Oct. 26, 2009. She was preceded in death by her brother, Johnny Edward Higginbotham; sisters, Margaret Archer and Norma Lee Pettit. Survivors are three sons, Bobby Edward Henderson, Anthony Henderson, and George Dallas Henderson; three daughters, Mary Jo Henderson, Barbara Pullen, and Dorothy Smith; two sisters, Jewell Powell and Dorothy Sue Archer; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 29, from 9:30-11 a.m. at Kilgroe Funeral Home. Kilgroe Funeral Home in Pell City will direct the service.

HIGGINBOTHAM, HOWARD "SONNY" ELLIS, of Cullman, passed away on Friday, December 18, 2009, at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife, Jeannette Higginbotham; daughter Rita Kay Pope (Michael); son, Danny Higginbotham; four grandchildren, Michelle Bennett (Rodney), Chris Pope (Joy), Matt Pope, and John Higginbotham; one great granddaughter, Charlee Bennett; sisters, Doris Russell, Charlene Snipes, Betty Russell, Catherine Beasley, and Rebecca Sapp; and brothers Jimmy Higginbotham and Paul Higginbotham. The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 19, 2009, from 1:00-2:30 PM at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home, Hwy 150, Hoover. Funeral service will follow at 2:30 in the funeral home chapel, Rev. Learon West officiating. Interment will be in Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South.

Ralph Daniel Higginbotham (1916-2009) AL
ANNISTON — Funeral service for Ralph Daniel Higginbotham, 93, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 26, 2009, at Parker Memorial Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Mack Amis and the Rev. Dr. Billy Harris officiating. The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery with K.L. Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Center directing services. Mr. Higginbotham died Tuesday, December 22, 2009, at NHC in Anniston. He is survived by his children, Diane Higginbotham, of New York, New York, Nancy Higginbotham Bryson, of St. Simons Island, Georgia; Ann Jackson Woodrow, of Jacksonville, Miriam Jackson Gaines, of Millbrook and Rebecca Jackson Wilson, of Jacksonville; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Lee Burnham Higginbotham; his wife, Miriam Cockrell Jackson Higginbotham; his son, Ralph Daniel Higginbotham Jr. and three sisters. Mr. Higginbotham, a native of Flat Rock, Alabama, was a long time resident of Anniston and Jacksonville. He was a graduate of Anniston High School and Anniston Business College. He worked for The Anniston Star 16 years prior to purchasing Stephens Printing Company in 1946. Later, he bought Ben Sawyer Printing Company and Moore Printing Company, which became Higginbotham, Inc. From 1963-1974 he served as President of Calhoun Publishing Company and Publisher of The Jacksonville News. His educational involvement and service includes being a member of the Anniston City Board of Education for fifteen years, nine as its president, president of the Anniston Committee for Better Schools, member of the Alabama Advisory Committee on Vocational Education, member of the Southeastern Educational Research Laboratory in Atlanta, director and president of the Alabama Association of School Boards, and a delegate to the National Association of School Boards. In 1974 and again in 1978 voters elected him to the Alabama State Board of Education. Mr. Higginbotham became a Trustee of Judson College in 1968 and served until 1980. As an active member of Parker Memorial Baptist Church he served as Deacon, Deacon Chairman, Sunday School Director and teacher, church clerk, and Building Committee Chairman. In 1991, Mr. Higginbotham was ordained to the ministry and assumed the position of Minister to Senior Adults which he held until 1996. He also held leadership positions with the Calhoun County Baptist Association. Civic offices included President of East Central Cerebral Palsy Organization, Director of the United Way, Director and President of the Anniston Exchange Club, Director of the Anniston Rotary Club and several terms as Director of the Anniston Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Gideon's, Masons, and U.C.T. He received the following honors: The Anniston Star "Man of the Year" in 1970, an honorary Associate Degree from Gadsden State Junior College, honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Judson College, membership in the Alabama Educational Leadership Hall of Fame and the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.

Pallbearers will be Benjamin Bryson, Samuel Bryson, Taylor Woodrow, Douglas Woodrow, Brandon Maye, Collin Adcock, Daniel Gaines, and Bobby Wingo. Honorary pallbearers will be the Baraca Class, Phebean Class, and Woodcarver's of Parker Memorial Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the building fund at Parker Memorial Baptist Church. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.klbrownfuneralhome.com.

HIGGINBOTHAM, DORIS M., age 62, of McCalla, AL, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2010. She was an employee of Rainbow Technology. Funeral Services will be held at Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home on Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. with burial in Union Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Pastor Steve Crawford will be officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Flora Caffee; three sisters and one brother. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Joe Higginbotham; children, Larry Joe Steeley and Renee Steeley; sisters, Mary Lois Crawford, Margaret Brewer, Sherlyn Green, Peggy L. Price, Mary Lou Goodwin and Glenda Caffee; brothers, Jack Caffee and Rufus Caffee; grandson, Ryan Steeley; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home is honored to serve the Higginbotham family.

Graveside services for Mrs. Cynthia (Cindy) Snow Higginbotham, 58, of Anniston will be Sunday, February 28, 2010, at 3 p.m. at Ohatchee First Baptist Cemetery with the Rev. Sam Legon officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. at Gray Brown Service Mortuary. Mrs. Higginbotham passed away Friday at her residence. Survivors include her husband, Ronnie Higginbotham; daughter, Jennifer Donahue (Chris), son Jeremy Higginbotham (Beth), god-son, Timothy Hayes (Stephanie); grandchildren, Brittany Cumbia, Mason Donahue, Cody Higginbotham, Layla Higginbotham; mother, Dorris S. Snow; several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Higginbotham is preceded in death by her father, Roma W. Snow; her brother, R. Dwain Snow and her mother-in-law, Catherine Higginbotham. Cindy was a native of Anniston, Alabama and a resident of Iron City. She was a 1969 graduate of Ohatchee High School. She was employed by Super Value Warehouse for 20 years. She had Variety Plus Flower Shop at I-20 Trade Day for several years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society . Gray Brown-Service Mortuary in charge of arrangements. (256) 236-3441 Online condolences made at www.graybrownservice.com.

CHILDERSBURG – Funeral service for Mrs. Vonna Marie Creasey Higginbotham, 83, of Childersburg, will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28 at Curtis and Son Childersburg Chapel with the Rev. James William Casaday officiating. Burial will be at Childersburg Cemetery. Mrs. Higginbotham passed away Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 at Coosa Valley Medical Center. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and loved to write poems. The family wishes to thank the third-floor nurses at Coosa Valley Hospital and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Florence Creasey; husband, Howard Frank Higginbotham; daughter, Linda Kay Higginbotham; sister, Vey Creasey; two grandsons, Jason Higginbotham and Steven Baggette; and granddaughter, Rachel Higginbotham. She is survived by two sons, Frank Higginbotham, Sr., of Childersburg, and Howard Higginbotham (Debra), of Childersburg; three daughters, Rosie Abbott (Ralph), of Childersburg, Diane Baggette (Stateman), of Jacksonville, FL, and Colette Brunn (Mike), of Conyers, GA; two sisters; Mable Horney, of Texas, and Evelyn Aleshire, of Illinois; 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Charles Carter, Rocky Gowers, Eric Abbott, Frank Higginbotham, Devin Ostic, and Eric Miller. Online condolences may be given at www.curtisandsonfunerals.com. Curtis and Son Funeral Home Childersburg Chapel will direct the services.

HIGGINBOTHAM, CHALMERS W. "CHUCK", age 81, of Palmerdale, passed away Sunday, April 11, 2010. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Shane. He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Elizabeth Higginbotham; two loving brothers and sisters; daughter, Susan Dunnavant and husband of Birmingham; five step-children, Ronnie Burleson and wife of Moody, Brenda Pusser and husband of Texas, Michael Burleson and wife of Odenville, Sandra Harris and husband of Argo, and Linda Bradshaw and husband of Pell City; sixteen grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren. Chuck was a retired veteran and longtime employee of National Can. Inc. He was a loving and caring husband and father and will be missed dearly by all. Chuck may be gone but he will never be forgotten. His family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 from 5-7 PM at Ridout's Trussville Chapel. His service will be at the chapel on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 beginning at 11 AM with Bro. Billy Abrams officiating. Burial will follow in Hopewell Church Cemetery.

HIGGINBOTHAM, DOROTHY MAY, age 72, of Warrior, went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, April 14, 2010. Mrs. Higginbotham's visitation will be held on Friday, April 16, 2010 at Messmer Goodwin Funeral Home Chapel from 6 to 8 p.m. with a memorial service following at a later date. Mrs. Higginbotham is survived by her three daughters; Cynthia (Joel) Owens, Patricia Isbell and Vicky (Chris) King; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family. The family requests that instead of floral sprays, to send silk flowers, fresh cut flowers or green plants that they may be able to carry home after the visitation or you may make a contribution to Messmer Goodwin Funeral Home in Mrs. Higginbothams name.

HIGGINBOTHAM, NORMA SUE LOGGINS, 79, of Pinson, died April 20, 2010. Graveside service Friday, April 23, 2010 at 2 p.m. at Bethlehem Cemetery, Bro. Phillip Jones officiating. Blount County Cleveland Chapel directing.

PELL CITY - Funeral service for Mr. Virgil L. Higginbotham Jr., 69, will be 11 a.m. Friday, April 23 at Usrey Funeral Home with Bro. Allen Bain and Bro. Zane Smith officiating. Burial will be in St. Clair Memorial Gardens. Mr. Higginbotham died Wednesday, April 21, 2010 in Pell City. He was retired from Lehigh Portland Cement in Leeds after 37 1/2 years of service. Survivors are his wife, Joyce L. Higginbotham; daughters, Ginger Higginbotham Knight, Robin (Paul) Pence, and Kim (Brian) Cofield; son, Alan Van Higginbotham; sisters, Jimmie (Glen) Hermonson and Clara (Billy Joe) Smith; eight grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Friday from 10-11 a.m. Usrey Funeral Home in Pell City will direct the service.

HIGGINBOTHAM, ELIZABETH W. age 77, of Pinson, AL passed away July 2, 2010. Liz was born in Cherokee County in North Alabama, she married Charles Curtis Burleson and they had 5 children, 16 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren, after the death of Charles Curtis, she married Chalmers (Chuck) Higginbotham in May 1982 she retired from National Can and she loved traveling, working outdoors and feeding wild animals and her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chalmers W. Higginbotham and grandchild, Shane Dingler. She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Gail Puffen (Al), Sandra Lynn Bradley (David), Linda Lee Bradshaw (Gerome), sons, Charles Ronny Burleson (Debbie), Michael Wayne Burleson (Nancy), (16) grandchildren and (24) great grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Sunday, July 4, 2010 at Kilgroe Funeral Home in Leeds. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, July 5, 2010 at Kilgroe Funeral Home Leeds Chapel with burial at Hopewell Cemetery in Pinson. Visit online at www.kilgroefuneralhome.com Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds directing.

Lena Lillie Pearl Higginbotham Roberts, born August 28, 1951 in Shugulak, Mississippi and a longtime resident of Mobile, Alabama passed away on Friday, July 2, 2010. She was a retired employee of Flowerwood Nursery where she worked for many years. Always willing to help a friend or offer a smile to bring sunshine to someone's darkest day. She leaves to cherish her memory a loving and devoted husband of 39 years, Bobby Gene Roberts, Sr.; three loving children, Angelia (Blake) Westbrook, Barbara (Hiram) Bodon and Bobby (Connie) Roberts, Jr.; one wonderful grandson, Daniel Westbrook, two sisters, Mary Strachan and Ann Trull and a host of great family and friends. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at 10:00 AM from the chapel of Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Interment will be in Mobile Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening from 5 to 8 PM at the funeral home. Funeral arrangements by Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 6040 Three Notch RD. Mobile, AL 36619. Condolences may be offered at www.mmgfuneralhome.com.

HIGGINBOTHAM, JAMES MILTON, age 85, of McCalla, AL passed away July 9, 2010. He served in the US Army during WWII, and also served as a deacon at Parkway Baptist Church. Survivors; wife, Frances Higginbotham; children, Linda (Lee) Collins, Larry (Rhonda) Higginbotham, and Leigh Ann Higginbotham; 4 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 12, 2010. at Parkway Baptist Church in Bucksville, Visitation will be one hour prior to service.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Crestwood Chapel for Jimmie Kathleen Farrington, 92, Wellington, who died Tuesday, July 20, 2010. The Rev. James Cohorn will officiate. Burial will be at Crestwood Cemetery. Crestwood Memorial Funeral Home will direct the service. Mrs. Farrington was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church where she has served as Sunday School teacher, principal of Vacation Bible School and secretary of the WMU. She was also a member of AARP, Senior Outreach of Glencoe and was active in home demonstration clubs. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. James Farrington; parents R.C. and Neacie Higginbotham; brother, Claude Higginbotham; and sister, Bonnie Turner. She is survived by her son, Robert Farrington; sister, Frances Higginbotham; brother, Walter Higginbotham; niece, Sandra (Mark) Nichols; nephew, Robert (Bonnie) Higginbotham; and sisters-in-law, Ruth Farrington and Amelia Miles. Pallbearers will be Johnnie Vinyard, J.C. Broadwell, Steve Burnett, Mark Farrington, Ernest Taylor and Norman Hindman. Honorary pallbearers will be Herstine Quinn and Ed Browning. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from noon until the hour of service Thursday.

Sherry Ann Moore Higginbotham, age 69, of Tuscaloosa, died July 26, 2010, at Hospice of West Alabama. Services will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Wyatt Rhone officiating. Burial will follow in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. She was preceded in death by her father, Clinton Moore; mother, Mamie Moore; and sister, Doris Nell Moore. Survivors include her son, Terry J. Moore (Dinah) and brother, Jerry C. Moore (Barbara). Pallbearers will be James Robert Walker, Roger Whitley, Kelvin Jeames, Laverne Skelton, David A. Hodges and Earl Hodge. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Ronald Alvarez, Dr. Arti Pandey, Dr. Pamela Hughes, employees of Brewer Porch Children's Center, Teryl White, the staff of Hospice of West Alabama and UAB Gynecological Oncology Department.

Minnie Higginbotham, 83, of Limrock died Sunday. Visitation will be Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Rudder Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

HIGGINBOTHAM, WILLIAM S. Age 88, of Pinson, left this life to meet his Lord and Savior on Friday, November 12, 2010. Those left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 48 years, Catherine; his sons, Eric (Rita) Higginbotham and Dwayne Higginbotham; sisters, Kat Garner and Johnnie Sue Holt; brother, Larry Higginbotham and a host of extended loving family members and friends. His funeral service will be held Thursday, November 18th at Messmer Goodwin Funeral Home beginning at 10:00 a.m. with burial in Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until service time.

Decatur - Faye Jean Higginbotham, 67, of Decatur, passed away at her residence December 3, 2010. Mrs. Higginbotham was born March 14, 1943, in Lawrence County to Franklin Lawson Roden and Elvia Mildred Howell Roden. She was retired from 3M as chemical operator. Services will be Tuesday, December 7, 2010, at 1 p.m. at Shelton Funeral Home Chapel with entombment at Roselawn Mausoleum, with the Rev. Jason Moore officiating. Family will receive friends Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Mrs. Higginbotham is survived by one son, Keith Thrasher of Decatur; one daughter, Sylvia Peppers (Phillip) of Decatur; two sisters, Doris Lindsey (Eugene) of Cullman and Joyce Potter (Cliff) of Richmond, Va.; one brother, Frank Rhodes (Monrona) of Cullman; one granddaughter, Amanda Peppers of Decatur. She was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Amberly Peppers and her parents.

G. J. "Dutch" Higginbotham, age 90, passed away on December 5, 2010. He was born February 22, 1920 in Calhoun City, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Higginbotham and his son-in-law, William Conway. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Betty Martin Higginbotham, his daughters Linda Conway and Betty Franklin (Sam), his sons Jon Higginbotham and Nick Higginbotham, four granddaughters, four great grandchildren and loving extended family. In 1941 First Lieutenant Higginbotham of the U.S. Army began his 69 year residency in the Auburn/ Opelika area when he was assigned to serve as commander of the Research and Development Unit at Auburn University. He left the area only to serve in the European Theater during World War II and in Korea during the Korean Conflict. He continued his military service in the U.S. Army Reserve and retired with the rank of Colonel. Dutch began his civilian career as a businessman in Opelika where he served as President of the Chamber of Commerce and Exchange Club. In 1966 he was elected to represent the residents of East Alabama and served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 1966-70, 1974-1977 and 1986-94 and in the Alabama Senate from 1977-82. During his service in the House, he sponsored major legislation including the Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Program and became the first non-lawyer to serve as Chair of the State Judiciary Committee. In recognition of his years of public service, Dutch was awarded the honorary Doctorate of Laws from Troy University. Continuing his efforts to improve education for Alabama residents, he loyally supported the two-year college system and worked as Director of Public Affairs for Troy University, Phoenix City. He returned to public service in 1995 as a member of the Alabama State Board of Education until his retirement in 2002. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Opelika at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 with burial at Garden Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 7 in the parlor of First Baptist Church of Opelika from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Hospice of Alabama, First Baptist Church of Auburn, Alabama or First Baptist Church of Opelika, Alabama. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory

Rose Higginbotham Giffin of Huntsville passed away Tuesday. She was 90 years old. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 29, 2011 at Monrovia Church of Christ. Spry Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Lucile Higginbotham Null, 86, passed away on Wednesday. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond L. Null; parents, Roosevelt and Sarah Alice Higginbotham; and brother, John Vernon Higginbotham. Lucile is survived by her daughters, Betty Jean Merrell and husband Charles Ray of Huntsville and Sara Deneise Dotson and husband David of Dallas; son, retired Lt. Col. Carroll Ray Null of El Paso, Texas; six grandchildren, Jimmy Merrell, Sarah Batchelor, Carroll Ray Null Jr., John Lee Null, Cambria Dotson and Chase Dotson; and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Lois Lowery and husband Bill; brother, J.D. Higginbotham; and numerous nephews and nieces. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the following: Whitesburg Garden Nursing Home and staff for the wonderful care they gave to our loving mom; Hospice of North Alabama, especially Michael, for the care they provided that went above and beyond; and for Diann Burruss and Judy White who are more than friends…they are family. No services are planned at this time. Spry Funeral Home of Huntsville is assisting the family.

KOURMOULIS, CLARA VIRGINIA age 85, formerly of Village Springs, Alabama, passed away on May 17, 2011. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and sister. She retired from the Ketona Nursing Home in Birmingham, AL. She was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Mary Higginbotham, her brothers Jesse and Jimmy Higginbotham, her sisters Mable Wren and Sara Allen and her daughter Clara Lee Withers. Survivors include her children Tina Shumate and Demetra Price of Albuquerque NM, Lisa Lucero of Rangely CO and Chris and Tony Kourmoulis of Birmingham AL, her sisters Pauline Walker of Valparaiso, FL and Peggie Smith and Judy Key of Birmingham, AL and numerous grandchildren. Rev. Ernest Walker of Valpariso, FL will officiate. Her funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 21, 2011 at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel with burial at Remlap Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

MONTGOMERY - Richard E., Higginbotham, 76, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died at his home on Friday, May 27, 2011. He honorably served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and impacted the lives of Alabama's public education students, teachers, and administrators as a teacher, coach, principal, and state employee for 36 years. Richard's volunteer work further impacted the community through various ministries of Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church, the Capitol Masonic Lodge, and the Montgomery Valley Scottish Rite/KCCH. Funeral services and interment will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at 11 am at the Alabama Heritage Funeral Home and Cemetery located at 10505 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL with Dr. Tim Thompson officiating. There will be a visitation hour at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, George W. and Lydia (Bowman) Higginbotham; by four sisters, Florence (Higginbotham) Gaskey, Audrie (Higginbotham) Matthews, Lois (Higginbotham) Nelson, and Ellen (Higginbotham) Woods; and by a granddaughter, Julia Elaine Higginbotham. Richard is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathryn (Graham) Higginbotham; daughter, Kay (Higginbotham) Toole, Montgomery, AL; son, David Higginbotham, Colorado Springs, CO; son-in-law, Joe Toole, Montgomery, AL; daughter-in-law, Ginger (Keith) Higginbotham, Colorado Springs, CO; and three grandchildren, Jacob Higginbotham, Colorado Springs, CO; Kathryn Toole, Montgomery, AL; John Toole, Montgomery, AL. Active pallbearers are Bill Allison, Roy Guthrie, Bill Johnson, Paul Mann, Sidney Rooker, and Buddy Wilson. Honorary pallbearers are Frazer UMC's Encouragers' Class, the Capitol Masonic Lodge, the Montgomery Valley Scottish Rite/KCCH, and Dr. Keith Hughes. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard's honor may be made to the following: Wesley Gardens' Auxiliary Fund, Amedisys Hospice Care of Montgomery, the Salvation Army, or Scottish Rite Charities. Condolences may be offered at www.alabamaheritagefh.com. Alabama Heritage directing.

Funeral services for Mary Frances Slaughter, 67, will be today at 2 p.m. at Anniston Memorial Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary Sewart officiating. Burial will be in Anniston Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends today from 12:30 until service time at the funeral home. Mrs. Slaughter died Saturday. Survivors include her husband, James Allen Slaughter; children, Randy Maxwell (Pam), Sandy Jones (Charlie), James E. Slaughter (Connie), Allen Slaughter (Dawn); nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; six sisters and their spouses. Pallbearers will be Dougie King, Kody Smelley, Allen Slaughter, grandsons, Matthew Jones, Adam Stewart, Joseph Stewart. Honorary pallbearers will be Randy Maxwell, Wesley Barker, Tater Higginbotham, Randy Maxwell Jr. and Jessica Maxwell. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wesley and Louise Higginbotham; brother, Lewis Higginbotham and son, Marvin Allen Slaughter. Anniston Memorial Funeral Home 3865 US Hwy 431 North Anniston, AL 36206 256-820-0024

HIGGINBOTHAM, MORRIS CULLEN, born June 6, 1925 passed away June 13, 2011. Coach Higginbotham a native of Birmingham served his country in the Air Force from 1943-1946. Returning home he earned his degree from the University of Alabama. He began his coaching career in 1952, and 27 years later retired with 190 wins, 5 state championships, 2 football fields named after him, and a member of the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame. Besides his great lifelong football success Morris Higginbotham influenced thousands of young men in becoming better people and citizens. One of his gifts to countless young men was to elevate their expectations in themselves and help guide them in finding their lifelong goals. Good coaches win games; great coaches win games, influence and inspire players for a lifetime. It's these qualities that carry young men forward and help them prepare for the hardships, which are surely to come in life. He was preceded in death by his parents George Cullen and Arie Savage Higginbotham and his sister Ann Langner. He is survived by his beloved wife: Billie Cooper Higginbotham; sister: Mary Francis Kendrick; sons: Robert (Lori), Steve (Cindy), and Frank Higginbotham; grandsons: Wes and Tyler Higginbotham. Visitation will be held on Tuesday June 14, 2011 from 5-7:00 PM at Peoples Chapel Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday June 15, 2011 at the funeral home with burial to follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family would like to give special thanks to Alacare Hospice for their Wonderful service they provided and to Miss Mary Cox for her loving care for the entire family. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Salvation Army Tornado Relief Fund.

Henry Hoy Higginbotham, 81, of Athens passed away Tuesday at home surrounded by his family. He was born Dec. 9, 1929, in Lauderdale County to Dewey Hobson Higginbotham and Quillie Camp Higginbotham. He was an avid fisherman, quail hunter, golfer and sports fan, especially Alabama football and the Atlanta Braves. In later years, he played golf every day. He also loved to play cards and to work in his garden. Mr. Higginbotham was a member of Athens Church of God. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean conflict, a master pipefitter and an employee on Redstone Arsenal for several years. He had a zest for life like no other. Foremost, he greatly loved his family. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Mary "Jeanette" Siniard Higginbotham of Athens; daughter, Diane Rasbury and husband Jim; son, Keith Higginbotham and wife Jayne Marie; and grandchildren, Blake Rasbury, Anna Rasbury and husband Jeremy Richter, Jill Higginbotham, Joseph Higginbotham and Lauren Higginbotham. He is also survived by his sister, Inez Higginbotham Tucker; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Alton "Pete" Higginbotham and Reese Higginbotham. Pallbearers will be Blake Rasbury, Joseph Higginbotham, Jeremy Richter, Ed Bridges, Ken Taylor and Tommy Puckett. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Spry Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home chapel with the Rev. David Root, U.S. Army Chaplain, officiating. Interment will be in Mitchell Cemetery in Lauderdale County.

Charlotte Otelia Ashley Higginbotham, 91, of Gadsden, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, July 29, 2011. Funeral services will be at Collier-Butler Chapel on Monday at 2 p.m. The Revs. Jack Campbell and Vince Whittington will officiate. Burial will be in Crestwood Cemetery. Mrs. Higginbotham was born April 4, 1920, in the Turkeytown community of Etowah County, where she resided most of her life. She was the daughter of the late Frank Aaron and Vera (Cochran) Ashley. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Higginbotham was preceded in death by Stewart Higginbotham; three brothers, infant Garvin Quincy Ashley, Frank Aaron Ashley Jr., James Rayford "Ray" Ashley; and two sisters, Ester Kate Bryan and Dorothy Willingham. Mrs. Higginbotham was a lifelong member of Macedonia Baptist Church. She was a graduate of Gaston High School, class of 1938, and a graduate of Alabama School of Trades, receiving her license in Practical Nursing in 1965. She was a charter member of Northeast Etowah Senior Outreach Services. She worked at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in Gadsden for two years before she stopped work to marry and raise a family. She and her husband, Stewart J. Higginbotham, owned and operated a commercial poultry farm for many years. After working a short time at Cherokee Co. Hospital, Centre, she was employed at Baptist Memorial Hospital (Gadsden Regional Medical Center) for 16 years, retiring in 1982. After her retirement, she worked several more years for home health agencies in Etowah County. Mrs. Higginbotham delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was a wonderful cook and gardener, especially enjoying growing flowers. She is survived by sons, Alan (Marsha) Higginbotham of Austin, Texas, and Phillip (Tammy) Higginbotham of Chattanooga, Tenn.; daughter, Nancy (Gayron) Davis of Opelika; grandsons, Matthew (Chelsea) Higginbotham and Patrick (Bethany) Davis; granddaughters, Kimberly (Rob) Koenig, Pamela (Paxton) Kelso, Melody (Daniel) Noles, Holly (Bryan) Word, Jennifer (Philip) Uland, Emily (James) Fenn; great-grandchildren, Emmaleigh Grace, Eli and Sarah Noles, Davis Word, Cecilia and Vivian Koenig, Grayer Kelso and Levi Fenn; brother, Hayden C. Ashley; sister-in-law, Louise Ashley; several nieces and nephews and special friends. Her grandsons and husbands of her granddaughters will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are the deacons of Macedonia Baptist Church. The family will receive friends tonight from 6 to 8 at Collier-Butler Funeral Home, Gadsden.

HIGGINBOTHAM, WESLEY age 38, of Hayden, AL, passed away on August 24th, 2011. He was survived by his sons, Korey, Jarrett, Drake, Chase; parents, Paul Higginbotham, Regina Densmore; and sister, Cheri Deason. Funeral services will be held at Messmer Goodwin Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, August 27th, 2011 at 2:00 pm with burial in Elvester Cemetery. Bro. Marshall Childers officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 until service time.

Mr. James Mark Higginbotham, 61, of Scottsboro, AL passed away at Highlands Medical Center Sunday, September 4, 2011. Mr. Higginbotham is survived by his mother, Mary Sue Higginbotham of Scottsboro; brothers, Bobby (Janet) Higginbotham of Skyline, and David and Duane Higginbotham of Scottsboro; and niece, Jamie (Brian) Wilbanks of Grant. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Higginbotham; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Miller and Mr. and Mrs. O. L. Higginbotham; and nephew, Robby Higginbotham. Funeral service will be held at 1 PM Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at Scottsboro Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kevin Wilburn officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12-1 PM prior to service.

HIGGINBOTHAM, MARY ELIZABETH (LIBBY) RILEY, passed away on September 5, 2011 in Montgomery, Alabama at the age of 88. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Arthur Franklin Higginbotham, and her brother, Daniel Alford Riley, Sr. She is survived by her niece, Carol Riley Lasater; nephew, Daniel Alford Riley, Jr.; and great niece and great nephew, Kathryn Elizabeth and Philip Walker Riley Lasater. She was a graduate of the University of Montevallo and was an Assistant Vice President at Banc Boston Mortgage. Visitation will be at Johns-Ridout's Elmwood on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held Thursday, September 15, 2011 at Elmwood Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Glen Leathers of First Baptist Church, Montgomery will officiate the ceremony.

Margaret S. Higginbotham age 98, of Pinson, AL passed away Wednesday, November 2, 2011. A loving wife, mother, and grandmother who always had a smile and a good word of advice for her family. She was a long time member of the Hopewell Baptist Church in Pinson. She served faithfully and was always giving of her time to the needs of her community. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 76 years, Floyd O. Higginbotham; her parents, Grover C. and Cora W. Sims; brothers, G. Howard Sims and Edward E. Sims; and sisters, Eloise S. Melvin, Annie Ruth S. Rice, and M. Frances S. Autwell. She is survived by her son, Harold Higginbotham; daughters, Doris Campbell, Jeanette Higginbotham, Jewel Staton, and Reva Salter; 11 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Special thank you to the staff at East Glen Nursing Home and Dr. Thomas for their dedicated care. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 4, 2011 at Ridout's Trussville Chapel from 5-7 PM. Her service will be at Hopewell Baptist Church in Pinson where she will lie in state from 10-11 on Saturday, November 5, 2011 with the service beginning at 11 AM with Rev. Bill Evans officiating. Grandsons will serve as Pallbearers. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Her family request in lieu of flowers that memorials and donations please be made to the Hopewell Baptist Church, 9060 Hopewell Church Road, Pinson, AL 35126.

HIGGINBOTHAM, JOSEPH age 67, of McCalla, AL, passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2011. Mr. Higginbotham was employed with Rainbow Technology for 33 years. He was also a Vietnam Veteran serving in the U. S. Army. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris M. Higginbotham. He is survived by his daughter, Renee (Larry Joe) Steeley of Hoover; his grandson, Ryan Steeley; his sisters, Mary Lou Goodwin of Bessemer and Peggy Price of Brent; numerous nieces, nephews and extended loving family and friends. Funeral services will be held at Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home Friday, November 11, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with burial in Union Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Pastor Chris DeGreen will be officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, November 10, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Jason Charles Higginbotham 38 passed away Thursday in Huntsville. A long-time resident of Knoxville, TN, he was a construction cost estimator, where he was involved in the construction of several Knoxville city projects, as well as work in the private sector. He was a frequent volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. A native of Huntsville, he was a graduate of Grissom High School. He received his degree in building science from the School of Architecture at Auburn University, and was pursuing a master of business degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He was preceded in death by one brother, Stephen Higginbotham, and three grandparents. He is survived by his parents, Charles and Mabry Higginbotham; brother Michael Higginbotham and his wife Andres; grandmother, Hazel Robinson; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Graveside services will be Monday at 1 pm at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham. Hampton Cove Funeral Home is assisting the family.

HIGGINBOTHAM, MR. ALAN VAN 52, of Ragland, passed away Monday, December 5, 2011. Mr. Higginbotham was a member of Broken Arrow Baptist Church. He was a 1978 graduate of Pell City High School and a veteran of the US Air Force with 11 years of service. Survivors are his daughter, Ashley (Derrick) Davison of Pell City; mother, Ginny Black of Pell City; sister, Ginger H. Knight of Ocala, FL; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews. Services will be held Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 6:00 P.M. at Usrey Funeral Home, Pell City, with the family will receive friends from 5-6 PM. Rev. Allen Bain presiding. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent online at: www.usreyfuneralhome.com

The Funeral Services for Mrs. Dorothy Louise Hay, age 88, of Athens, AL will be Monday January 23, 2012 at 12 P.M. at First Baptist Church of Athens with Fred Lackey and Jerry Smith officiating. Mrs. Dorothy L. Hay passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at her residence. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Jasper, AL. Visitation will be Sunday January 22, 2012 from 6-9 P.M. at McConnell Funeral Home. Mrs. Hay was born April 22, 1923 to Fred Virgil Higginbotham and Callie Ola Toombs Higginbotham in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was a resident of Athens for over fifty years. She passed away after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Athens. Mrs. Hay was preceded in death by her parents; husband John B. Hay, Jr.; Mrs. Hay is survived by her son John B. Hay, III. Of Athens, AL; daughter Callie Stewart and husband Brad of Athens, AL; eight grandchildren Miranda Stewart, Benjamin Stewart, Jacob Stewart, Katie Hay, Will Hay, Emily Hay, all of Athens, AL, Annette Williams of Indiana; Amy Hay of Washington; three great grandchildren Dylan Williams, Julie Williams, Meadow Williams all of Indiana. Pallbearers will be Benjamin Stewart, John McDougle, David Hay, Tommy McDougle, Roger Williams, and James Agee. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jacob Stewart, Will Hay and Dylan Williams. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to AlaCare Hospice and Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements under the direction of Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Mobile, AL. Visitation will be held Tuesday January 31, 2012 from 9:30am until 10am Graveside Service at Mobile Memorial Gardens.

HIGGINBOTHAM, COLENE FLEMING of Cullman, Alabama passed away January 30, 2012 at the age of 82. She was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis and Gertrude Fleming; and her husband, Rev. David A. Higginbotham, Sr. She is survived by her sons, David A. Higginbotham, Jr. (Rene') and Dan Higginbotham; daughter, Colette Muncher (Allen); grandchildren, Joseph Willis (Tara), Brittany Muncher, and Lauren Muncher; three great grandchildren, Kolbe Willis, Caleb Willis, and Julia Willis; sister, Bea Sasser; brother, Eldridge Fleming (Nell); as well as many nieces, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Colene's joyful dedication to others was evident in her service as a Registered Nurse, most notably at Carraway Methodist Hospital, Sacred Heart Convent, Cullman College, Southern Benedictine College, and Cullman Family Practice. Colene and her family are gratefully blessed by the loving generosity shown throughout her life by the Congregation of The First United Methodist Church, Cullman, Alabama. Visitation will be private for the family. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, February 2nd at Elmwood Cemetery, Birmingham, AL. Rev. Mitchell Williams officiating.

Higginbotham, Malisa Helen, 83, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Mrs. Higginbotham, a Houston County native, worked at various bookkeeping jobs in Alabama and Georgia prior to becoming a full time homemaker. She was predeceased by her husband Dell Higginbotham of 38 years; 5 Sisters and 4 Brothers, step-son, Randall L.; a step-grandson, Randall Adam. Surviving family includes; daughter, Carlene Strahan (Julian son-in-law); step-great-grandson, Zachary Higginbotham; a step-daughter-in-law, Kay Higginbotham; as well as many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at Capitol Heights Baptist Church at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, February 4, 2012 with Rev. Warren Culver officiating. In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made in her memory to the Capitol Heights Baptist Church and Vista Care Hospice. Leak Memory Chapel.

BRYANT, AL - James D. "Buddy" Higginbotham, age 67 of Bryant died Tuesday, March 13th at The Bridge of South Pittsburgh. Survivors include, daughters, Tammy Argo (Andrew), Shelby Kemp (Patrick), Paula Higginbotham (Demond), Michelle Higginbotham (Rudolph), step-son, Stephen O'Neil, 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, brothers, B. L. Higginbotham, Billy Ray Gibson, Ronnie Higginbotham, Raymond Higginbotham, David Higginbotham, sisters, Ruby Martinez and Jeanette Vermillion. Mr. Higginbotham was preceded in death by wife, Sharlotte Higginbotham, step-daughter, Kathy O'Neil, sisters, Barbara Jean Richardson, Linda Small, brother, Rodger Higginbotham, granddaughter, Crystal Brown. A memorial service for Buddy and Sharlotte Higginbotham will be held April 1st at 2:00 PM EST at the House Of Prayer in Anderson, with Rev. Mike Harrell officiating.

Katie Murl Stewart Sowell Higginbotham, 82, of Laurel, died Friday, April 6, 2012 at the Baptist Medical Center in Montgomery, Alabama. Funeral services will be held at 10 am Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at First Baptist Church Pecan Grove, Ellisville, MS. Rev. Chris Wheeler will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Jones County. The body will be placed in the church at 9 am prior to the service. Katie Murl, as known, began playing piano at the early age of 8. She taught singing school in Jones County along with her father. Lavelle Stewart, and brother, Lawrence Stewart. As the Masonite Quartet, along with Estelle Wright and Scott Stewart, they sung at every Southern Gospel convention in Mississippi and adjoining states. Katie Murl also played piano for other quartets, including J. D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet. Her influence for music and teaching was established by J. B. Coats, the writer of "Where could I go but to the Lord," and was given an accordion by him of which she traveled playing the accordion at churches and conventions. She eventually gave that accordion to missionaries in the Philippines, who needed some way to play music at their church. She was also a candidate for the Juilliard School of Music in New York City. In 1941, at the age of 12, she was the first pianist of First Baptist of Pecan Grove, Ellisville. She was also charter member, pianist, organist and Sunday School teacher of Houston Road Baptist Church. Katie Murl was a former graduate of Ellisville High School/ Jones County Junior College and was active in the community service for many years. She has served as past commander of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, member of American League of Women Voters, Order of the Eastern Star, National Association of Federal Employees, and member of the Order of Medical Assistants and Secretaries. She was a candidate for State Representative for District 82 and business owner. And in 1979-1980, she received the Personalities of the South Award. She was a beloved Christian mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Rev. Narvel A. "Pete" Sowell; parents, Lavelle Stewart and Mamie Hester Stewart; daughter, Joan Michelle Sowell; brothers, Buford L. Stewart, Lawrence Stewart, and Charles Stewart; and grandchild, George Walters, Jr. Survivors include husband, Sam Higginbotham; two daughters, Janet Sowell Holmes and husband Guy Holmes of Deatsville and Jeana Sowell Boggs and husband Lemuel Boggs, Jr. of Deatsville; son, Joby Sowell and wife Belinda Burt Sowell of Tuscaloosa, AL; brother, Stephen Stewart of Laurel; grandchildren, Kristy Sowell Perry and husband Derrick Perry, Keira Sowell Brown and husband Gerald Brown; Kayla Sowell, Selena Sowell, Lemuel Andrew Boggs and Leighton Aaron Boggs; and great grandchildren, Morgan Sowell, Jackson Perry, Aubrey Perry, Montae Brown, Kadence Brown, and Colton Andrew Boggs. Pallbearers are Brian Stewart, Thomas Stewart, Wayne Stewart, Landry Boggs, Doug Stewart and Wendell Stewart. Honorary Pallbearers are Tim Stewart, Leighton Boggs, Ricky Stewart and Stephen Stewart. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Pecan Grove Ministries, 699 Pecan Grove Road, Ellisville, MS 39437. Visitation will be held from 5 until 9 pm Tuesday, April 10 at Memory Chapel of Laurel which is in charge of the arrangements.

Oxford - Funeral services for Judy Higginbotham Crawford, 60, will be announced by Gray Brown Service Mortuary. Mrs. Crawford died Friday at UAB.

Nancy Higginbotham Davis, 64, Opelika, passed away Monday, July 23, 2012, at East Alabama Medical Center. She was born in 1948 to the late Charlotte Otelia Ashley and Stewart Joseph Higginbotham. Nancy had been a resident of Opelika for many years. Though she excelled in academics and her medical profession, she was most known for her dedication and love of family and friends. She was valedictorian of her class of 1966 at Gaston High, and received her B.S. in Laboratory Technology in 1970 from Auburn University with highest honors. She received the Comer Medal for Excellence in Biological Sciences, and was Certified as a Medical Technologist, 1971 to present. Most recently, she was a Medical Technologist at EAMC and retired in 2010. Mrs. Davis had been a member of the WestPoint Pepperell Garden Club since 1977, Les Saisons Study Club, Mothers of Twins Club and faithful choir member for more than 30 years at First Baptist Church of Opelika. She loved to cook and sew special-occasion clothing for children and grandchildren, and loved to spend time with family, especially spoiling grandchildren. Mrs. Davis is survived by her husband of 41 years, Gayron Nixon Davis; daughters, Melody Leigh Noles (Daniel) of Chattanooga, Tenn., Holly Ashley Word (Bryan) of Birmingham; son, Patrick Nixon Davis (Bethany) of Bruce, Miss.; brothers, Alan Frank Higginbotham (Marsha) of Austin, Texas, Phillip Dale Higginbotham (Tammy) of Chattanooga, Tenn.; grandchildren, Emmaleigh Grace, Eli, Sarah and Hannah Noles, and Davis and Kaitlyn Word. The family sincerely appreciates the care for Nancy by the doctors and staff at both EAMC of Opelika and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center of Houston, Texas. Funeral service for Mrs. Davis is 11 a.m. Thursday, July 26, 2012, at First Baptist Church of Opelika with the Rev. Steve Scoggins officiating. Burial will be in Garden Hills Cemetery. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory is directing.

Eleanor Faye Mangum Higginbottom, 58, died Thursday, August 23, 2012, of natural causes at her home in Florence. Known as "Snookie" since birth, Eleanor was proceeded in death by her mother Annie Blanche Oliver, father, Alfred Henry Mangum II, her oldest son Joseph Kevin Walden, and her husband Robert Neal Higginbottom. Eleanor was a fun-loving child at heart who loved everyone unconditionally and forgave as commanded. She spent her career helping others as an EMT, Paramedic and an RN. Compassion and empathy poured out of her. She spent her retirement loving with abundance her surviving family which includes: daughter, Angel Michelle Hancock and son-in-spirit, Richard Allen Weaver, both of Florence; son, Bryan Cody Smith and daughter-in-law Courtney Elaine Smith, both of Huntsville; daughter-in-law, Paula Dawn Holifield of Sheffield; her beloved grandsons, Christopher Lynyrd Walden , James Austin Walden, both of Sheffield , Bryan Cameron Smith of Huntsville and great-grandsons, Carson and Tyson Walden and her most adored dog Dixie Belle. As a woman who loved and treated everyone as family, her friends and relatives are too numerous to mention. Pallbearers will be Cody Smith, Allen Weaver, Lynyrd Walden, Austin Walden, Junior Holifield and Joshua Haley. Eleanor bore no pretense, so come as you are. Additionally, the family would like to thank the Zip City Fire Department and Lauderdale County EMS volunteers and personnel for their professionalism, compassion and grace. Services are being provided by Spry Williams Funeral home where visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 28 from 3-5 pm. A graveside service will follow immediately at Mt. Zion Church of Christ on Butler Creek Road with Brother Richard Kelley presiding. "The thing I find most amazing in amazing grace is the chance to give it out. Maybe that's what love is all about."--Brandon Heath. Services: Service at 5:00 PM at Graveside on Tuesday, August 28th, 2012 Cemetery: Mt. Zion Cemetery Butler Creek Road.

PELL CITY- Funeral service for George Wayne Higginbotham, 54, of Wattsville will be Sunday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. at Usrey Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Doug Ford officiating. Burial will follow in Broken Arrow Cemetery in Ragland. Mr. Higginbotham died Nov. 8 at his residence. He is preceded in death by his father, Dillard Higginbotham Sr. He is survived by his mother, Shirley M. Bunt; his sister, Sheila Jean Mather; his brother Dillard (Barbara) Higginbotham Jr.; and many loving nieces and nephews. Usrey Funeral Home will direct the service.

Mrs. Iladene Levan Higginbotham, age 88 of Hoover, died Tuesday, December 4, 2012, at Brookwood Medical Center. Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, December 6, 2012, at Empire Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Don Westbrook officiating. There will be no visitation. Survivors include her husband, Wayne B. Higginbotham; sons, Tim Higginbotham and Jeff Higginbotham; and granddaughter, Crystal Higginbotham.

Mr. Elmer Milton Higginbotham, Jr., age 54, a resident of Hoover, Alabama expired on December 16, 2012 at a local hospital. Milton was a 1976 graduate of Shades Valley High School. He played the drums in the band. Milton graduated from Bessemer State Technical College in drafting, and he also graduated from Jefferson State College in AutoCAD. He was a member of Lakeside Baptist Church. Milton had a love for aerospace, cars, and the Bible. Milton was preceded in death by his father: Elmer Milton Higginbotham, Sr. Milton is survived by his mother: Ruth Eloise Higginbotham, sister: Lisa Holland (Clay), brothers: Forrest W. Higginbotham and H. Lee Higginbotham (Dawn), nephews: Clay Holland, Jr., Luke, Hunter and Levi Higginbotham. Services for Milton will be held at Valhalla Cemetery on December 19, 2012 at 12noon. There will be a visitation held at Valhalla Funeral Home one hour prior to service at 11am. Internment will take place at Valhalla Cemetery.

Evelyn Pauline Higginbotham (Polly) passed away at River City Care and Rehabilitation Center on January 5, 2013, at the age of 89. Services will be held at Roselawn Funeral Home, 741 Danville Road SW, Decatur, Alabama, on Wednesday, January 9. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m., with the Reverends Gary Heathcock and Jeff Sellers officiating. Polly is predeceased by her husband, Ira Jackson Higginbotham (d. 1988), her father, Roy T. Rich, and mother Era Carr Rich, and her dear friend and companion of over 20 years, Jimmie Adams. She is survived by her two sons, Roy Jackson Higginbotham of Decatur, Alabama, and J. Michael Higginbotham (Joan) of Memphis, Tennessee, and daughter, Cindy Mullins (Mark), of Auckland, New Zealand; a sister, Martha Lovell (Adrian) of Sylacauga, Alabama, and brother, Ralph T. Rich of Decatur, Alabama. She will also be missed by her beloved grandchildren, Stacey Peebles (Darrow), Hilton Treloar (Mark), Jay Higginbotham, Sara Thompson (Derek), Megumi Mullins and three great grandchildren, Taylor Peebles, Rowe Peebles, and Ross Treloar, and by her loving nieces and nephews. Polly was a member of Ninth Street United Methodist Church and served in a variety of roles over the years. She was a dedicated member of the choir and women's circles, taught Sunday School, and held leadership roles in United Methodist Women's groups. She retired from Decatur Utilities in 1988. Polly enjoyed international and domestic travel with her sister and beloved niece, Jennifer Hardison (Don). Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Solana program at River City Care and Rehabilitation Center, 1350 14th Avenue SE, Decatur, AL 35601, or to Hospice of North Alabama, 3311 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35805.

Funeral service for Trina Louise Higginbotham Wells, 48, of Hartselle will be today, January 29, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Parkway Funeral Home with I.V. Marsh officiating. Burial will be in East Lawrence Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Mrs. Higginbotham, who died Sunday, January 27, 2013, at Decatur Morgan Hospital, was born December 2, 1964, in West Virginia to Bill and Kay Higginbotham. Trina was loved by so many. She loved to be well enough to go to church on Sunday morning. She was an amazing mom, sister and daughter. Survivors include one daughter, Ashley Barbee (Brandon); two sons, Fredrick Ewing (Lauren) and Ryan Ewing (Hope); her parents, Bill and Kay Higginbotham; four sisters, Belinda Johnson, Betty Hamond, Rita Simon and Billie Sanchez; three brothers, Billy Higginbotham, Jon Higginbotham and Henry Higginbotham; and three grandchildren.

Dorothy F. Higginbotham, age 74, of Holly Pond, passed away early Friday morning, March 30, 2013. She was born in Cullman County to Jesse James and Dora Mae Ramsey Smith. Mrs. Higginbotham was a beloved member of Pleasant View Baptist Church in Holly Pond and a retired employee of Americold. She is predeceased by her parents. Survivors are her husband Jessie L. Higginbotham; four sons, Randall Barnes (Chiquita), Brian Barnes, Steve Barnes (Betty) and Tommy Higginbotham (Jo Ann); three brothers, Ray Smith, Guy Smith (Laura), and Loyd Smith (Faye); seven grandsons and four granddaughters. Visitation 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Sunday, March 31, 2013 at Holly Pond Funeral Home. Services 11:00 am Monday, April 1, 2013 at Pleasant View Baptist Church. Rev. Randy Burtram and Rev. Bobby Bryant officiating. Mrs. Higginbotham will lie in state 10:00 am until 11:00 am. Interment Baileyton Cemetery.

Kathy Darlene Higginbotham Bosworth 57, of Marbury, passed away on April 3, 2013, at Prattville Baptist Hospital. She was born in Montgomery on Dec. 23, 1955. She was a housekeeper. She is survived by her daughter, Melissa (Dan Wright) Lucio of Verbena; son, Lynzy (Rebeka Mims) Bosworth of Marbury; daughter, Bonnie (Jonathan) Owens of Marbury; son, Jesse Bosworth of Marbury; brother, Bobby Christian of Birmingham; grandchildren, Anna Granthum, April Lucio, Christopher Lucio, Autumn Bosworth, Anna Owens, Dylan Owens, Connor Owens, Brenden Owens, Makenzie Owens and great-grandchild, Jerry “Little Bo” Granthum II. She is preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Bosworth Jr.; mother, Violet Christian and sister, Diana Higginbotham. A memorial service will be held on April 6 at 2 p.m. from the Memorial Chapel of Ellison-Cleckler Funeral Home with the Rev. Keith Edwards officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Final care and arrangements entrusted to Ellison-Cleckler Funeral Home of Clanton.

Larry Kent Higginbotham, 55, April 19, 2013. Each of his friends knew him as Laughing Larry, the laugh lines on his face, constant memories of his travels across the United States. On his motorcycle he explored every corner of our great country, and along the way he made many loving friends who will forever be touched by just knowing him. He was a member of the Iron Horsemen Motorcycle Club. He was preceded in death by his mother Claris Higginbotham, and his father Pete Higginbotham. He is survived by Mary Katherine Gum, Crystal E. Gum, William R. Gum, Judith A. Higginbotham, Shannon L. Young, Dustin J. Young, Michelle M. Gagne, and Barry C. Higginbotham. The visitation will be Saturday, April 27, 2013, from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, at Peoples Chapel Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 2:00 PM. The burial will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens.

Dorothy J. Higginbotham, 79, of Birmingham, AL passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2013. Survived by daughter, Paula Newman (Rusty), sister Clara Cagel (The Late Paul Higginbotham), and several nieces and nephews. Visitation is being held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 Pm Monday at Elmwood Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 Pm Tuesday, May 7, 2013 also at Elmwood Chapel. Entombment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery Mausoleum.

Bynum - Funeral services for Mrs. Juanita Higginbotham, 83, of Bynum, will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18, 2013, at Miller Funeral Home with Pastor Shannon Caudle officiating. The family will receive friends this evening, May 17, 2013, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Mrs. Higginbotham died Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at her residence. Survivors include her daughter, Dana Higginbotham; grandchildren, Patrick Higginbotham, Jay Thrasher, Shanda Higginbotham; seven great-grandchildren. Mrs. Higginbotham attended Bynum Church of God and enjoyed working in her garden. She was preceded in death by her husband Johnnie Higginbotham; a son, Gary Higginbotham and two sisters. Miller Funeral Home

"Harry O" Higginbotham age 81, a native of Woodbine, GA and a resident of Orange Beach, AL passed away Thursday May 16, 2013. He was owner and operator of Harry's Diving Service and Handy Man Service. Survivors include his wife Patsy Higginbotham of Orange Beach, daughter; Susie Blackard of Daphne; three sons; Larry Wilkinson of Daphne, Dean and Darwin Higginbotham both of Point Clear, AL, two step daughters; Debbie Marhofer of Houston, TX, Carol Krueger of Houston , TX ,three stepsons; John, David, Michael Bradbury all of Tallahassee, FL; several grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Foley from 10:00am until 11:30am. Graveside services will follow at 12:00 pm at Bear Point Cemetery, Orange Beach, AL.

Anniston – A Celebration of life service for Mrs. Mildred "Mickey" H. Brooks Stephens, 85 of Anniston will be Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Funeral Home with Dr. Rick Reaves officiating with burial following at Eulaton United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, from 1 – 3 pm at the funeral home. Mrs. Stephens went to be with the Lord Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at her residence. Mrs. Stephens is survived by her sons, Randall "Randy" (Karen) Brooks, Richard "Ricky" Brooks; daughter-in-law, Pat Brooks; sister-in-law, Ellen Brooks; grandchildren, Roby Brooks, Wes Brooks, Kevin Brooks, Koy Brooks, Jarred Brooks and Betsy Clum; great grandchildren, Tanner Brooks, Dawson Brooks, Kaelyn Brooks, Landen Clum, Addisyn Brooks, RJ Brooks, Molly Brooks, Skylar Brooks, Payton Brooks, Sawyer Brooks, Shelby Brooks, and Dalton Brooks. Pallbearers will be Roby Brooks, Wes Brooks, Kevin Brooks, Koy Brooks, Jarred Brooks, and Joey Oliver. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Encouragers Sunday School Class at Hillcrest Baptist Church. Mrs. Stephens was preceded in death by her first husband, James E. Brooks; second husband, David L. Stephens; and son James E. "Jimmy" Brooks Jr. Mrs. Stephens was a native and lifelong resident of Calhoun County; she was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church and was employed with AOD for many years as a switchboard operator. Family would like to say a special thanks to caregivers Ella Seabolt, Stephanie McDonald, Kaye Turley, Florence Pate, Juanita Moore and Tiffany Wilson and a very special thanks to Donna Gilmore and staff with Southern Care Hospice Family request in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church in her honor.

Joseph Raymon Higginbotham Sr., 73, of Magnolia Springs, passed away May 23, 2013. He was a United States Armed Forces veteran. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Armi Frame. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Higginbotham of Magnolia Springs, two sons, J.R. Higginbotham of Bibb County, Ala., John Higginbotham of Magnolia Springs; stepfather, J.T. Miller of Gordo, Ala.; sister, Anne Turney of Birmingham; one brother, Jack Higginbotham of Pensacola; and five grandchildren. A graveside service for Mr. Higginbotham will be Monday, May 27, 2013, at 2 p.m., from Pine Rest Memorial Park in Foley. Arrangements by Cason Funeral Service, Foley.

Athens -Hiram Glen Higginbotham, 77 of Athens, Alabama passed away Sunday July 7 at Huntsville Hospital. Funeral service will be Wednesday July 10, 2013, 1PM at Spry Funeral Home Chapel with Bill Irby and Tom Holland officiating. Burial in the Roselawn Cemetery with visitation Tuesday 6-9pm at the Funeral Home. Born July 29, 1935 in Franklin County, Tn. Member of the West Hobbs Street Church of Christ, US Air Force Veteran, retired from Redstone Arsenal, member of the Pipefitter Local 566. Preceded in death by: Brothers: Bill Higginbotham, Fred Higginbotham, James Higginbotham, Lloyd Ray Higginbotham Survivors: Wife: Doris Holland Higginbotham-Athens Daughter: Stephanie Latimer and Husband Mike-Athens Grandchildren: Lacy Beth Latimer Newton and Husband Christopher-Athens Brandt Latimer and Wife Megan-Athens Great Grandson: Brock Newton Brother: Charles Higginbotham-Decatur Sisters: Ellen Knox-Athens Judy Holland-Ardmore, AL Nieces and Nephews Pallbearers: Brett Holland, Bradley Holland, Daren Holland, Jay Holland, Pat Holland, Chuck Higginbotham.

Mrs. Bevley Jan Higginbotham, 60 of Attalla passed away Sunday, July 28, 2013 at Riverview Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at Collinsville Funeral Home-Sharpe Chapel with Rev. Herman Edge officiating. Burial followed in Union Cemetery. Collinsville Funeral Home directing. Mrs. Higginbotham is survived by her husband, Donnie Sherrell, children, Jason (Kelly Bartko) Higginbotham, Cary (Crystal) Higginbotham, Danielle (Tony) Key, seven grandchildren, mother, Louise Ennis, sisters, Carla Stokes, Belinda Abernathy, Katrina Ennis, father of children, Kenneth Higginbotham and uncles and aunts.

HIGGINBOTHAM GRACE GERTRUDE age 93, joined her family and friends in heaven on August 18, 2013. She is survived by her son, Michael (Sheryl); granddaughters, Sarah Valpuesta (Domingo) and Emily Higginbotham; great granddaughter, Madeleine Jane Valpuesta. Mother loved her family beyond measure. She influenced both children and adults through Sunday School teaching and acts of kindness at her retirement community. She was known as "Amazing Grace", and amazing she is. Visitation will be Thursday August 22, 2013 from 10 - 11 AM at Peoples Chapel Funeral. Funeral service will follow at 11 AM in the chapel. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens. Dr. Charles M. Durham officiating. In lieu of flowers family would like for memorials to be made to First Presbyterian Church of Bessemer, First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa or Hospice of West Alabama.

TUSCALOOSA Retired Army Colonel Norman D. Higginbotham, 71, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama passed away peacefully in his home on November 18, 2013. Services will be 2 p.m. Friday, November 22, 2013 at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel. Burial with full military honors will follow in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Florence Martin. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Cris Higginbotham; his daughter and son-in-law, Monika and Craig Wedgeworth; his brothers, Buddy Martin and Joe Higginbotham; and grandchildren, Jacob and Evan Gragg. Norman was born on February 24, 1942 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was part of the Tuscaloosa High School graduating class of 1960, and graduated from the University of Alabama in 1963. Norman retired from the U.S. Army in the rank of Colonel with 29 years of service. During his distinguished career, he served two combat tours in Vietnam, two overseas tours in Germany, numerous stateside assignments including service on the Joint Staff, and culminated his career as the Chief Of Staff of Southern Command in 1989 during Operation Just Cause. His leadership and dedication played a significant role in deposing the dictator, Manuel Noriega, and in restoring democracy to the Republic of Panama. COL (Ret) Higginbotham's military awards and decorations include two Legion's of Merit, two Bronze Stars, the Defense Meritorious Service Award, the Vietnam Service Medal with 7 bronze stars, and numerous other distinguished awards. Norman retired in 1992 from Cumberland, Pennsylvania where he served as the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency and settled back into his hometown of Tuscaloosa. During his retirement, he enjoyed his time with his grandchildren, Jacob and Evan. His honorable service to this Nation will not be forgotten, and he will be missed by his friends and family.

A celebration of life for DeEtte Higginbotham, 95, will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014, at Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel, the Rev. Paul Campbell officiating, with burial in Cullman City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Hanceville Funeral Home.

Mrs. Higginbotham passed away Saturday, Feb. 1, at Hanceville Nursing and Rehab Center. Her greatest joy was her 37 years of service with CRMC Auxiliary, where at her retirement in 2009 at the age of 91 she had accumulated nearly 25,000 service hours. She was known throughout the medical staff for her always smiling face and her constant willingness to serve the medical community.

Mrs. Higginbotham was born May 27, 1918, to Leonard E. and Eva Bowling Murphree. On Dec. 26, 1933, at the age of 15, she married her childhood sweetheart, Bob Higginbotham. They would enjoy 69 years together before his death in 2002.

Mrs. Higginbotham was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Eva Murphree; her husband, Bob Higginbotham; two brothers, Edscol and Cecil Murphree; and three sisters, Marie Murphree, Lorene (Odie) Strickland and Evelyn (Bubs) Allbritton.

She is survived by a goddaughter, Sandy (Dewayne) Waters; two sisters, Betty Jo (Garry) Landers and Barbara Ward; two sisters-in-law, Catherine Murphree and Elsie Murphree; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Dahlia Higginbotham 89 of Boaz passed away Saturday, March 8, 2014 Funeral Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2014, Mt. Zion Baptist Church Interment: Adjoining Cemetery Visitation: 5 till 7 Monday, March 10, 2014 at Etowah Memorial Chapel Officiating: Bro. Kevin Brooks Pallbearers: Friends of the family Survived by: Son: Greg Higginbotham Nieces: Marilyn Dean, Heather Taylor, Joy Elliott Nephew: Brad Taylor Several Great Nieces & Nephews Sister-in-law: Bonnie Taylor Preceded in death by: Husband: Elmer Higginbotham.

Decatur - Memorial services for Roy Jackson Higginbotham, 71, of Decatur will be held Monday, May 5, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Gary Heathcock officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Jack Higginbotham passed away on May 1, 2014. He was born November 28, 1942. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1961 and Birmingham Southern College in 1965 where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. His lifetime career was in construction and sales. Jack was a member of the Decatur Jaycees and a lifetime member of Ninth Street Methodist Church. Roy Jackson Higginbotham was preceded in death by his parents, Ira Jackson and Pauline Rich Higginbotham. He is survived by one brother, Joseph Michael Higginbotham (Joan) of Memphis, Tennessee; and one sister, Cindy Higginbotham Mullins (Mark) of Auckland, New Zealand; two daughters, Stacey Higginbotham Peebles (Darrow) and Hilton Higginbotham Treloar (Mark) of Decatur; three grandchildren, Taylor Peebles, Rowe Peebles and Ross Treloar; one nephew, Jay Higginbotham of Atlanta; and two nieces, Megumi Mullins of Decatur and Sarah Mullins Thompson (Derek) of Tuscaloosa. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at River City Care and Rehab, Decatur Morgan Hospital, Dr. Lyn Naylor for their faithful care and service during his illness and also to Ralph Rich a special uncle and friend for his constant concern and help. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to Neighborhood Christian Center or Tennessee Valley Outreach.

Hartselle - Funeral service for Katherine "Kay" Higginbotham, 71, of Hartselle will be Wednesday, May 28, 2014, at 3 p.m. at the Coffey Center, (next door to Parkway Funeral Home) with the Rev. Shane Williams officiating and Parkway Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the Coffey Center. Interment will be in East Lawrence Memorial Gardens. Katherine, who died Saturday, May 24, 2014, at her residence was born September 22, 1942, in West Virginia to Truman and Omie McFann. She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Trina Wells. Survivors include her spouse, Billy Ray Higginbotham Sr.; sons, Billy Higginbotham Jr., Jon Higginbotham; daughters, Belinda Johnson, Betty Hammond; stepson, Henry Higginbotham; stepdaughters, Annette Sanchez, Rita Simon; grandchildren, Ashley Barbee, Ryan Wells, Freddie Wells, Olen Kilpatric, Shawna Higginbotham, Ceaira Higginbotham, Rodney Hammond, Timmy Hammond, Cody Burgess, Aaron Higginbotham; nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Margret Gall and Rosalie SFerra. Pallbearers will be Billy Higginbotham, Jon Higginbotham, Byron Johnson, Bobby Curry and Tazz Curry.

Survivors include her father Michael Higginbotham and mother Kasey Teer both of Trafford, AL; brothers Kyle Anthony Higginbotham, Michael Dylan Higginbotham, Jackson Teer, Gage Anthony Higginbotham and Aiden Teer; grandparents Sherry Thrift of Trafford, AL, Mark Higginbotham of Trafford, AL and Boyce Teer of Cullman, AL; aunts Lindsay and Julie. Graveside service will be Monday, July 7, 2014 at Bethlehem Cemetery at 11:00 AM. Lemley Funeral Home and Crematory directing.

BROOKWOOD - Arlena Frances Hall, age 75, of Brookwood, passed away on August 19, 2014, at Hospice of West Alabama. Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, August 21, 2014, at Memory Chapel with Rev. Tony Boyd and nephew Rev. Doug Wilder officiating with Memory Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Burial will be at Big Hurricane Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Otis Hall; parents, Eddie and Lina Higginbotham; infant son, Jeffery Otis Hall; and infant great- grandson Kayden Childers. Survivors include her children, James Marshall Hall, Jimmy Hall, Janice Rhodes, Jeneva Fomby, James Otis Hall, Jr., Mavis Ann Stapleton and Ruth Hudson; eight grandchildren, Tequila Childers, Anthony Fomby, Bob Dodson, Autumn and Jay Aubry, Keith Roberts, Jr., Julie Davis, Lance Hall and Shea Jackson; fourteen great-grandchildren; her much loved sister, Addline McArthur; as well as several nieces, nephews and friends. Pallbearers will be Joe Harris, Butch Herring, Mike Green, Jamie Haun, Shawn Carter and Justin Childers. Honorary pallbearers are staff of Hospice of West Alabama who provided wonderful care, Amedysis Home Health, Forest Manor Rehabilitation, her customers at Hall's Family Fireworks and friends in the Brookwood community. Mama was a retired nurse from Bryce Hospital. She loved watching her children and grandchildren play sports, she always looked forward to firework season, gardening and she loved her pets. Mama loved her family and she always had something good cooked for anyone who entered her home. Flowers will be accepted and the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of West Alabama. Go rest high on that mountain, Mama.

Ruth Niblett of Trafford Alabama, passed away at the age of 97. She was a member of Trafford Church of God for over 60 years, and served as the church clerk and a Sunday school teacher. She was a lifelong seamstress and custom drape maker. She is preceded in death by her parents Ollie and Mary Higginbotham; husband of 55 years, Robert E. Niblett, Sr. who passed away in 1991; brothers, O.D., John David, Standley, James Henry, Jack and Billy; sisters, Irene, Lorene, and Clara Mae. She is survived by sons Robert Edward Niblett, Jr. (JoAnn), Alex Eugene Niblett (Judi); daughter, Barbara Carroll Niblett Sanders (Bill); grandchildren, Joseph Edward Niblett (Susan), Meloni Niblett Beyer (Erik), William Monroe Niblett (Nikki), Becky Mae Niblett Shoemake (Jamie), Robert B. Niblett, Kerry Wayne Sanders (Leslie), Tammy Sanders Bishop, Alex Eugene Niblett, Jr. (Sheila), Michael Niblett; 23 great grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. We want to thank special friends, Cathy Doyle and Loretta Mosley for all the help they have been to Mother when she needed them. Also we want to thank St. Vincent's Hospital ER, Birmingham for the kindness they showed Mother while she was there. And, we want to say a special thanks to the staff of 3MAIN, especially Jeff, her nurse, and Dr. Hung. They showed such kindness and compassion to our Mom and to us after she passed. You all will always be in our hearts and minds. A visitation will be held Thursday, September 18th, 2014 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with a chapel service on Friday, September 19th, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel.

Marie Butgereit Higginbotham, born in Fairhope, AL on September 25, 1929, passed away October 21, 2014. Marie was the owner of the 'King Kole' restaurant and lounge for 43 years; she retired in 2006. Marie was preceded in death by her son, David Stewart Higginbotham. She is survived by her sons, Larry (Vickie) Wilkinson of Daphne, Dean Higginbotham and Darwin Higginbotham, both of Point Clear; her daughter, Susie Higginbotham Blackard of Daphne; four grandchildren; six great grandchildren; her brother, Glenn (Myrna) Butgereit of Texas. She is greatly missed. A special thank you to her caregiver, Martha Dyess. Ms. Martha, has been a blessing to our family. We could not have asked for anyone who took better care of our Mother; she loved her as her own family. The family will receive friends at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Fairhope on Saturday, October 25, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 26, 2014 in the chapel of Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens of Fairhope.

Dana Claire Phillips, age 77, of Hayden, Alabama passed away at Trinity Medical Center in Birmingham on November 20, 2014. Mrs. Phillips was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hayden. She enjoyed cooking, baking cakes, and taking care of others. Mrs. Phillips is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Zora Higginbotham and her brother, Johnny Higginbotham. She is survived by her husband, Donald Phillips; her sons, Donald Phillips, Jr. (Melisa) and Scott Phillips; her daughter, Carol Shirley (Hilton); her sisters, Peggy Hill (Charles) and Edna Brasher (Russ); her five grandchildren; her four great-grandchildren and a nest of nieces and nephews. Bro. Cris West will officiate funeral services at her graveside on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 1 PM at Bethel Cemetery.

Betty Jane Higginbotham Wise, 86, of Huntsville, died Dec. 15, 2014. There will be a private family service.

Service for John Fletcher Higginbotham, 98, of Oxford, Ala. will be announced at a later date. Mr. Higginbotham passed away on Tuesday at his residence. Survivors include his daughters, Wanda White (Hugo), Linda Fair (Lamar), son, Ronnie Higginbotham (Nancy); six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren. Mr. Higginbotham was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Cummings Higginbotham. Mr. Higginbotham was a member of Hartwell Lodge 101. He was a member of the American Legion Post 3. Mr. Higginbotham was a veteran of WW II. Miller Funeral Home & Crematory Oxford, AL (256) 831-4611 A Brown Service Authorized Funeral Home. Funeral Home Miller Funeral Home 50 Hamric Drive East Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-4611.

Mr. Wayne B. Higginbotham, age 91 of Hoover passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2015, at his residence. Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at Empire Memory Cemetery with Rev. Don Westbrook officiating. There will be no visitation. Mr. Higginbotham was a U.S. Army veteran serving during World War II and saw action in five major battles including the Invasion of Normandy. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Iladene. Survivors include his sons, Tim and Jeff; granddaughter, Crystal; and his sister, Juanita Phillips. In lieu of flowers the family the family request that donations be made to the Birmingham VA Medical Center, c/o Chaplain Long, 700 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233. Bell Funeral Home Sumiton has been entrusted with the arrangements. Funeral Home Bell Funeral Home 2077 Pratt Hwy Birmingham, AL 35214 (205) 798-2890.

Virginia Louise Higginbotham, 59, of Rock Run passed away Monday, April 13, 2015 at WellStar Cobb Hospital. Born in Vienna, Ga. to John David and Margaret Parsons Wright, she attended Arrington Chapel. She was preceded in death by her sister, Debra Ann Wright Carr. Survivors include her husband, Charles Higginbotham Sr.; sons, William "Rob" Phillips (Kim), Charles Higginbotham Jr., and Scotty Lamar Higginbotham; Pamela Burnett (Gary), Margaret Dutton Callan, and Amanda Leann Higginbotham; brother, Charlie Ray Wright (Debbie); sister-in-law, Roberta Gardner; 16 grandchildren; two great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held Friday, April 17 at 2 p.m. from Arrington Chapel with visitation from 1-2 p.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The Rev. Steve Raines and the Rev. Bobby Kirk will officiate. Dansby Heritage Chapel is honored to serve the Higginbotham Family. Funeral Home Dansby Heritage Chapel 707 Southern Ave. Piedmont, AL 36272 256-447-4747.

Funeral service for Roger Lee Higginbotham, 70, of the Nances Creek Community will be Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Thompson Funeral Home with the Rev. Corey Burns and the Rev. Bob Hundley officiating. Burial will follow at Nances Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday from 6-8 p.m. Mr. Higginbotham passed away Thursday, May 14, 2015 at his home. Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Faye Higginbotham; four sons, Aaron Higginbotham (Alisha), Eric Higginbotham, Baron Higginbotham and Carl Higginbotham (Tonya) all of Nances Creek; eight grandchildren, Landon Higginbotham, Davey Higginbotham, Amber Higginbotham, Nicholas Higginbotham, Daniel Higginbotham, Dylan Higginbotham, Chase Higginbotham and Haylie Higginbotham; one brother, Lonnie Gene Higginbotham (Frances) of Jacksonville; and two sisters, Lenora Castleberry of Michigan and Melinda Phillips of Anniston. Pallbearers will be Jeff Barnwell, Scott Cheatwood, Eric Cronan, Steven Williamson, Dakota Williamson and Derek Harbour. Mr. Higginbotham had been a resident of the Nances Creek Community since 1984. He loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Mr. Higginbotham was preceded in death by his son, Steven Jerome Higginbotham; parents, Lonnie and Jeanette Higginbotham; one sister, Mary Frances Henson; and one brother, Howard Higginbotham. The family is deeply appreciative to Amber Higginbotham and Amedisys Hospice for their loving care.

HIGGINBOTHAM, CAROLINA PAPAPIETRO, age 40, of Birmingham, loving mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, in her parent's house in Birmingham. Carolina was born on November 27, 1974 in Montgomery, AL. She attended The Altamont School (Class of 1993), Emory University (Class of 1997), and School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (Class of 2000). She worked as a translator at Jefferson County Department of Health, and as a Spanish teacher at Edgewood Elementary School. She married David Wayne Higginbotham, of Trussville, AL on December 8, 2001 at Canterbury United Methodist Church. She was was preceded in death by her daughter Emily Kate Higginbotham. She is survived by her husband of nearly fourteen years, David Higginbotham, her parents Dr. and Mrs. Silvio Papapietro, her brothers Claudio and Mauricio Papapietro (Liz Ligon and Susan Moody Papapietro), her mother-in-law Patsy Heaton Higginbotham, her son Joshua David Higginbotham, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and dear friends. Carolina was a genuine, loving, gentle, caring, thoughtful and compassionate person of immense inner strength and fortitude. She faced many challenges in life and always carried herself gracefully through tremendous adversity. She will be sorely missed. Her family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Andres Forero and his staff at the UAB Hematology/Oncology Division of UAB for their guidance, treatment, and care throughout Carolina's battle with breast cancer. In lieu of flowers, it is asked that contributions be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Casey's Cause, or Bridgeway Services. A memorial service will be held at Canterbury United Methodist Church on Monday June 15 at 3pm in the Sanctuary. The family will receive guests in the Parlor beginning at 2pm.

Service for Mrs. Jennie Mae Higginbotham Thomas, 74, will be at 2:00 pm on Friday June 19, 2015 at Usrey Funeral Home, Pell City. The Rev. Doug Ford will officiate. Burial will be in the Providence Baptist Cemetery. She passed away June 17, 2015 in Ragland. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Florence Barksdale; sister, Nancy Matson; brothers, Kenneth Barksdale, Troy Barksdale, Dewey Barksdale, Leon Barksdale, and Clifford Barksdale, and by a grandson, John Kay. Survivors are her Husband: Daniel Thomas, Daughters: Wanda Canada (Robert), Margaret Jones (Barry), Donnell Thomas, and Janelle Thomas, Son: Donald Higginbotham, Sisters: Mary Lou Green, Ruth Faulkner, Mandy Faulkner, Sarah Header, Dorothy Header, Brothers: Alfred Barksdale, Roy Barksdale, Grandchildren: Jason Kay, Bradley and Jessica Jones, Mary Higginbotham, Bobby Canada, Tracy Mounce, and Alicia Snider, and by 12 Great-Grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday, June 18, 2015, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be John Payne, John Thomas, Josh Hengle, Jason Kay, Bradley Jones, and Harold Barksdale. Honorary Pallbearer will be Hunter Kay. Usrey Funeral Home, Pell City will direct the service. Funeral Home Usrey Funeral Home 21271 Highway 231 North Pell City, AL 35125 (205) 338-0303.

Anna R. Turney of Tarrant, AL passed away on Monday, June 15, 2015. She taught at Tarrant Elementary School for more than 15 years and was a lifelong member of Black Creek Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, James R. Higginbotham and Eula Miller; a daughter, Teresa Moore; and her brother, Joe Higginbotham. She is survived by her loving family, her husband, Millard Turney; daughters, Terri Gardner (Randy), Patricia Denton, and Shelli Turney; sons, Tony Denton and Billy Denton; a brother, Jack Higginbotham; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Services will be held on Wednesday at 2 PM at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Gardens.

Linda Higginbotham Conway, age 67, of Goshen, Alabama, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2015. Funeral services will be Friday, June 26, 2015, at 10 a.m. in the chapel of Green Hills Funeral Home with Bishop Michael Simmons officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hills Memorial Cemetery with Roland Ventura, Ryan Ventura, Jon Higginbotham, Nick Higginbotham, Sam Franklin, and Andrew Boulter serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be Thursday, June 25, 2015, from 5 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Mrs. Conway was preceded in death by her parents, G.J. “Dutch” and Louise Rhodes Higginbotham; and husband, William “Bill” Conway. She is survived by her daughters, Angel (Roland) Ventura and April Conway; grandchildren, Ryan Ventura and Aurielle Ventura; sister, Betty (Sam) Franklin; brothers, Nick (Jenny) Higginbotham and Jon (Sandra) Higginbotham; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Baptist Healthcare Foundation: Baptist Hospice Fund (PO Box 241647, Montgomery, AL 36177). The staff of Green Hills Funeral Home is honored to serve the Conway family.

Funeral will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2015, at Collier-Butler Chapel for Deloyce Swindell Higginbotham, 77, of Glencoe, who passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2015. Rev. Lauil Thompson will officiate. Burial will be at Williams-Southside Memorial Park. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services is directing. Mrs. Higginbotham was a 1957 graduate of Gadsden High School. She retired from Bobbie Brooks/Gadsden Sportswear in 1992 and was a member of Southside Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Glen L. Higginbotham; son, William L. Higginbotham; father, William A. Swindell; mother, Martha Pruitt Swindell; father-in-law, Leonard A. Higginbotham; mother-in-law, Leonie Higginbotham; and brother, Donnie Swindell. Mrs. Higginbotham is survived by her children, Phillip (Denise) Higginbotham, Jeff (Mac Teeter) Higginbotham and Suzy (Jimmy Robinson) Brown; grandchildren, Morgan (Derrick) Means and Erica Higginbotham; and great-grandchildren, Mary Reagan Hathcock, Brooks Means and Piper Means. Pallbearers will be Jeff Higginbotham, Mac Teeter, Derrick Means, Jimmy Robinson, Phillip Higginbotham, Gary Belyue, Morgan Means and Erica Higginbotham. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Etowah County Humane Society, 4200 Brooke Ave, Gadsden, AL 35904, or the American Cancer Society Inc. The family wishes to extend special thanks to cousins, Marsha and Mollie Smith; nurses and staff of Camilla Hospice, Debby Patterson and Terry Keenum; and all On-call Caregivers. The family will accept friends Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. prior to the service. Funeral Home Collier-Butler Funeral Home 824 Rainbow Drive Gadsden, AL 35901 (256) 543-2140.

Susan M. Higginbotham, age 49, of Florence, AL died Wednesday, July 22, 2015. The visitation will be held from 5-8 pm, Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Akins Funeral Home, the body will lie-in-state from 1-2pm prior to the funeral service Sunday, July 26, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Pleasant Hill FCM Church with Rev. Bobby Gourley and Bro. Darryl Whitehead officiating. Interment will be in East Franklin Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jesse and Delora Higginbotham; grandparents, Silvie and Lillie Mae Trapp, Edward and Irene Taylor; nephew, Noah Lane Trapp. She is survived by her husband, Paul Higginbotham; children, Christopher Luke Higginbotham, Moises Pablo Higginbotham, Pascual Jeremias Higginbotham; parents, Rondel and Sue N. Trapp; siblings, Ellen D. Trapp, C. Bradley and Leann Trapp; host of nieces and nephews. Special thanks to our Christ Chapel Family, Pleasant Hill Family, and all those that reached out to us at this time.

DUNCANVILLE | Linda Higginbotham, age 52, of Duncanville, died August 18, 2015, at home. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2015 at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park. Survivors include her husband, Tim; daughter, Melissa Ramsden (Adam); beloved dogs, Sadie and Quincy; and numerous family and friends.

Funeral service for Charles Keith Higginbotham, 62, of Weaver, will be 11 am Monday at Gray Brown-Service Chapel with Rev. Ron Sweatt officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Baptist Cemetery in Bynum. The family will receive friends on Monday from 10 – 11 am at the funeral home. Mr. Higginbotham passed away on Friday. Survivors include his wife, Cathy Higginbotham, two sisters, Karen Higginbotham Wynn (Jimmy) and Darlene Higginbotham Lancaster (Wayne), mother-in-law, Geraldine Crosson, John and Terry Gilmore, four nieces, Angie Boyd, Erika Jones, Katie Winfrey and Kelsey Adcock, nephew, Tyler Adcock. Mr. Higginbotham is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Irene Higginbotham and brother, James Higginbotham. Pallbearers will be John Gilmore, Arlin Holmes, John Reaves, Mike Brown, Randy Bentley, and Andrew Gilmore. Mr. Higginbotham was a native and lifelong resident of Calhoun County. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a retiree from Anniston Army Depot. Mr. Higginbotham was an avid outdoorsman who loved life. Most of all, he was a man devoted to his family and friends. He was of the Baptist Faith. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to an organization supporting a cure for cancer or to a favorite charity.

Ethelda Higginbotham Hoover, age 79 of Mobile, AL, joined her husband Bob on November 2, 2015 after a prolonged illness. She is survived by two brothers, Herman Higginbotham Jr. and Shelton Higginbotham, son Robert Hoover Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth and two grandsons, Robert and Brinton. Her life will be remembered in a graveside memorial for family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Alive Hospice of Nashville, 1718 Patterson St., Nashville, TN 37203 Funeral Home Radney Funeral Home Mobile 3155 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36606 (251) 479-4547.

Beryl Higginbotham Ferguson, 98, of Gardendale died on Nov. 5, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Jack G. Ferguson, daughter Jackie Ferguson Mitchell, grandson Cary Thomas Mitchell and brother Albert Higginbotham. She was a graduate of Jefferson County High School and Carraway School of Nursing. She worked as an RN with Public Health, Carraway and Crippled Children's Clinic. She was a member of Enon Baptist Church and was a loving mother, grandmother & "Mur". She is survived by her daughter, Becky (Johnny) Gospodareck of Gardendale; her grandchildren Terri (Steve) Ray, John (Tiffany) Gospodareck of Gardendale and Henry & Jason Mitchell of Montgomery; great- grandchildren Kristin (Justin) Pospy, Kacie Ray, Erin (John Kelly) Pate, Amberly Gospodareck, Thomas, John and Samantha Mitchell, and great-great grandchildren Elayna Pate and Easton Pospy and nephew Darryl (Lee) Higginbotham. Funeral service will be held on Friday at 2:00pm with visitation prior beginning at 1:00pm at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel followed by her burial in Moncrief Cemetery, Gardendale, AL. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Enon Baptist Church's, Sonshine Ministry, 724 Morris-Majestic Rd, Morris, AL 35116. Funeral Home Ridout's Gardendale Chapel 2029 Decatur Highway Gardendale, AL 35071 (205) 631-6252.

Billie Cooper Higginbotham age 90 of McCalla, AL passed away December 14, 2015 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Billie is survived by three sons, Robert (Lori), Steve (Cindi) and Frank. Grandson's Wes and Tyler. Billie graduated from Ramsey High School and attended both Auburn and Howard Universities receiving both a BA and Master's degree in Education. She dedicated forty years of her life to the teaching profession. She was a champion in both diving and swimming competitions. After her successful battle with breast cancer she spent countless hours raising money for Cancer charities. In her retirement years she and husband Morris (Coach) Higginbotham had countless and fond memories of traveling throughout the United States and Canada. She was an avid tennis player and competed in Birmingham tennis leagues well into her 70's. In Loving Memory To the one who always gave with job, brightened eyes and an inspiring heart while never expecting anything in return. She was a rock and the epitome of a strong woman balancing both career and family. She was amazing. We love you with all our hearts. The Family John Ridout's Elmwood Chapel Sunday December 20, 2015 Visitation 1:00-2:00PM, Service 2:00PM, Burial Elmwood Cemetery. In Lieu of Flowers Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer North Central Alabama Affiliate of Susan G. Komen 1909 27th Avenue South, Homewood, AL 35209.

Verna M. Higginbotham, 91, went to be with the Lord Dec. 2, 2015. Verna was born in Clearfield, PA, May 22, 1924, to Edward T. Yeager and Martha A. Weaver Yeager. She had two older brothers, Thomas and Ray. While working in the Pentagon she met Emmett Higginbotham, whom she married January 24, 1948. Verna instilled a dedicated work ethic to her children through parenting and example with her various jobs throughout her life. She was quick with quips to distract the bruised knee or ego which taught her kids to pick themselves up, dust off and move on, things could be worse. Methods we still use today. In her fifties Verna took up crocheting, creating beautiful afghans, blankets, and ornaments, donating the products or proceeds to whichever church she was a member. In 1978 she moved with daughter Kaye, Kaye's husband Gene and their kids, Bryan and Necia, to Kent, WA, beginning a 37 year experience of moving across country several times before ending in Newport News, VA. Her latest church was Calvary Reformed Presbyterian Church. Verna was preceded in death by her husband, Emmett, parents, Edward and Martha Yeager, brothers, Thomas and Ray. Son-in-law Gene McRee. She is survived by her children and their wives, Wayne and Stephanie, Kaye McRee, Bradley and Dagmar, Dennis and Joanie, Lynn and Tracy, and Edward and Valerie, 17 grandsons and granddaughters, 14 great-grandsons and great-granddaughters. Interment service will be Dec. 28, 2015, 1:00pm at Rocky Hill Cemetery, Autaugaville, AL. Ridout's-Brown-Service, Prattville, AL.

Margaret Elizabeth Higginbotham, 88, of Pinson, AL passed away on December 27, 2015. Mrs. Higginbotham was a retired after 36 years as a Bus Driver for Mortimer Jordan. She enjoyed reading , working puzzles, crocheting and shopping. She attended Masseyline Church of God. Mrs. Higginbotham is preceded in death by husband, Earl Higginbotham; son, Harvil Higginbotham; and several brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at 12 Noon from Masseyline Church of God with burial following in the Masseyline Church of God Cemetery.

Barbara Ann Higginbotham Phipps, 19, Sand Rock, died Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016. Memorial service is at 2 p.m. Saturday at Collinsville Funeral Home Sharpe Chapel. Funeral Home Collinsville Funeral Home PO Drawer R Collinsville, AL 35961 (256) 524-2131.

Patsy H. Higginbotham, age 80, of Trussville went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, March 8, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband Billy Higginbotham; parents Will and Willie Heaton; sisters Barbara Heaton and Maris Rodda; brother William Heaton; daughter-in-law Carolina Higginbotham; and grand-daughter Emily Kate Higginbotham. Mrs. Higginbotham is survived by sons Michael Higginbotham (Tamra) and David Higginbotham; grandsons Cory, Connor, and Joshua Higginbotham; brother John W. Heaton (Patricia); and several nieces and nephews. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Trussville. Visitation will be 10:00 AM Thursday March 10, 2016 at Ridout's Trussville Chapel. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM Thursday. Interment will follow at Hopewell Baptist Church cemetery in Pinson, Alabama. Funeral Home Ridout's Trussville Chapel 1500 Gadsden Road Birmingham, AL 352353102 (205) 655-2173.

Dora, Alabama-Betty was born on December 1, 1931 and passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Betty was a resident of Dora, Alabama at the time of her passing. She was married to Clifford.

April 13, 1962 - May 23, 2016 age 54, of Hayden, passed away on Monday, May 23rd, 2016. She is survived by her mother, Ellie Higginbotham Cox; sister, Jo Young (Brad); and a host of extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her father, RC Higginbotham; step-father, Aerial Cox; sister, Doris Higginbotham; and brother, JW Higginbotham. Funeral services will be held at Messmer Goodwin Funeral Home on Friday, May 27th, at 1:00 pm. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm. Burial will be at Union Grove Cemetery. Bro. Rufus Harris will be officiating. Funeral Home Messmer-Goodwin Funeral Home - Warrior 225 Dana Road Warrior, AL 35180 (205) 647-0253.

Graveside service for Louise Stone, 70, will be 1 p.m. Thursday, June 30, 2016, at Maple Grove Cemetery with the Rev. Billy Mac Quick officiating. Mrs. Stone passed away on Monday at RMC. Survivors include her daughters, Annette Ellis (Willie), Shelia Griffin (Patrick) and Frances Hill (Curtis); son, James Thompson (Buffi); step-son, Rodney Stone (Cheryl); step-daughter, Marie Tominich; grandchildren, Dana Snider, Randy King, Kimberly King, Tylor Stone, Tyler Fleming, Austin Stone, Dylan Stone, McKenzie Stone, Jesse Thompson, Alexandria Griffin, Malachi Schmaltz, Matthew Schmaltz, Maleia Schmaltz and Emily Fleming; great-grandchildren, Michael Snider, Haley Snider, Chris Bean, Nathan Somers and Kayleigh Somers. Mrs. Stone is preceded in death by her husband, Dale Stone; mother, Louise Higginbotham; father, Wesley Higginbotham; brother, Louis Higginbotham, and sisters, Mary Slaughter and Judy Crawford. Pallbearers will be Grandsons. Honorary Pallbearer will be Curtis Hill. Mrs. Stone was a native and lifelong resident of Calhoun County. She was Baptist by faith. Mrs. Stone was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be dearly missed. Gray Brown-Service Mortuary in charge of arrangements. Funeral Home Gray Brown-Service Mortuary 1329 Wilmer Ave Anniston, AL 362014651 (256) 236-3441.

Bill passed away Thursday, June 30, 2016, at Shelby Baptist Medical Center after a long illness. He was 81. He was born in Elmore county, AL and served proudly in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. He retired from Mr. Transmission after many years in the transmission business. Bill was preceded in death by his parents William and Sara Higginbotham. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kay, after 48 years of marriage. She was truly his "Angel of The Morning". He has six sons of whom he is proud, William L., James Mark, Christopher Lee (Bethany), Hal William Higginbotham, Gene and Steven Pace. He has two precious daughters, Diana Kay (Thomas) Cotromano and Sara Francis (Gregg) Lowery. A sister, Sue Thompson and two brothers, Ray L. (Gracie) and Phillip Gregory Higginbotham and many grand and great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Chilton County Mental Health Center, P. O. Drawer 689, Calera, AL 35040 For: Mitchell Center. As per Bill's wishes, a private family "Celebration of Life" will be held at a later date at their home on Lay Lake. A special Thank-you to Suncrest, Shelby Baptist Medical Center, Vitas Hospice and all his wonderful doctors. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7. Charter Funeral Home. Funeral Home Charter Funeral Home 2521 Highway 31 Calera, AL 35040 (205) 621-0800.

Samuel S. "Sammy" Higginbotham, 84, passed away on July 6, 2016, after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife and constant companion of 64 years, Delores "Dee" Higginbotham, and his beloved son, Lenn, as well as a vast group of friends and loved ones. Sam was born in Anniston on December 24, 1931 to Ollis and Louise Higginbotham. He and his family resided in Oxford from the time they built their home shortly after Sam returned from serving in the U.S. Army in the Korean Conflict. Employed briefly at Monsanto, Sam spent his working life at Anniston Auto Parts, retiring as Vice President of Sales. A man of many talents and passions, Sam's life centered around his family, his church and his music. His father found the resources for him to attend a music school at a young age and he began that part of his life as a member and Junior Director of the Anniston High School Band. During his life, he was honored to be called to several area churches as Director of Music and Song Leader. He sang in Quartet with Robert Gordon, Wayne Rawlings, Virgil Deshler and Jane Batey for over three decades. Pallbearers will be Robert Gordon, Wayne Rawlings, Virgil Deshler, Danny Campbell, Leon Dean, Jimmy Ogburn and Joe Bynum. Honorary pallbearers will be his Braca Sunday School Class where he and his close friend, Joe Lett, taught on alternate Sundays for over 20 years. Visitation will be from 1 - 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon in the Chapel at the First Baptist Church of Oxford. His long-time friend, the Reverend William "Buddy" Nelson will conduct the funeral service at 2 p.m. followed immediately by a graveside service at Forestlawn Gardens. The family requests that a love offering be sent to the First Baptist Church of Oxford in lieu of flowers. Miller Funeral Home & Crematory Oxford, AL (256) 831-4611.

Mr. Clarence Gordon Higginbotham Jr. age 82 of Rome, Ga. passed away Sunday August 14th at Kindred Floyd Medical Center. Funeral services will be 1 PM Tuesday August 16th at Perry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Lambert officiating, burial will follow in Pleasant Valley Cemetery with Masonic Graveside. The family will receive friends from 11 AM until 1 PM Tuesday. Pallbearers include Gary Burkhalter, Michael Skeen, Cary McCullough, Nevin Baker, Jerry Stoker and Stephen Owen. Survivors include son, Jerry (Katie) Higginbotham of Rome, Ga.; daughter, Sherry Higginbotham Thrasher of Rome, Ga.; brother, James Merle Higginbotham of Acworth, Ga., Bobby Higginbotham of Sand Rock; grandchildren, Felicia Paige (Mike) Causey, Timberly Cheyene Matthews; great-grandchildren, Ryland and Taylor Causey; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Doris Jennings Higginbotham. Mr. Higginbotham was a native of Cherokee County and the son of the late Clarence Gordon and Ruby Emaline Brock Higginbotham Sr. and was a Mason.

Nov. 20, 1938-Sept. 11, 2016 age 77, of Hayden, AL. passed away on September 11, 2016. Mr. Higginbotham worked for U.S. Steel for over 30 years. He was of the Holiness Faith; loved gospel music and singing at the Senior Citizen Centers. He enjoyed playing softball with his grandchildren and family members. Preceding him in death were his parents Claude and Gertrude Gaither Higginbotham; brothers J.C., R.C., Gene and Paul Higginbotham. Survivors include his daughters Nila Harris (Martin Acosta) of Ashville and Reba Johnson (Clifford) of Oneonta; sons Coy Higginbotham of Hayden, Zendal Higginbotham of Oneonta, David Higginbotham of Hayden and Wendal Higginbotham (Angie) of Hayden; thirteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren; sisters Sandra Johnson (Paul) of Cleveland, Catherine Weems of Cleveland; Louise Sullins (Jack) of Hanceville, Juanita Tidmore (Wayne) of Dallas/Selfville, Sarah Sherbet of Gardendale; long time family friend Danny Harris of Tennessee; special friends Bonnie Standridge and family. The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Lemley Funeral Home from 5:30 until 8 PM. Funeral service will be held in the Chapel of Lemley Funeral Home on Friday, September 16, 2016 at 11 AM. Burial will follow in the Bethlehem Cemetery in Trafford. Lemley Funeral Home and Crematory directing.

Cemetery Service Thursday, October 6, 2016 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM Johntown Cemetery 5201 Vance Rd West Blocton, AL 35184.

Betty A. Higginbotham age 85, passed away Monday October 17, 2016. She lived in Pinson, Ala. She was preceded in death by her parents, Scott and Bertha M. Bates Yuille. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Dockins, granddaughter, Andrea Delk; great grandson, Davis Delk. Her family will receive friends Friday October 21, 2016 at Ridout's Trussville Chapel from 1:00- 2:00 p.m. Graveside service will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Funeral Home Ridout's Trussville Chapel 1500 Gadsden Hwy Birmingham, AL 35235 (205) 655-2173.

Ellen Knox, age 75 of Athens, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Limestone Health Facility. Mrs. Knox was born March 9, 1941 in Tennessee to Hoyt Higginbotham and Lacy Burch Higginbotham. She was retired from NASA as a program analyst. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Henry Rabon Knox, and one son Anthony Rabon Knox. Survivors include: One daughter, Jennifer Brown and husband Randy of Athens; one brother, Charles Higginbotham of Decatur; one sister, Judy Holland of Ardmore, AL; two grandchildren, Hunter Brown and Whitney Brown both of Athens. Graveside service will be Friday, January 6, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Roselawn Cemetery with Dusty McLemore officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 1 to 1:45 at McConnell Funeral Home.

TUSCALOOSA – William "Bill" Higginbotham, age 88, died April 4, 2017. A graveside service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 6, 2017 in Memory Hill Gardens with Memory Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial Provider directing.

BRYANT, AL: David Winford Higginbotham, age 63, passed away May 14, 2017. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother and was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his birth parents and a special mother, June Dobbins Cagle. Survivors include his loving wife of twenty-four years, Vicki Higginbotham; daughters Allison (Anthony) Wright, Flat Rock, AL; Summer (Eric) Morgan, Rising Fawn, GA; grand-son James Killian Wright; sisters Jeanette Vermillion and Ruby Martinez; brothers Raymond, Ronnie, and Laverne Higginbotham; special niece Addilyn Kate Merrell; nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Friday, May 19, 2017 in the Bryant Chapel of Moore Funeral Home with Brother Steve Townsend and Brother David Moses. officiating. Interment will be held in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held Thursday 5:00 PM ~ 8:00 PM; Friday 11:00 AM ~ 1:00 PM. Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home, Bryant, AL.

Jay Higginbotham, age 79, historian, novelist, activist, and longtime resident of Mobile, Alabama, died on June 20, 2017 in Mobile of pneumonia and complications from Parkinson's Disease. The eldest son of the late Prieur Jay and Vivian Inez Perez Higginbotham of Pascagoula, Mississippi, Mr. Higginbotham is survived by his sister, Mary Kay (John W.) Parrish, of Shawnee, Oklahoma; brother, Richard Dale (Linda Lilley) Higginbotham, of Natchitoches, Louisiana; three children, Jeanne Flicie Mercier of Asheville, North Carolina; Denis Martin (Nina Billone) Prieur of Washington, DC; and Robert Findlay (Yuliya Zavinska) Higginbotham of Hoboken, New Jersey; grandson, Carson Maxwell Taylor, of Mobile; granddaughters, Louisa Margaret and Rosa Vivian Prieur; great-grandson, Cristian Bennett Taylor; other relatives and friends. Born in Pascagoula on July 16, 1937, Mr. Higginbotham played football and track at Pascagoula High and graduated in 1960 from the University of Mississippi with a degree in history. He worked and studied in New York City and Washington, DC before moving to Mobile in 1962 to teach public school, using summer vacations to travel across Europe, the Middle East, and the Soviet Union. In 1970, he married Alice Louisa Martin of Montgomery, with whom he had three children. After teaching at Toulminville and Vigor High Schools he joined the Mobile Public Library, eventually becoming the head of the Local History Division before being tapped to establish the Mobile Municipal Archives in 1983, where he was the director until he retired in 2001. Mr. Higginbotham was one of the most foremost authorities on the history of the Gulf Coast, and his prolific writing career began with academic and popular histories of the region, including the award-winning Old Mobile. His later work included novels, plays, and memoirs. His novel Brother Holyfield told the tragic story of a doubting Baptist preacher, while the memoir Fast Train Russia detailed his journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway in 1963. A mainstay of Mobile's literary scene, he helped found the Mobile Association of Sages and Savants, which brought Allen Ginsberg and Yevgeny Yevtushenko to Mobile, and held poetry readings for many years. Mr. Higginbotham was a fierce activist for peace and social justice, organizing anti-nuclear demonstrations in the 1980s and working against the embargo against Cuba since the 1990s. He helped establish a Sister Cities relationship with then-USSR's Rostov-on-Don, and later started the Society Mobile-L'Habana, which sponsored cultural exchanges between the two cities. He also helped establish the Founders of Old Mobile Society, was the initial chair of the Mobile Tricentennial Committee, a longstanding member of the League of Women Voters, and a famously avid blood donor. A funeral service will be held at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church at 1507 Dauphin Street on Friday, June 23, 2017 at 12:00 Noon, with a visitation preceding at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow at the Collier residence at 1551 Dauphin Street.

George "Buddy" Milton Higginbotham, the people's lawyer, passed away on July 4, 2017 in Bessemer, Alabama at the age of 84. Survived by wife, of 61 years Jane Custred Higginbotham; daughter, Elizabeth Higginbotham Smith (Steven); daughter, Charlotte Higginbotham Monk (Tom); son, Steven Douglas Higginbotham (Joann); five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, George Hamilton Higginbotham & Anne Tumlin Higginbotham sister, Jean Foster Dial. Survived by brother, Patrick Higginbotham. United States Navy Guam, U.S.S. Kearsarge (1951-1955), Bachelor of Science, Birmingham-Southern College (1958), L.L.B. University of Alabama Law School (1961), law practice Bessemer (1961-2017). State Bar Commissioner for 20 years. He protected the rights of those with no voice and no money, fighting discrimination at every turn. Service Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home followed by burial at Elmwood Cemetery, 600 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35211. The family will receive friends Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Warren Palestine Higginbotham, age 78, a resident of Montgomery, AL, passed away Monday July 17, 2017. Warren was born in Kentucky to Albert Green & Clara Lee (Shackelford) Higginbotham. Warren is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Son Pu (Song) Higginbotham; sons Timothy Brent Higginbotham, James Higginbotham & Bruce Macpherson; daughter Doris (Robert) Acosta; 6 grandchildren, sisters Ruby Hayes & Imogene Pierce; brothers Ballard Higginbotham & Herbert Higginbotham as well as numerous nieces, nephews & extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Loretta Hanson & Treacy Higginbotham; brothers Donnie Higginbotham, JC Higginbotham, Millard Higginbotham & Dillard Higginbotham and daughter Cynthia Goss. The family will receive friends Friday July 21, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Brookside Funeral Home, 3360 Brookside Drive, Millbrook, AL 36054 with funeral services to follow at 2:00 pm with Mr. Jeff Potts presiding. Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. following the services at Mountain Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, Mountain Creek, AL. Brookside Funeral Home of Millbrook, AL directing.

Visitation Saturday, August 19, 2017 | 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Ridout's Gardendale Chapel 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071 | (205) 631-6252

Funeral Service Sunday, August 20, 2017 | 10:00 am Ridout's Gardendale Chapel 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071 | (205) 631-6252

Jacquelyn H. Fell, of Mt. Olive, AL, was born in Cullman, AL, on May 15, 1934 and she passed away peacefully on August 17, 2017 at the age of 83. Jacquelyn was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and she cherished the time she spent with her family. Jacquelyn was preceded in death by her parents, William and Nelly Higginbotham, her loving husband, JW Fell; a son, Jim Fell; a brother Don Higginbotham; a sister, Millie Rye, and a granddaughter, Monica Fell. Jacquelyn is survived by her sons, Wade Fell and Chris Fell (Tina); brothers, Hick Higginbotham (Estell) and Wayne Higginbotham (Betty Von); daughter-in-law, Jackie Fell; grandchildren, Brooke (Aaron), Art (Harley), Darla (Mike), and Will; four great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Services will be held at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel with a visitation on Saturday, August 19, 2017 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm; funeral service on Sunday, August 20, 2017 at 2:00pm followed by her burial in Oakwood Memorial Gardens. Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, Gardendale, AL.

Terrell Baker Higginbotham, age 68 of Oakman passed away on Monday, September 25, 2017 at his residence. A memorial service will be 2:00 PM Friday, September 29, 2017 at Bell Funeral Home Sumiton Chapel. Hal Miller will officiate. He was preceded in death by his father, A.B. Higginbotham; and mother, Mildred Goodwin. Survivors include his wife, Lenita Higginbotham; sons, Shane and Jessica Higginbotham, Jeremie and Sunny Higginbotham, and Anthony Houk; daughters, Amanda and Brian Wix, and Carol Houk; brothers, Arwine and Louise Higginbotham, and Paul and Pat Higginbotham; sister, Mary Fletcher; granddaughters, Darra Smitherman, Kalee Woods, Kylee Woods, Collene Higginbotham, Lilly Higginbotham, Cathrine Reynolds, Alyssa Wix, Brianna Wix, and Parker Houk; grandsons, Trent Houk, Ryan Higginbotham, Brooks Higginbotham, and Anthony Houk, Jr.; great granddaughter, Riley Smitherman. Mr. Higginbotham was a member of Pleasantfield Baptist Church.

R. Charles Higginbotham passed away on Sunday, October 22 at Huntsville Hospital. Mr. Higginbotham, a Birmingham native, attended the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and graduated from Athens State University with a degree in business management. He worked in the insurance business for several years and retired after serving as a service adviser for several local automobile companies. He also served for several years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was extremely supportive of the activities of his sons, serving as coach in their youth ball leagues, and later following their activities through Auburn, where they graduated. Mr. Higginbotham was preceded in death by two sons, Jason Charles Higginbotham and Stephen Vance Higginbotham. He is survived by his wife, Mabry Robinson Higginbotham of Huntsville, one son, Michael John Higginbotham (Andrea) of Richmond, Virginia, one brother, Raymond Lee Higginbotham (Lynn) of Atlanta, Georgia and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 26, at Hampton Cove Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 27, at 1:00 at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, with burial following the service in Elmwood.

Ovada Williams Higginbotham passed away peacefully at 100 years young November 16th in Birmingham, Alabama. Margaret Ovada Mason was born to Julius and Lula Bell Mason on August 14th, 1917 in Wetumpka Alabama. Ovada married Arthur Williams, in 1940 having one child, Patricia, in 1941. After moving to Birmingham, Ovada owned a successful decorating business in the area for 50 years. After Arthur died, Ovada married Buddy Higginbotham in 1990. Ovada was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, two brothers, a niece and nephew and her daughter. She is survived by her niece Sandra, stepson and daughter-in-law Lynda and Horace Higginbotham, granddaughters Jennifer Hohlfelder (Andrew) of Boulder and Laura Pittman of Tulsa, OK. She has 5 great-grandchildren Jordan, Zachary, Morgan, Jacob and Maddy who all will miss her bacon, biscuits and creamed corn. A grave side service will be held on Monday, November 20th at Wetumpka City Cemetery at 2:00pm.

Arthel was born on December 14, 1933 and passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2017. Arthel was a resident of Gadsden, Alabama at the time of passing. Her funeral service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at Etowah Memorial Chapel with burial following in Forrest Home Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Lookout Mountain Volunteer Fire Dept.

Jess Willard “J.W.” Higginbotham, 99, of Empire, passed away Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a member of Empire Assembly of God. Graveside service will be held today Dec. 13, 2017, at 2 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Warrior, Alabama. The Rev. Don Westbrook will officiate. There will be no visitation prior to the service. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie Cruce Higginbotham; parents, Ed and Lela Higginbotham; son, Randall Dean Higginbotham; and grandson, Terry Dean Higginbotham. He is survived by his son, Gerald Higginbotham (Jan); grandson, Jim Higginbotham; granddaughter, Nita Wilson (Bruce); grandson, Michael Higginbotham (Kristan); and great-granddaughters, Hannah Bell Wilson and Amelia Rose Higginbotham. New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home, Dora; 205-648-2323.

Grover was born on October 17, 1935 and passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2017. Grover was a resident of Bessemer, Alabama at the time of passing. Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Terry Wayne "Wineo" Higginbotham, 61, of Ragland, Alabama passed away on January 9, 2018 in Ragland. Mr. Higginbotham was an avid Alabama fan and Nascar fan. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents Buddy and Susan Higginbotham; sister Jo Whingham; and brother Frankie Higginbotham. He is survived by his dog, GiGi; sisters, Myra Pijoe (Mike), Lois Isbell (Kenny), Nancy Pohlmann (Craig) and Tara Moore (David); brothers, Kenneth Higginbotham (Kathleen) and Jimmy Higginbotham; many nieces and nephews, uncle and cousins. The funeral service was held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at Usrey Funeral Home, Pell City, with the Rev. Charles Downing officiating. Interment followed at Providence Baptist Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jeremy Pijoe, Dustin Edge, Garrett Reaves, Camden Higginbotham, Colton Echols, Fred Campbell and John Wayne McLaughlin. Usrey Funeral Home, Pell City, was in charge of arrangements. Funeral Home Usrey Funeral Home 21271 Highway 231 North Pell City, AL 35125 (205) 338-0303.

Funeral service for Faye "Mompaye" Hathcock, 87, will be Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Radney-Smith Chapel with Rev. Rodney Frost and Rev. Jimmy Dale Abrams officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Sylacauga, AL. Mrs. Hathcock died Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at Coosa Valley Nursing Home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Leota Higginbotham, husband of 40 years, William Jackson Hathcock, brother, Carl Higginbotham, Jr., brother, Clifford Higginbotham, brother, Pete Higginbotham, sister, Margaret Dunn, sister, Ellen Saunders. Mrs. Hathcock was a member of Center Hill Methodist Church. She is survived by her three sons, Mike Hathcock of Childersburg, Eddie (Marie) Hathcock of Sylacauga, Scott (April) Hathcock of Sylacauga; daughter, Debby (Bryan) Stone of Huntsville; special friend, Peggy Garris of Sylacauga; two brothers, Ben Higginbotham of Pleasant Grove, Bo Higginbotham of Cullman; sister, Ann Awtrey of Alabaster; 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Saturday February 10, 2018 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Radney-Smith Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Russell Hathcock, Ryan Hathcock, Nick Hathcock, Justin Hathcock, Jonathan Hathcock and Mike Hathcock. Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga, AL will direct the services. Funeral Home Radney-Smith Funeral Home 320 North Elm Avenue Sylacauga, AL 35150 (256) 245-1616.

Talladega – Mr. Jeremy Scott Higginbotham, 40, passed away on April 2, 2018. The family will have a celebration of life service for Mr. Higginbotham on Saturday, April 7 2018 at 6:00 pm at Dega Brewhouse. The family will have visitation on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at Usrey Funeral Home from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Mr. Higginbotham was a native of Hayden, AL and has lived in Talladega for the last sixteen years. He loved playing music, cruising the lake, the beach, his old truck, and anything outdoors. Mr. Higginbotham is survived by his girlfriend, Leslie McCuthcheon and her daughter, Macee; parents, Tommy and Pat Higginbotham; brother, Jason Higginbotham (Jonnie); sister, Jennifer Jefcoat (Greg); and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate if you donate to Cedars Sinai ALS Research. Usrey Funeral Home in Talladega will be directing services.

Wade M. Higginbotham, 65, of Valley Head, passed away Friday, April 27, 2018. He was born December 4, 1952 to the late L.M. and Nora Oliver Higginbotham. Wade was employed with Fort Payne Housing Authority in maintenance. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Wilson Funeral Home with Rev. Darrell Haney and Judge Ronnie Osborn officiating. Burial will follow in Valley Head Cemetery with Masonic graveside rites. The family will receive friends Saturday from 5 until 8 p.m. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Susan Cox Higginbotham; children, Breon Plunkett and husband, Jason; Michael Stack and wife, Brittany, and Stephen Stack; brothers, Daryl Higginbotham and Kenneth Higginbotham; sisters, Caroline Frazier and Donna Gladden; grandchildren, Katie, Karlie, and Kinley Plunkett. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeremy Higginbotham.

Hartselle - Funeral service for Doyce "Don" Higginbotham, 91, will be Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Nathan Green officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing.Burial will be in Burningtree Memorial Gardens.Visitation will be Friday, May 4, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home. Mr. Higginbotham died on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at UAB Hospital, Birmingham. He was born November 24, 1926, in Lauderdale County to Hubert Higginbotham and Ettuce Juanita Stanford Higginbotham. He was employed by General Motors as a Supervisor prior to his retirement after 40 years of service. He also was a United States Navy veteran serving in World War II. Mr. Higginbotham was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers. Survivors include : his Wife: Neysa Higginbotham One Son: Gene Weir (Margie) Two Daughters: Cindy Blackwood (Tim) and Becky Vincent One Brother: Donald Higginbotham Two Sisters: Bobbie Lee and Carol Borden (Dwight) Eight Grandchildren Seven Great Grandchildren Pallbearers will be Tim Blackwood, Dwight Borden, Derrick Vincent, Drew Vincent, Dan Higginbotham and Neal Archer. Peck Funeral Home 1600 Hwy 31 SW P.O. Box 427 Hartselle, AL 35640.

Mrs. Margaret Higginbotham, 75, of Alabaster, AL passed away June 12, 2018. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, June 16th at Culpepper Funeral Home Chapel; burial to follow at Smyrna Cemetery. Visitation is 1:00 – 2:00 pm Saturday at the funeral home. Mrs. Higginbotham was a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church; and a Homemaker. She is survived by her children, Angie Woodard and T.W. Higginbotham; 10 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren.

Burnie Arnold Higginbotham, Sr. of Mt. Olive, Alabama went home to Heaven on July 3, 2018 at age 95 to join his loving wife of 76 years, Viola Fields Higginbotham. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Rodolphus "Doc" and Sallie Gurley Higginbotham; brothers, Olen Higginbotham, Ollie (Ruth) Higginbotham, Vera (Billie) Higginbotham, J.T. (Margaret) Higginbotham, Drew (Ruth) Higginbotham; and sisters, Lucy Mae (Clyde) Dean, Glacie (Charlie) Crow, Era (Lawrence) Blankenship, and Helen (Grover) Ervin. He is survived by his son, Burnie Arnold (Carolyn) Higginbotham, Jr.; daughter, Tammy (Philip) Patterson; grandson, Burnie Arnold Higginbotham, III; granddaughters, Bonnie (Gary) George and Anetra Montgomery; and several great grandchildren. Mr. Higginbotham ran the family business, Higginbotham Oil Company, for over sixty years. He was a member of Church of the Nazarene, Gardendale, Alabama. He was loved and will be missed by many. The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 7, 2018 from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. with the service to follow at 1:30 p.m. at The New Gardendale Funeral Home, 2214 Decatur Hwy, Gardendale, AL 35071. Burial will be at Mt. Olive Cemetery. Funeral Home Gardendale Funeral Home - Gardendale 2214 Decatur Highway P.O. Box 369.

Sylvia L. "Peggy" Hill passed away on July 19, 2018 at the age of 84. She is preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Zora Higginbotham; brother Johnny Higginbotham; sister Dana Phillips; granddaughter Katie Hill. She is survived by her loving spouse Charles Hill; sons, Kerry Love(Tarrie), Steve Hill (Linda); daughter, Pam Hill (Mark);grandchildren, Kevin Hill (Lisa), Keith Hill (Rhonda), Kelly Harrison (Shannon), Kenny Hill (Liz), Jana Cook (Kenny), Clifton Hill (Heather), Kimberly Ladouceur (Hishmhael);. 20 great grand-children and also a sister-in-law Edna Brasher; brother-in-law Don Phillips and a host of other relatives and friends. She was a long time member of Hopewell Baptist Church. She enjoyed camping, traveling, and cherished every minute with her family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday July 21st at 11:00 a.m. at Hopewell Baptist Church in Pinson with a committal service to follow at Hopewell Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5:30 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel. Funeral Home Ridout's Gardendale Chapel 2029 Decatur Highway Gardendale, AL 35071 (205) 631-6252.

Jerry Clyde Higginbotham was born on April 29, 1936 and passed away on August 2, 2018

Edna Belle Fehrman Higginbotham was born on June 1, 1926 in Brooksville, Florida to Bessie Fehrman. She went home to be with the Lord on August 5, 2018. She was preceded in death her father, Boyce Owen Fehrman; her mother, Bessie Gertrude Fehrman; her husband of 57 years, John O. Higginbotham; a brother, Richard Fehrman; her brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Inez Fehrman and her grandson, Daryl Hanners. She is survived by two daughters, Olivia Howard (Bob), Janice Butler (Bobby); five grandchildren, Barry Hanners, Cheri Renfroe (Russell), Leslie Burton (Trey), Emily Holifield (Johnny), Nancy Hamilton (Josh) and Eleven Great Grandchildren. Edna was heavily involved in PTA in the Atlanta School System before working for that school system as a school secretary at O'Keefe High School and then as a data liaison at central office. Edna's faith in Jesus Christ was central to her life and she served the Lord faithfully at Northwest Baptist and Concord Baptist churches in the Atlanta area, First Baptist of Lithia Springs and Spring Hill Baptist Church of Mobile, AL. She taught Sunday School, was involved in mission education and mission endeavors and since living in Mobile has served the women at McKemie Place and at the Home of Grace. Services for Edna Higginbotham were held on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Spring Hill Baptist Church, Burial is at Mozley Memorial Gardens in Lithia Springs, GA. on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Per Mrs. Higginbotham's request, memorial gifts may be made to McKemie Place, P.O. Box 9082, Mobile, AL., 36691 or to Home of Grace, 394 Aldock Road, Eight Mile, AL., 36613 Funeral Home Radney Funeral Home Mobile 3155 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36606 (251) 479-4547.

Mary Frances Kendrick born June 26, 1927 passed away on August 23, 2018 at the age of 91.

She was the daughter of George Cullen Higgenbotham (1896-1961) and Arie Savage Higginbotham (1897-1991) of Walker County, Alabama. Brother; Morris Cullen Higginbotham (1925-2011) , Sister; Ann Higginbotham Langner (1935-2006).

She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years Eugene Bentley Kendrick (1926-2013). They were married on 27 Nov 1947 in Jefferson County, Alabama.

She is survived by her children, Mike Kendrick (Donna), Nancy Clayton (Prince), Sally Laliberte (Dan), Joel Kendrick (Diane); several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was a true lady and will be missed by all who knew her. A life celebration will be held on Sunday, August 26, 2018, at 2:00 PM at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel with a visitation one hour prior to service. A committal service to follow at Oakwood Memorial Gardens. Mr. Chad Kennedy will officiate.

PELL CITY – Funeral Service for Blondean “Dell” Spradlin, age 89, will be held Friday, November 2 at 3:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Kilgroe Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Seddon Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Ms. Spradlin passed away Wednesday, October 31, 2018. She is preceded in death by her son, Freddie Spradlin. She loved her store, Dell’s Grocery, and the customers that she served. She is survived by her daughters, Bobbi Layton, Linda (John) Baker; 4 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Ted (Annie) Higginbotham. Kilgroe Funeral Home will direct the service.

Delores Summerall "Dee" Higginbotham, 88, passed away Sunday, December 9, 2018 after an extended illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel L. "Sam" Higginbotham, parents George and Willie Acker Summerall and sisters, brother and niece, Hazel Cobb, Imogene Barrett and Bennie Summerall, Debbie Cobb respectively. She is survived by her beloved son, Lenn; special friends, Richard and Beth Harper and niece, Dianne Cobb Mielke. While Dee was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Oxford, over the years she and Sam were active in several area churches as he was called as Director of Music. Dee worked as a Dental Hygienist for many years and was an avid gardener specializing in Irises. However, her passions were her duties as a wife and a mother. If Sam nailed up a board Dee was there to hold the other end for him. When she and Sam discovered Lenn to be a special needs child she corresponded with specialists across the South searching for help. She found there was none to be had at that time and devoted her existence to his care. That devotion continued to the very end of her life. The two and one half years since Sam's passing have been difficult for Dee and Lenn. A great many friends have faithfully supported them during that time and the family extends a very grateful appreciation to all. The family would also like to express a special thank you to Signature In-Home Care, especially Michele Erwin, Sabrina Nava and Linda Baker. Stringfellow Hospital ICU and 3rd floor nursing as well as NHC staff have provided her with compassionate and professional care for which we are thankful. Visitation will be from 1:00 until 2:00 PM on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 in the Chapel at the First Baptist Church of Oxford. The funeral service at 2:00 will be followed immediately by a private graveside service at Forestlawn Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family requests that Love Offerings be sent to Rainbow Omega 100 Hope Dr, Eastaboga, AL 36260. Miller Funeral Home and Crematory 256-831-4611.

NORTHPORT - Mary Helen Ivey, age 80, of Northport, Ala., passed away January 23, 2019 at Northport Medical Center. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 26, 2019, at Carolwood FW Baptist Church with Bro. Morgan Spiller and Bro. Jimmy Norred officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North directing. Visitation will be 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 26, 2019, at the church. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and a child. Survivors include her husband, Edgar L. Ivey, Jr. of Northport, Ala.; daughters, Cathy Norred (Jimmy) and Helene Sanford (Dennis); sons, Johnny Higginbotham (Vicky), Davie Higginbotham and Eddie Ivey; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a very sweet Christian lady who most enjoyed being with her family. She also enjoyed fellowshipping with dear friends at Bojangles. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson's research through The Michael J. Fox Foundation and/or the cemetery fund at Carolwood FW Baptist Church. Funeral Home Magnolia Chapel North 4905 Highway 69 N Northport, AL 35473 (205) 339-2600.

Debra Deronda Higginbotham Smith, age 65, of Linden, AL. passed away Tuesday, February 19, 2019. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 22, 2019 at Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home. Burial will follow at New Live Oak Cemetery. Visitation will begin 1 hour prior to the service at 1:00. She is preceded by her parents: Marion Columbus Higginbotham and Flora Jenette Nichols, and step father: Deramus Nichols. Debra is survived by her husband of 43 years: James Ray Smith; children Betty Jean (Todd) Gardner, Rita Luker, Lita (Mark) Wallace, Terry Ballard, Brenda Smith, Denise (Tony) Payton, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Pallbearers will be: Roger Nichols, Joey Foxhall, Johnny Garner, Greg Sanders, Rich Pendergrass, Kenny Jones, and Jason Higginbotham.

A Memorial service for Margret Higginbotham, 95, will be Monday, February 25, 2019 at 6:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home with Bro. Michael Gunter officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. A Visitation time will be held after the service. Mrs. Higginbotham died on Friday, February 22, 2019 at Falkville Health Care Center. She was born October 15, 1923, in Morgan County to Emmett H. Nethery and Bertha Wilborn Nethery. She was a homemaker and was preceded in death by her husband: Kenneth Higginbotham and a grandson: Jantzen Murrell Frazier. Survivors: One Son: Murrell Frazier (Debbie) One Daughter: Debbie Richards (Ray) Seven Grandchildren Peck Funeral Home 1600 Hwy 31 SW P.O. Box 427 Hartselle, AL 35640 256.773.2541.

CROPWELL - Graveside Service for Patricia M. Higginbotham, age 68, will be held Sunday, February 24 at 3:30 p.m. at Valley Hill Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m. at Cropwell Baptist Church. Mrs. Higginbotham passed away Thursday, February 21, 2019. She is preceded in death by her son, Jeremy Scott Higginbotham; her parents, J.P. & Marie Brown. She is survived by her husband, Tommy Higginbotham; son, Jason (Jonnie) Higginbotham; daughter, Jennifer (Gregory) Jefcoat; grandchildren, Austin & Haley Higginbotham, Kolby (Katlyn) Hughes, Savannah Hughes, River Hughes, Katlyn Zuspan, Madeline Zuspan, Will Jefcoat, Riley Jefcoat; brother, Gary Brown. Kilgroe Funeral Home- Pell City will direct the service.

John Allen Higginbotham, M.D., 75, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2019. Dr. Higginbotham, aka "Higg", loved his family and friends, his colleagues, his "work and hospital families", his profession, and his patients. Dr. Higg loved Disney World and he loved Christmas! Over a period of 25 years, he and his "chief Elf", Bob Hodges, turned his home into an ever growing Christmas Wonderland. Dr. Higg's Christmas Extravanganza was enjoyed by well over 100,000 people, and included live reindeer, llamas, Santa Claus, all kinds of Christmas characters and thousands of lights. Dr. Higginbotham was a dedicated orthopedic surgeon for 40 years, a physician at Crestwood Hospital for 36 years, and a practicing partner at Sportsmed for 14 years. He received many awards over the course of his career, including the Samuel Buford Word Award for Humanitarian Service. Dr. Higginbotham was the son of Dr. John M. Higginbotham and Leona M. Olinger Higginbotham of Birmingham, Alabama. Survivors include his loving wife, Mary Wallis Alves; children, Beth McGucken (Lee), John Alves Higginbotham (Mary Diamond), Erin Sokolowski (Thad), and Sean Higginbotham (Seira Takasaki); siblings, Diane Ray, Jim Higginbotham (Lynn), and Tom Higginbotham (Jeanie); grandchildren, Sarah Jane Gokmen (Kemper), Gracie Gore, John Dalton Alves Higginbotham, and Benhamin Sokolowski; and multiple nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 9 at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 16 at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Guntersville, Alabama.

Lillian “Ruth” Higginbotham from Dora, Alabama went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on April 10, 2019 at 3:00 pm surrounded by family. Ruth was born to Thomas and Rosa Sullivan in Birmingham, Alabama and was the third of five children. She was a member of Sumiton First Assembly of God for Forty plus years and took part in the Women’s Ministry’s there. She was a faithful follower of Christ and loved to help others. Ruth was preceded in death by parents, Thomas and Rosa Sullivan; husband, C.J. Higginbotham, and son; Stanley Savage. She is survived by her daughter Lisa Carrell, daughter-in-law; Connie Savage; grandchildren Melanie Panepento (Matthew), Wayne Carrell (Memorie), and Jason Carrell (Melody); great-granddaughter Isabella Hill and; siblings Willie Sullivan, Mary Jones, James Sullivan, and Barbara Brown. Services will be held at Bell Funeral home in Sumiton, Friday, April 12, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. until service time. Pastor Jack Thorne will officiate.

Harold Jerome Higginbotham, 63, of Birmingham, AL., was born on December 22, 1955 and passed away on May 14, 2019. He is survived by his children Jason Higginbotham, Chase Higginbotham (Rachel) and Lisa Higginbotham; five grandchildren; sister Debra McGarr, brothers Randal Higginbotham and Carl Higginbotham; a host of cousins and other family members. The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at the Clearbranch United Methodist Church from 9:30 to 11 AM. Funeral service will follow at the Church at 11 AM with Rev. Vaughn Stafford officiating. Burial will be in the Straight Mountain Memory Gardens in Oneonta. The family will be accepting flowers or you may make a donation to the Mental Health Association of Greater Birmingham Crisis Center; 3600 8th Avenue South; Suite 501; Birmingham, AL 35222. Lemley Funeral Home and Crematory directing.

Mrs. Lora Corene Higginbotham, age 86 of Cullman, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2019 in the Cullman Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Higginbotham was born on May 2, 1933 in Russellville, AL to Luther and Gladys Bishop. Lora was a graduate of Phil Campbell High School and worked for many years as a bookkeeper.

Mrs. Higginbotham is survived by her children, Cheryl Ann Smith Rasbury (Jeff) of Cullman and Mason Smith (Martha) of Phil Campbell, grandchildren, Clint Smith (Heather), Matt Smith, Natalie Henson (Clay) and Lauren Rasbury, great grandchildren, Samantha Franklin (Jabbar), Allie, Zeth, Teresa and Lora Smith, Sydney (Eli) Snider, Braedon and Katie Smith, Preston and Vince Henson, great great grandchildren, Bentley Franklin and Kenden Snider, sister, Doris Sinyard of Trussville and her special friend, Doug Birdyshaw of Decatur, stepdaughters, Sally Newsome of Huntington, CA, Amanda Robinson and Mary Lou LaRue both of Marietta, GA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Luther Bishop and Gladys West Bishop, her husbands, J. V. “Bud” Smith, Fred Robinson and Jim Higginbotham.

Pall bears will be, Clint Smith, Matt Smith, Jeff Rasbury, Eli Snider, Jabar Franklin and Braedon Smith.

Funeral serviced for Mrs. Higginbotham will be held on Sunday, May 26, 2019 from the Pinkard Funeral Home in Haleyville, AL at 2:00 p.m. with burial to follow in the Winston Memorial Cemetery in Haleyville. Billy Quinn will be the officiating minister. The visitation will be held on Sunday, May 26, 2019 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. (service time) at Pinkard Funeral Home.

Bowen Funeral Home of Winfield serving the Higginbotham family.

It was a heart to serve Christ and others that defined Mary Pauline Higginbotham Walker.
Born Mary Pauline Higginbotham to Paul and Mary Higginbotham on August 6, 1927, in Village Springs, Alabama, Pauline was the second born to five sisters and two brothers. After graduating from Jefferson County High School in Tarrant, Alabama, Pauline attended Howard College (now Samford University) before transferring to Southeastern Bible College where, in 1951, she earned a General Bible degree. She, alongside her husband, continued her education at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, earning a Bachelor of Religious Education in 1955.
Married to Ernest Dewey Walker on July 7, 1951, Pauline embraced her call to be a pastor's wife. Mrs. Walker served alongside her husband at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church, Elmore, Alabama (1951-1956), Memphis Baptist Church, Dothan, Alabama (1956-1960) and First Baptist Church, Valparaiso, Florida (1960-1989). She also shared in mission work in Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, New York, and Colombia, South America. After retirement, Mrs. Walker, together with her husband, joined the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and facilitated church planting in Bremen, Germany (1992-1994), and later in East Berlin, Germany. Upon their return, they partnered in ministering in Sitka, Alaska, and various churches in Okaloosa County, Florida.
During her time in ministry, Pauline was active in teaching children and equipping children's leaders to lay a foundation for Christ in young lives. She was employed at First Baptist Church Valparaiso Daycare for several years and while in Germany, Mrs. Walker held Children's ministry and Vacation Bible School workshops throughout Europe. At 89 years of age, Pauline taught 3 years olds in Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church, Valparaiso, FL. Pauline was also passionate about teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) at First Baptist Church, Niceville, and taught until her late 80s.
Pauline Walker is survived by her sisters, Peggie Smith and Judy Key (Richard) sons, Tim (Marianela) Walker and Steve (Donna) Walker and daughters, Annette (Bill) Negast and Martha (Kenley) Newman. Mrs. Walker was further blessed with 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Pauline's greatest desire was to raise her children to love and serve Jesus Christ, serve others and teach Bible truths. It can truly be said of Mary Pauline Higginbotham Walker, "But the greatest among you will be your servant." (Matthew 23:11)
There will be a time of visitation held on Saturday, July 27, 2019 from 10-11am at Valparaiso First Baptist Church with Funeral services beginning at 11am. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery.
Heritage Gardens Funeral Home of Niceville is entrusted with the arrangements.

Steve Lamar "Little Hig" Higginbotham, 63, of Nauvoo, passed away Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, at his residence. The family will receive friends Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, at 1 p.m. at Dovertown Freewill Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Dovertown Cemetery. R.J. Higginbotham will officiate. Higginbotham was preceded in death by his father, C.J. Higginbotham; mother, Miller Dean Higginbotham; brother, Gregory Allen Higginbotham. He is survived by his wife, Jackie Dill Higginbotham; daughter, Tera Higginbotham; sons, Josh Higginbotham (Rikki) and Jake Higginbotham; sisters, Carolyn Dill, Deborah Stewart (Doug) and Nina Wood; brothers, Jacky Higginbotham (Becky), Jim Higginbotham (Jeniffer) and Terry Higginbotham (Sandra); and grandchildren, Xac Phillips, Xaid Phillips, Xoie Higginbotham, Cohen Higginbotham, Anthony Higginbotham and Abby Higginbotham. Collins-Burke Funeral Home, Jasper; 205-384-5571.

On Saturday, October 5th , Marie McGinnis moved to her heavenly home. Awaiting her with open arms were her beloved husband, Bill, and their first-born son, Tommy. She was also preceded in death by her brother, James Earl Higginbotham, and her son-in-law, Doug Mewbourne. She is survived by her brother T.E. "Sneed" Higginbotham, daughter, Deb Mewbourne, son, Bill (Teresa) McGinnis, grandchildren, Jami (Jody) Potter, Tracey (Chris) Nunnally, Jan (Wayne) Smith, Craig (Robin) Mewbourne, Jennifer (Luke) Lang, and nine incredible great-grandchildren, Faith Potter, Joe Potter, Tait Nunnally, Noelle Potter, Ella Nunnally, Wales Smith, Camp Smith, Mac Nunnally and Anna Mewbourne, ranging in age from eighteen to two. Known as Aunt Ree by her nieces and nephews, Marie was sweet and funny. She was always up for a game of cards with friends and her grandchildren. She was an avid reader, an amazing gardener and a wonderful cook. She was a deeply religious, strong woman, ready to leave behind the chronic pain that had plagued her in her later years. Marie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and will be deeply missed by those who loved her. Visitation will be on Saturday, Oct 12, from 1pm until 2pm with chapel services following.

Gregory Wayne Higginbotham (1954-2020) AL
Jun 23, 1954 - Jan 5, 2020
Gregory Wayne Higginbotham , age 65, of Georgia formerly of Boaz passed away Sunday, January 5, 2020.
His Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with burial to follow in the adjoining Cemetery. Visitation will be 10 until 11 before the service at the church. Bro. Chris Watkins and Bro. Kevin Harper will officiate. Music will be provided by Marlyn Harper and Steve Scott. Pallbearers will be Sid Dooley, Sam Dooley, Brelan Maltbie, Scottie Scott, George Walker and Steve Williams.
Mr. Higginbotham was survived by two aunts and seven cousins.
Etowah Memorial Chapel Directing

Oliver Woods Higginbotham, age 88, of Bradford, AL passed away on January 14, 2020. He retired as a Tech Sergeant in the US Air Force after 22 years of service. He served in Korea and Vietnam. He was born on October 26, 1931 to Oliver Woods Higginbotham and Ruby Self Higginbotham. Aside from his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Cecil, Robert, Edward, Leon; step-daughter, Deborah Litcherman. Survived by his wife, Dorothy; his son, Craig (Susan) Higginbotham; daughters, Terri Robinson and Toni Doss; step son Calvin (Barbara) Self and step daughters Kay (Terry) Sullens; grandchildren, Taylor, Trent, Shea, Tyler, Jon, Ryan; great grandchildren, Bryant, Caleb, Parker, Cloe; brother, Vernon; sisters, Norma Allison, Mary McCombs, Janice (Bill) Koss, Brenda (Clifton) Wilkerson; and numerous step grandchildren. Funeral service will be held on Friday at 1pm at Hughes Memorial Baptist Church. A visitation will be held at the Church on Friday from 11-1pm. Burial will follow the service at Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery.

David Horace ("Big Dave") Higginbotham, age 65, of Birmingham passed away peacefully on February 10, 2020, at UAB Palliative Care Unit surrounded by his loving family. His funeral service will be held at Greenview Memorial Funeral Home in Florence on Thursday, February 13, at 11am. Pastor Kevin Johnson of First Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will follow in Greenview Memorial Park. Visitation will begin at 9:30am before the funeral service. David was born on May 27, 1954, in Florence, Alabama to Nelson and Exie Higginbotham. He graduated from Bradshaw High School in 1973, where he lettered in Cross Country Track and was a member of the Chess Club. He studied accounting at Shoals Community College. For several years David was a platform worker and derrickman for an off-shore oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. After moving to Birmingham, he worked for a courier service. David was an avid University of Alabama football fan and enjoyed attending Birmingham Barons baseball games. He loved the outdoors and spent many afternoons with his friends at Railroad Park. As an amateur meteorologist, he would keep his friends and family aware of impending weather changes, especially severe storms acting as a guardian angel for those he loved. David was a strong advocate for handicapped individuals in Birmingham. His passion was making sure all handicap persons had adequate access to sidewalks and buildings. He attended many City Council meetings championing this cause in hopes of making this city he loved a safer place for all. David loved Jesus. He was baptized in his youth and currently holds membership at First Baptist Church in Gardendale. David is preceded in death by his father, Nelson Higginbotham. He is survived by his mother, Exie Higginbotham; sisters Mary Stephenson (Oscar), Martha Aldridge (Jim), Jean Ann Woods (Sparky); ten nieces and nephews and 16 great nieces and nephews. He will be missed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cahaba Valley Health Care, 1515 6th Avenue S., Birmingham, AL 35233.

WESLEY LEE HIGGINBOTHAM, age 55 of Lawley, passed away suddenly on February 23, 2020 in Clanton, AL. He was born on October 30, 1964; the son of the late Jimmy Wayne Higginbotham and Myrna Louise Frith Smitherman. He was a former pressure treatment operator with Cahaba Timber Company. He is survived by: Daughter, Candis (Adam) Pate of Clanton; Granddaughters: Alyssa Pate, Adalyn Pate, and Avery Pate of Clanton; Mother, Myrna Smitherman of Lawley; and Brother, Jim Higginbotham of Lawley. He is preceded in death by his Father, Jimmy Higginbotham. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 1:00pm from the Medline Baptist Church in Perry County, AL with Rev. Steve Frith officiating. The family will receive friends thirty minutes prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will follow in the Medline Baptist Cemetery in Perry County, AL. The family request in lieu of flowers, please donate to the family to go towards final expenses. Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton, AL.

Kenneth Bryan Higginbotham, 56, of Jackson, passed away Thursday, July 9, 2020 at Jackson Health Care Facility.

He was born in Mobile on June 30, 1964 to William Higginbotham Jr. and Lorraine McClinton Higginbotham. He was a retired teacher with the Clarke County Board of Education. He taught at Jackson Middle School and coached and umpired numerous athletic teams at Jackson High School. He was named Mr. Jackson High School during his senior year (1982) and would remain a loyal member of “The Aggie Nation” throughout his life. He was an avid softball player who traveled the U.S. playing with different teams and was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Jackson where he sang in the choir and considered the annual Vacation Bible School week to be the best time of the year. Hunting and fishing were also favorite hobbies.

He is survived by his wife, Shan D. Higginbotham; daughters, Jessica Ann Higginbotham (Micah) Messer, Lara Casey Higginbotham (Ethan) Reid; father, Bill (Sarah) Higginbotham; mother, Lorraine Higginbotham; siblings, Keith (Anita) Higginbotham, Donna (Craig) Guyton; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The service was July 12 at 2 p.m. at Liberty Baptist Church in Fulton with Dr. Ben Stubblefield and Rev. Willie Coleman officiating. Interment was at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery.

Active pallbearers were John Brown, Griffin Guyton, John Higginbotham, Bo Mc- Clinton, Mark McClinton and Greg Sellers.

Mabry R. Higginbotham, 77, of Huntsville, AL, passed away on July 25, 2020. She was preceded in death by two sons, Jason Charles Higginbotham and Steven Vance Higginbotham, and her husband, Charles R. Higginbotham of Huntsville, AL. She is survived by one son, Michael John Higginbotham, his wife Andrea, and their daughter Charlee of Richmond, VA. She is also survived by two brothers, John A. Robinson and Thomas G. Robinson, both of Birmingham, AL. Mrs. Higginbotham was a secondary school teacher, who taught Spanish for over 25 years in the Huntsville City School system. She also taught for over 10 years in the Giles County. She was a graduate of Samford University, with a degree in Spanish and English. During her career, she was a past president by Alpha Delta Kappa International honorary sorority for women educators, was sponsored by the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, and was a moderator for the Huntsville City School Scholar's Bowl. She enjoyed travelling, and sponsored many tour groups within the US and to other countries (especially to Mexico and Spain). Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, Al. A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org), or Johns Hopkins COVID-19 research fund (https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/).

Bobbie Higginbotham, of Birmingham, passed away Aug. 8, 2020. She was a member of Pinson United Methodist Church, retired from A&P Grocery and Belks. Bobbie was preceded in death by: Husband- James E. Higginbotham, son- James M. Higginbotham, sisters- Virginia Trull, Sue Hope, Lois Etheridge, Charlotte Elgin, and brother Ed Elgin. Bobbie Higginbotham She is survived by her daughter- Judy Griffith, granddaughter- Cori Farley (Randy), grandsons- D.J. Griffith (Emily), Matthew Higginbotham (Cindy), Adam Higginbotham (Amanda), Great Grandchildren: Tristin Nock (Kenneth), River Farley, Anna Schuetz (JC), Rayleigh Farley, Chloe Farley (Jade), Rain Farley, Claire Higginbotham, Lucy Higginbotham, Jillian Higginbotham, Nonny Higginbotham, Trey Griffith, Emerson Griffith, Great Great Grandchildren: Dylan Nock, Everleigh Schuetz, Addyson Tollison, sister Edna Love and brother Frank Elgin. daughter in law: Charlene Kuykendall, Bonus Daughter: Mary Ann Greenslade, children and grandchildren, Many nieces and nephews. Visitation was held on Wednesday, followed by chapel services.

Charles W. "Chuck" Higginbotham , 60 , of Ardmore , Alabama passed away January 21, 2021. He came into the world on March 29, 1960, son of Charles M. "Bunk" Higginbotham and Martha Nell Ferguson Higginbotham.

Chuck loved being with family and spoiling his "grands", being at the farm and spending time with friends. He taught kids and grandkids how to drive a racecar, truck, and tractor; how to cut donuts on sport utv's; how to shoot; and many more fun things...... a boring grandpa he was not!!

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister-in-law, Lynn Higginbotham.

Charles is survived by his wife, Linda Adams Higginbotham; sons, Neal Higginbotham, Phil (Rachel) Higginbotham, and Josh Higginbotham; grandchildren, Britany, Micah, Wess, and Caleb Higginbotham, and AnneMarie Chisum; brother, Jeff Higginbotham; and sister, Frances (Tracy) Cross. There are many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends that have been "family" all their lives.

A Graveside service will be at 1:30pm on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at Gatlin Cemetery with Bro. Steve Hargrove officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made Huntsville Hospital NICU.

The Birmingham News Jan. 27, 2021

Daniel Wayne Higginbotham (1985-2021) AL

Daniel Higginbotham, age 35, beloved father, son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew and cousin passed away Saturday, January 23, 2021. Daniel was born on October 26, 1985 in Birmingham, AL. He was quick witted and loved to make others laugh. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and listening to his favorite songs. He was always there when you needed him and willing to help anyone at any time. He is preceded in death by his father and step-mother, Barry and Anna Strange, step-father, Peter Willis and maternal grandfather, Lawrence Higginbotham. He is survived by his mother and step-father, Coleeta and Stephen Dove, children, Devin and Dawson Higginbotham, sisters, Holly (Matthew) Tucker, Kelly (Scott) Markert and Annette Strange, his paternal grandparents, Barbara and RC Strange, his maternal grandmother, Constance Higginbotham, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, January 29, 2021 at Kelly's Chapel Baptist Church's cemetery in Grove Oak, AL. Visitation outdoors prior to the service will be available from 1:00-2:00pm. Please plan to wear a mask and social distance to respect the health and safety of those in attendance.

2/9/2021

Lucas Jarin Higginbotham (2002-2021) AL

August 2, 2002 - February 7, 2021

Lucas Jarin Higginbotham, 18, of Jasper, passed away Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021, in an auto accident.

Lucas was in his senior year at Jasper High School. He was a member of the football team. He loved life, his family and friends dearly.

A celebration of Lucas and his life will be held Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Worship Life (old J.C. Penney store).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Children's Hospital of Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Linwood and Maxine Sides, Jack and AnnaLee Myers, Sammy Brown, CJ and Dean Higginbotham; and his grandfather, Kenneth A. Key.

He is survived by his mother, LeeAnn Higginbotham; father, R.J. "Jim" Higginbotham (Nikki); brothers, Roman Higginbotham (Tailor) and Adrun Higginbotham (Starr); sisters, Lauren Higginbotham and Henslee Higginbotham; special niece and nephew, Maddie Higginbotham and Baylor Higginbotham; special and loving Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Tommy Stivener, Uncle Anthony and Aunt Charlotte Sides, Aunt Mandy and Uncle Jason Upton, Aaliyah and Akeelah Higginbotham, Aunt Sharae Manasco; great-grandmother, Betty Brown; grandparents, Linda L. Key, Jimmy Higginbotham (Jennifer) and Dianne Brown; step-grandparents, Dennis and Phyllis Uptain, Ken and Sherry Henslee; and many loving cousins and countless friends and acquaintances, old and young, that will forever carry their impressive memories of Lucas.

Collins-Burke Funeral Home, Jasper; 205-384-5571

5/6/2021

Mary Frances Higginbotham (1926-2021) AL
March 16, 1926 – May 4, 2021
Mary Frances Higginbotham, 95, of Attalla, AL passed away Tuesday, May 4, 2021. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at Christ Central Methodist Church with Rev. Billy York officiating. Entombment will follow at Forrest Cemetery Mausoleum. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services will direct.
Frances was a lifelong resident of Gadsden, AL and a graduate of Gadsden High School. She retired from Equifax of Gadsden after working there for over 40 years. Frances loved the violin and got great enjoyment from playing it. She also enjoyed painting.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.B. Higginbotham; brothers, Walter Higginbotham and Robert Higginbotham and sisters, Bonnie Turner and Jimmie Farrington. Survivors include her nephew, Robert Higginbotham; niece, Sandra Nichols; great niece, Meghan Turner; great nephews, Jimmy Turner and honorary granddaughters, Sophia and Makenzie. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Christ Central Methodist Church at 409 W. Grand Avenue, Rainbow City, AL 35906.
Visitation will precede the service Tuesday at the church from 1 pm to 2 pm.

5/15/2021

Gregory Paul Higginbotham (1951-2021) AL

April 3, 1951 - May 13, 2021

Gregory Paul Higginbotham age 70 of Jasper, passed away on Thursday, May 13, 2021. He is preceded in death by his Parents: Alfred Higginbotham and Mildred Arwine Higinbotham; Daughter: Vicky Rouse; Brother: Terrell Higginbotham and Sister: Mary Higginbotham. Survivors include: Wife: Patricia Higginbotham; Children: Joseph Higginbotham, Paul Joy Pate, Cindy Underwood, Cheryl Quinn and Jamie Thompson; Many Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren; Host of Nieces, Nephews and Other Relatives and Brother: Arwine Higginbotham. Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 17th at McCormack Cemetery.

7/13/2021

Dorothy Jean Higginbottom Russell (1940-2021) AL
November 1, 1940 - July 12, 2021
Dorothy Jean Russell, age 80, of Cherokee, passed away on Monday, July 12, 2021. The visitation will be Thursday, July 15, at Morrison Funeral Home, Cherokee, from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The service will follow at 6:00 p.m. with Rod Stansky officiating.
Dorothy was a native of Cherokee, Alabama. She is preceded in death by her parents, Hollis and Delilah Higginbottom; her sisters, Nellie Sue Sappington and Charlie Mae Young; her brothers, Hollis Higginbottom, Jr., and Cleston Hue Higginbottom; and her husband, Terry H. Russell.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Mary Russell Fuller (Mike) and Wanda Russell Rahaim (Billy); brother, Harold Wayne Higginbottom; sisters, Eva Bradley and Sanna Cedillo; grandchildren, Michael Joseph Fuller (Kendra), Bradley D. Sprague (Tammy), Kristen Fuller Cardwell (Evan), Brittney Kay Rahaim (Ryan), and Megan Jeanelle Rahaim; and her great-grandchildren, Skyla Sprague, Aerial Sprague, Jenna Sprague, Everett Joseph Fuller, Ann(Annie) Katherine Cardwell, Ellie Caroline Cardwell, Isiah Black, Lucas Black, Caroline Elizabeth Fuller, and Reed Alexander Fuller.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caregivers at Encompass Hospice, Lisa Murphy, Sabrina Duncan, Rhonda Vincent, and Nelda Burlison.

7/26/2021

Sara Ann Higginbotham (1957-2021) AL
June 6, 1957 - July 25, 2021

Funeral services for Sara Ann Higginbotham, 64, of Baileyton will be 4:00 P.M. Thursday, July 29, 2021 at Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Locust Fork, AL. Visitation will be at Hanceville Funeral Home from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Thursday prior to the funeral service.
Mrs. Higginbotham is survived by her children, Wesley Risner, Keith (Cindy) Risner and Dana Smith; grandchildren, Tyler Gauge Risner, Abigail Risner, Carson Smith, Jasmine Smith and Madison Smith; sisters, Sandra (Paul) Johnson, Catherine Weems, Louise (Jack) Sullins and Juanita (Wayne) Tidmore; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Higginbotham was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Gertrude (Gaither) Higginbotham.

The Birmingham News Aug. 10, 2021

Carolyn Higginbotham Sorensen (1934-2021) AL
Carolyn Higginbotham Sorensen, age 86 passed away on August 8th, 2021. She was born to the late, Arthur and Belle Higginbotham on December 3, 1934 in Dixiana, Alabama. Carolyn was a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Mount Olive and loved serving alongside her fellow members of the Faith Sunday School Class. Carolyn was wise, loyal, kind, a lady of grace, generous, a true confidant, gentle, accepting, and loving to all she met. She was a true Proverbs 31 woman. Carolyn graduated from Mortimer Jordan High School as valedictorian in 1952. Ernie and Carolyn were married on March 23, 1957 and provided a happy, Christian home for their three children. They were an example of a loving marriage to all who knew them. She served as the church secretary, then worked at Warren Reed Millinery until her retirement. Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 39 years, Ernest Lee Sorensen and her grandson, Jeffrey Lee Sorensen. She is survived by her three children and their families; Bubba Wayne Sorensen his wife Debbie, Laura Finn her husband Ronnie, and Lisa Nail and her husband Terrell; her grandchildren, Daniel Nail (Casey), Amy Tucker (Mark), David Nail (Haylee), Jennifer Porteous (Chris), Kelcie Morrow (Dakota), and Natasha Sorensen; and her great grandchildren, Alyssa Finn, Jaxon Sorensen, Emmett Tucker, Sadie Sorensen, Evelyn Nail, Annalise Tucker, Aiden Nail, Lyndie Kate Morrow, and Baby Porteous in December. Her sisters, Peggy Tuggle (Dal) and Sue Gray (Larry); and a host of extended relatives and dear friends. The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 12, 2021 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Gardendale Heritage Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life beginning at 4:00 pm. She will be laid to rest at Mount Olive Cemetery immediately following the service. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Pam Dale Hickman who went above and beyond this past year, caring for Carolyn. Many thanks also to Hope Hospice for their care. Carolyn gave generously to many charities. The family request in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the charity of your choice.

10/6/2021

Phyllis Jean Amos Higginbotham (1954-2021) AL
August 11, 1954 - October 4, 2021
Mrs. Phyllis Jean Higginbotham age 67, passed away on Monday October 4, 2021 at the Regional Medical Hospital in Anniston, Alabama.
Phyllis is survived by her husband: Larry Higginbotham; brother: Chris Amos; sister’s: Pam (Jerry) Hyde, Kim (Trey) Browder; sister-in-law: Marsha Brown and Several Nieces and Nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Fred and Nelwyn Amos.
Visitation will be held on Thursday October 7, 2021 from 11AM ~ 1 PM at the Rudder Funeral Home in Scottsboro, Alabama.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday October 7, 2021 beginning at 1:00 PM with Bro. Neil Smith officiating at the Rudder Funeral Home Chapel in Scottsboro, Alabama. Burial will follow into Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Peck Funeral Home - Hartselle on Nov. 9, 2021

Barbara Nell Higginbotham Lee (1930-2021) AL

Bobbie H. Lee age 91 of Hartselle, passed away Sunday night at her residence. A visitation and service will be held Thursday, November 11, 2021 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM with the service at 11:00 AM in the Peck Funeral Home Chapel. A graveside committal service will be at 2:00 PM at Charity Cemetery in Hazel Green. Bobbie was born to William Hubert and Ettice Juanita Stanford Higginbotham on October 27, 1930 in Limestone County. Bobbie loved quilting, gardening and loved her family, but she adored her granddaughter, Allison and great grandson, Avery. She is preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Paul Lee; her son, Billy Lee; Brothers, Tony Higginbotham of MS, Doyce Higginbotham of Hartselle, Billy Ray Higginbotham of Hartselle, Earl Higginbotham of FL, Donald Higginbotham of FL, and Kent Higginbotham of Hartselle. She is survived by her sister, Carol Borden (Dwight) of Florence; beloved nieces, Belinda Johnson, Michelle Reid, Brenda Taylor (Jim), Delores Williams; beloved nephews, Mike Lemmond; Dan (Debbie) Higginbotham; Kathy Lee Hogan (Danny); adoring granddaughter Allison Lee Rhoades (Eric); adoring great-grandson Avery and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Pallbearers will be family and Reverend Eric Taylor will be officiating.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bobbie H. Lee, please visit our floral store.

11/18/2021

Larry Newsom Higginbotham (1948-2021) AL

June 20, 1948 - November 16, 2021

Mr. Larry Higginbotham age 73 of Scottsboro passed away at his home following a short illness. Larry was retired from the Scottsboro Water Sewer and Gas Board where he worked at the North Sauty Creek water treatment plant.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 11 am until 1 pm at the Rudder Funeral Home in Scottsboro, Alabama. Funeral services for Larry be held beginning at 1 pm from the Chapel of Rudder Funeral Home with Bro Neil Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Larry is survived by his sister Marsha Brown, Niece Chasity (Mark) McCreless, great niece Marla McCreless. Sister-in-laws Pam (Jerry)
Hyde, Kim (Trey) Browder, Brother-in-law Chris Amos and several other nieces, nephews, family and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis Higginbotham, and his parents Newsom and Ophelia Higginbotham.

12/16/2021

Kenneth Lee Higginbotham (1957-2021) MS/AL
March 26, 1957 ~ December 14, 2021 (age 64)
Kenneth "Kenny" Lee Higginbotham passed away on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at his residence. He was born March 26, 1957, in Mississippi, to Kenneth Lavon Higginbotham and Mary Lois Slater Higginbotham. He was retired from his trade of Carpentry and was preceded in death by his parents and a sister: Betty Niebres.
Survivors include Wife - Peggy Harvel Higginbotham, Hartselle, AL; Brother - Dan Higginbotham (Debbie), Falkville, AL and Several Nieces and Nephews. No services are scheduled at this time. Peck Funeral Home 1600 Hwy 31 SW P.O. Box 427 Hartselle, AL 35640 256.773.2541

The Daily Home on Jan. 20, 2022

Lois Sims Higginbotham (1923-2022) AL

Lois Sims Higginbotham, age 98, of Riverside, Alabama passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2022. Lois was born October 20, 1923 to Annie Viola Mackie Sims and Johnny Singleton Sims. Lois is survived by her daughters: Janet Pepper Sisco and Jackie Pepper Richards (Carlton); and her grandchildren: Jay Mathis, Staci Beth Sisco, Alexa Pepper and Anna Pepper. Lois was preceded in death by her husband Buford G. Higginbotham; her grandchildren: Alex Jackson Roe and Joshua Keith Mathis; her parents and 11 siblings. A visitation for Lois will be held Friday, January 21, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Kilgroe Funeral Home with a celebration of life funeral service to follow. Interment will occur Friday, January 21, 2022 at St Clair Memorial Gardens. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kilgroefh.com for the Higginbotham family.

3/12/2022

John Elliot Higginbotham (1936-2022) AL
November 5, 1936 ~ March 10, 2022 (age 85)
John Elliott Higginbotham passed away at his home in Florence, Alabama, on March 10, 2022.
John was born in Lexington, Alabama, on November 5, 1936, the oldest of four children of Christine Wilson Higginbotham and Lewis Clark Higginbotham.
John is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Virginia (Ginnie) Reid Higginbotham, daughter Heather Higginbotham Ward, son-in-law John Logan Ward, Jr., and grandchildren Luther Finn Ward and Eliot Morrow Ward of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He is also survived by his brother Thomas Higginbotham and sister-in-law Barbara of Florence, and sisters Martha Shaffer of Columbus, Ohio, and Mary Jean Ligon of Florence. John was a brother-in-law to Taft Reid and to John and Hilma Reid. Many beloved nieces and nephews will remember him fondly as “Uncle John”: Naomi and Chris Curtis of Sacramento, California; Mary and Craig Curtis of Columbus, Ohio; Andrea Geissler of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Candace Higginbotham of Birmingham; Whitney and Shawn Ligon of Birmingham; DeanNa and Thomas Higginbotham of Cocoa, Florida; Renee and Luke Reid of Aiken, South Carolina; Ronald Reid, Jr. of Hanceville, Alabama; Sharon and Mark Reid of Hanceville, Alabama; Victoria and Chad Perry of Trussville, Alabama; Casey and Britt Reid of Watkinsville, Georgia; Justin Reid and Tyler Reid of Saraland, Alabama. John is preceded in death by brothers-in-law Ronald Reid, Allen Ligon, Harley Shaffer, and Joe Yearling, and by sister-in-law Violet Reid.
After attending Coffee High School, John joined the United States Air Force and served for four years as a medical technician stationed at Lake Charles, Louisiana. John then earned a Bachelors degree in History from the University of North Alabama in 1962, where he met Ginnie. They married during the Christmas holidays of their senior year. John went on to obtain his Juris Doctor degree from Cumberland Law School in 1965, while Ginnie taught English at Berry High School in Birmingham.
Following law school, the couple settled in Florence, where John opened a private law practice. He was a skilled litigator known for his rapport with juries and a committed plaintiff’s attorney. He developed a successful practice specializing in personal injury and product liability. In 1979, Randy Whitten became John’s law partner; other partners over the years include Doug Evans, Robert Barclift, and Thomas McCutcheon, who remained close friends and colleagues. In 2015, John was recognized by the Alabama State Bar for 50 years in the practice of law. He was a member of the Lauderdale County Bar Association, Alabama Bar Association, and American Bar Association. John was elected president of the Alabama Trial Lawyers Association in 1992-93 and was an active member for many decades.
In 1982, John was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in a special election representing his home district. He chose not to run for reelection, but maintained a keen interest in local, state, and national politics. A lifelong Democrat, John served as a delegate to the 1984 Democratic Party Convention in San Francisco, California. He was also active for several decades with the Lauderdale County Democratic Executive Committee.
Outside of practicing law, John enjoyed hunting, fishing, horses, dogs, and golf. For 40 consecutive years, John traveled to South Dakota to hunt pheasant, always bringing along Alabama friends and family and a good retriever. He regularly hunted deer, quail, and dove in the fields and woods of North Alabama. John competed in field trials for many years and always kept pointers and Tennessee walking horses. For more than a decade, John traveled frequently to Orange Beach, Alabama, where he docked a boat for saltwater fishing. When not hunting, John was an avid golfer for 35 years at Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club.
After John retired in 2016, he took great pleasure in his family and home on Shoals Creek, where he and Ginnie have lived since 1968. Ginnie, a local artist and former educator, retired from her position as regional director for the American Heart Association in 1995. John was always up for a trip to visit their daughter Heather and her husband Logan, and even more so once his beloved grandchildren were born. Ginnie and John also enjoyed visiting art museums across the United States and celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in Italy.
Family and friends will remember John’s quiet confidence, wisdom, patience, kindness and handsome good looks. He believed in fairness, education, and equal opportunities for all people and was accepting of differences, values he passes on to younger generations.
A memorial service will be announced in the coming weeks.
Those who wish to make a gift in John’s memory are encouraged to contribute to the American Heart Association or the University of North Alabama.

Selma Funeral Home and Pineview Memory Gardens on May 16, 2022
Sharron Lynn Higginbotham Colee (1966-2022) AL
Sharron Lynn Higginbotham Colee age 55 of Valley Grande, passed away on Monday, May 16, 2022 at Vaughan Regional Medical Center in Selma.
She was born in Mobile, Alabama on July 30, 1966 to the late Ralph Higginbotham and the late Margaret P. Weldon Higginbotham.
She is survived by her siblings, Raymond E. Moreland (Kim), Sheilla Gillis, Ronnie L. Moreland (Marlene), Michael L. Moreland, and Randy Moreland (Mary); and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A private family service will be held.
Final care and arrangement have been faithfully entrusted to the care of Selma Funeral Home.

6/17/2022

Ruby Jean Higginbotham Hayes (1927-2022) KY/AL

HAYES, Ruby Higginbotham, a resident of Prattville, Alabama passed away Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at the age of 94.
The family will receive friends, Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Pine Level, 1897 US Hwy. 31 North, Prattville, Alabama with Bro. Lee Walker officiating. Burial will be at Mountain Creek Baptist Cemetery with Gassett Funeral Home of Wetumpka directing.
She is survived by her children Joe (Cathy) Hayes, Patricia (Dean) Evans, Minnie Bolt; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; brother Herbert Higginbotham; several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Hayes will lie in state one hour prior to service time at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Pine Level, 1897 US Hwy. 31 North, Prattville, Alabama 36067.

6/21/2022

Roselean Higginbotham Wright (1934-2022) AL
June 1, 1934 - June 17, 2022

Roselean Higginbotham Wright, 88, passed away at 5:42 pm on June 17, 2022, at her home in Helena, Alabama. Roselean was born June 1, 1934. Mrs. Wright, formerly from Bessemer, Alabama, was a member of The Baptist Church at McAdory. She served as a Sunday school teacher for many years as well as a church hostess. Mrs. Wright worked for The Outlet Department Store and Zayre in Bessemer. After retirement, she enjoyed feeding people with her culinary talents. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and aunt. She was preceded in death by her husband, John David Wright, her mother, Annie May Scott Higginbotham, her father, Abner Higginbotham, her brother, Oscar Higginbotham, sister, Clara Higginbotham Mink and son- in-law, Larry Reese. She is survived by her daughters, Jo Wright Reese and Mary Wright Huguley (Stan), her sons, Paul Andre Wright (Nicki) and William David Wright (Donna), her grandchildren, Jack Reese (Sherby), Christine Huguley Chism (Wade), Janet Rose Guffey(Matthew), Jonathan Wright (Kristin), Christopher Wright, Alex Wright, Ashley Wright, Olivia Clay, Zachary Clay, Jonah Alexander and William Wright, her great grandchildren, Meredith Camille Chism, Lydia Rose Guffey, and Kolten Warren Guffey, a beloved sister-in-law, Betty Battle Higginbotham and nephews, Keith Higginbotham and Kenneth Higginbotham, and niece Linda Diane Mink. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all who knew her. In lieu of gifts and flowers, it is the family’s request that donations be made to CBS Ministries (P.O. Box 489 Vance, AL 35490). All donations given will be used to support an orphanage located in Eldoret, Kenya. Funeral service will be held at Bessemer Brown Service at 2:00 pm Wednesday, June 22, 2022. Family will receive friends Tuesday evening, June 21, 2022 from 5-7 pm. Rev. Stan Huguley will be officiating.

Roy Lamar Higginbotham (1964-2022) AL
Friday, August 21st, 1964 – Tuesday, July 12th, 2022
Roy Lamar Higginbotham age 57, of Hayden, Alabama passed away Tuesday, July 12th, 2022 at his residence.
Mr. Higginbotham is survived by his mother Opal Higginbotham, brothers Eddie Higginbotham, Dennis Higginbotham, Cardis Higginbotham(Michelle) and Raymond Higginbotham, sisters Rebecca Harris(Perry) and Melba Jackson.
The family will receive friends at Blount County Cleveland Funeral Home 17885 St Hwy 160 Cleveland, Alabama 35049 Friday, July 15th, 2022 from1:00 pm until 2:00 pm . Graveside services will be held Friday, July 15th, 2022 at 2:30 pm in the Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, with burial to follow at Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Locust Fork, Alabama.
Blount County/Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Ira Smitherman Higginbotham, known affectionately as "MawMaw", 92 of the Bagley community, passed away July 30, 22 at her residence.
She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, who loved caring for her family most of all. Some of her favorite things in life were, tending to her flowers, making pickles and horseback riding.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, April Joyce Higginbotham; mother, Mamie "Granny" Smitherman and five sisters.
Survivors include her children, Steve Higginbotham (Darlene), Susan Black and Starla DeBord (Terry Shelton), grandchildren, Michael Higginbotham, Robert Black (Leslie), Ryan Black (Jennifer), Katie DeBord, Ashley Hardin (Mark) and Andrea DeBord (Cheyenne Kelly), great grandchildren, Will and Cole Higginbotham, Tyler, Sam and Sara Rose Black, Kate Ryan Black, Kadence Black, Gage Harper and Shepherd Hardin, sisters, Barbara Gentry (Frank) and Mamie Roy (Wayne), several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
The family will receive friends Thursday Aug. 4, 22 from 5-6:30 pm at the funeral home.
New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home 205-648-2323.

Jimmy Harold Higginbottom (1945-2022) AL
RED BAY, AL – Jimmy Harold Higginbottom, 77 passed away Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at Helen Keller Hospital. He was born in Itawamba County, MS to Leon and Virginia Smith Higginbottom. He attended school at Banner and Fairview where he enjoyed playing basketball. The love of basketball continued as he enjoyed watching the Belmont girls, coached by his nephew, Chris Higginbottom. He installed floor covering for many years and then retired from Tiffin Motor Homes after 14 years. Jimmy was a member of Pleasant Site Church of Christ until services were no longer held there and then was a member of Second Street Church of Christ. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a member of the Bama Bass Club where he was named Angler of the Year in 1986, 1988, 1992 and 1994. He loved spending time with his family especially his three grandchildren. He enjoyed carrying them fishing, riding his four-wheeler, watching them play sports and was thrilled when Jacob, at age ten, killed his first deer, an eight point, last year. After his retirement, he enjoyed his days working in his yard, watching the deer, the birds and the squirrels. He will be missed by all his family and friends.
Funeral services will be Friday, September 9, 2 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel, Red Bay, AL with Bro. Chris Higginbottom officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Site Cemetery. Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL will be in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jan Higginbottom; two children, Jeffrey Higginbottom (LaSha) and Janine Dunlap (Justin); three grandchildren, Stella and Millie Higginbottom and Jacob Dunlap; his sister, JoAnn Johnson; sister-in-law, Reggie Higginbottom; six nephews, Jason Higginbottom (Jennifer), Chris Higginbottom (Ashley), Terry Johnson, Jason Winchester (Joy), Bradley Winchester and Jonathan Winchester (Heather); one niece, Lisa Holland (Jamie); brother-in-law, Larry Winchester (Linda); his aunt, Maxine Cooper; several great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Johnny Higginbottom; his father-in-law, Fred Winchester; mother-in-law, Rachel Winchester and a brother-in-law, Dwight Johnson.
Pallbearers will be Terry Johnson, Jason Higginbottom, Chandler Higginbottom, Larry Winchester and Jamie Holland.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 8, 6-9 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pleasant Site Church of Christ, c/o Dale Hester, 20697 Highway 20, Red Bay, AL 35582.

Joyce Luverne Bain Higginbotham (1942 - 2022) AL
Mrs. Joyce Luverne Higginbotham, 79, of Hoover, Alabama passed away on Thursday, October 20, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Higginbotham. She is survived by her daughters, Robin Pence (Paul) and Kim Cofield (Brian); grandchildren, Kevin Pence (Megan), Lacey Stafford (Dylan), Lindy Pence (Kenton), Grant Pence (Leah), Austin Cofield, and Averi Cofield; great-grandchildren, Riley, Reid, Ellie, and Rayne; and brother, Allen Bain. The graveside service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, October 23, 2022, at St. Clair Memorial Gardens with Pastor Joel Frederick officiating. Condolences may be offered online at www.usreyfuneralhome.com. Usrey Funeral Home of Pell City is assisting the family.

Mark Anthony Higginbotham age 65, of Trafford, Alabama passed away Thursday, November 3rd, 2022 at his residence.
Mr. Higginbotham is survived by his son's Michael Higginbotham(Kimberly), Jayme Higginbotham(Lanie) and Joseph Higginbotham(Jackie), Michael's sister Julie Thrift, sisters Pam Hagood(J.C.) and Alicia Higginbotham(Terrell), very best friend Stacey Teer, 17 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents J.C. and Jeanette Huffstutler Higginbotham and his sister Susan Newton.
The family will receive friends at the Old Philadelphia Baptist Church in Trafford, Alabama Monday, November 7th, 2022 from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held Monday, November 7th, 2022 at 2:00 pm at the Old Philadelphia Baptist Church with Bro. Brandon Gallups officiating, with burial to follow in the Old Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Michael Higginbotham, Jayme Higginbotham, Joseph Higginbotham, Anthony Smith, Justin Warden and Jonathan Smith.
Mr. Higginbotham enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing his guitar. His favorite music was the older country music.
Blount County/Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Bobbie Rice Higginbotham, 81 of Athens, passed away on Wednesday, December 28th, 2022, at Hospice Family Care. Mrs. Higginbotham was born on December 13th, 1941, in Athens, to Robert Rice and Verna Mae Pirtle Rice.
Mrs. Higginbotham is survived by her husband of 58 years, Jimmie Higginbotham; children Gina Pierce (Cliff) of Athens, John Higginbotham (Melinda) of Athens, and David Higginbotham (Anna) of Decatur; grandchildren Noah Higginbotham, Cole Pierce (Sam), Kate Harris (Drew), Hayden Pierce, Kacen Pierce, Bree Higginbotham, Tess Higginbotham, Linley Higginbotham, and Banks Higginbotham; sister Carol Crouch; brother-in-law Tim Higginbotham (Patricia); and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; and sister Dorothy Smith.
Funeral services for Mrs. Higginbotham will be Saturday, December 31st, 2022, at 11:00am at Limestone Chapel, with John Gibson, Tony Richter, David Higginbotham, and John Higginbotham officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:00-10:50am at the funeral home. Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Noah Higginbotham, Cole Pierce, Hayden Pierce, Kacen Pierce, Brad Higginbotham, and Steven Higginbotham.
Mrs. Higginbotham was a faithful member of Jones Road Church of Christ. Some of her favorite pastimes were gardening, flowers, sewing, and painting. Her favorite candy was Payday candy bars. She dearly loved her family, and she put God first in her life.

Mildred Ann Tankersley Higginbotham (1935-2023) AL
Mrs. Ann T. Higginbotham, age 87, passed away Friday, January 13th, 2023 at Hospice of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
A funeral service will be held 1PM Saturday, January 21st, 2023 at Perry Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. John C. Higginbotham officiating. The family will receive friends from 12PM until 1PM Saturday at the funeral home. A private graveside will be held for the family.
Pallbearers will include Dr. Brian Ingram, Colin Bondy, Jason Hardin, John Austin Higginbotham, Colin Higginbotham and Michael Johns.
Honorary Pallbearers will include David James and Susan Bishop.
Survivors include her sons, Joe Paul (Deanna) Higginbotham and Dr. John C. (Kristi) Higginbotham; daughter, Joan Higginbotham (Dr. Russell) Ingram; grandchildren, Heather (Colin) Bondy, Dr. Brian (Dr. Megan) Ingram, Lauren (Jason) Hardin; Stacey (Michael) Johns, John Austin Higginbotham, and Colin Higginbotham; great grandchildren, Ayda Johns and Colton Johns.
Ann was born in Sylacauga, Alabama to the late Paul Clifford and Mildred Haynes Tankersley. She was a loving and faithful wife to the late Rev. Joe C. Higginbotham.
In Lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Centre First United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.

Billy Earl Higginbotham, Sr. (1939-2023) AL
Mr. Billy Earl Higginbotham, Sr., of Ragland, Alabama passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. In 1939, Billy was born to Woodrow and Stella Higginbotham and grew up in Ragland, Alabama where he attended Ragland High School. He served his nation in the United States Army where he was stationed at Ford Hood, Texas. While in the Army, he participated in Operation BIG LIFT in Germany and Operation Silver Hand in the Mojave Desert. In July 1963, Billy Earl married Bertha Faye Kay and they were married for almost sixty years at the time of his passing. Billy and Bertha moved back to Ragland, Alabama after his military service. He worked for Goodyear Retread Tires in Birmingham, Alabama and was later hired at the National Cement Plant in Ragland. Billy worked for National Cement until his retirement in 2001. When not working, he loved to spend time hunting, fishing, and golfing. Billy also was a faithful Christian and was ordained as a deacon by the Ragland Freewill Baptist Church on August 16, 1969. He was preceded in death by his mother, Stella McCoy; father, Woodrow Higginbotham; brothers, Leonard Higginbotham and Laverne Higginbotham; granddaughter, Jennifer Ann White; in-laws, Luther and Emma Jean Kay; and nephew, Brian Higginbotham. He is survived by his wife, Bertha Faye Higginbotham; children, Elaine Bean (Johnny), Lavinia Gallups (Steve) and Billy Higginbotham, Jr.; grandchildren, Russell Bean, Emily Kelly (Eamonn), Heather Scott (Brian) and Rachael Layfield (Andy); great-grandchildren, Brody Bean, Dylan Bean, Eryn Kelly, Eoin Kelly, Eason Kelly, Madison Phillips, Melody Layfield and Alexis Layfield; brother, Wayne Richards (Bonnie); and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at Usrey Funeral Home – Pell City. A funeral service honoring his life will be held at Usrey Funeral Home – Pell City at 11:00 am on Friday, January 27, 2023 with Bro. Steve Gallups officiating. Interment will follow the funeral service at St. Clair Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be offered online at www.usreyfuneralhome.com. Usrey Funeral Home of Pell City is assisting the family.

Charles Dennis Higginbotham (1960-2023) AL
December 5, 1960 – February 26, 2023
Funeral Service Charles Dennis "Higg" Higginbotham, age 62, of Sylacauga will be Friday, March 3, 2023 at 2PM at Curtis and Son Childersburg Chapel. Burial will follow at Greenhill Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Thursday, March 2, 2023 from 5-8PM at the funeral home.
Mr. Higginbotham passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at Coosa Valley Medical Center.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Edward Higginbotham. He was big hunter and fisherman and loved the outdoors and loved his dog, Willow. He was formerly employed by American Color Graphics but now lived working at Sunbelt Rentals.
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Higginbotham, daughters, Wendy Shurette (Cory), Katie Cosby (Michael), step-sons, Wesley Cleveland (Stephanie), Nicholas Cleveland (Lauren), grandchildren, Alissa Cosby, Athan Cosby, Norma Cleveland, Maddox Cleveland, mother, Lavone Higginbotham, sisters, Cathy Harris (Phillip "Hoot") Paula Berry (Kevin), nieces and nephews, Brian Harris, Elizabeth Padgett, Emily Gaither and Brandon Berry.
Pallbearers are Wesley Cleveland, Nicholas Cleveland, Michael Cosby, Cory Shurette, Phillip Harris, Kevin Berry, Brandon Berry and Brian Harris.

Janice Lee Higginbotham Hamm (1953-2023) AL
August 7, 1953 – March 4, 2023
Janice Lee Hamm, age 69, of Childersburg, Alabama passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2023.
Janice is survived by her son Jeremy Hamm (Cecilia); her brother Tim Higginbotham (Kelly) and her sister Rita Crowe; her grandchildren Laura Frances Hamm and Maili Hamm, and her nieces Stephanie Carden, Cindy Green, Lynn Anderson and Misty Dale; and nephew Dione Vick.
Janice was preceded in death by her husband Philip Hamm; her daughter Tina Baker; her mother Jeanette Higginbotham; her brothers Mitch Higginbotham and Kenneth Higginbotham and her sister Myra Higginbotham.
A visitation for Janice will be held Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Curtis and Son Funeral Home, 1099 1st St NW, Childersburg, Alabama 35044, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 PM. All services will be officiated by Pastor/Chaplain Merlin Wayne Taylor.
Jan was a member of First Baptist Church, Alabaster. She enjoyed hiking at Oak Mountain with her dog, Lucy. Alabama sports (Roll Tide!) were her passion along with NASCAR (Jeff Gordon). Her granddaughters, Laura Frances and Maili were the light of her life. She enjoyed taking them to Yogurt Mountain for treats, going to Veterans park in Alabaster to the playground and having them spend the night with her in her home.
Jan had a passion for animals and owned many over the years including cats, dogs, birds, and fish.
Most of all, Jan loved Jesus, her Lord and Savior. She would want everyone to know and love Him just as she did. All throughout her sickness she never expressed fear but rather excitement at the promise of going home to the Father and gratitude for every day He gave her here on this earth.

Our heavenly Angel went home on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. She was preceded by her best friend and loving husband Thomas W. Snipes, her sons Denny Manning, Randy Manning, her parents Charlie Higginbotham and Ruby L Higginbotham, 3 sisters, and a brother.
Survivors: Daughter of her heart-Yunny Manning, Daughter Vickie (Mikey) Swann, Grands: Alex (Beth) Chris, Jason (Ashley)Manning, Jamie (Clint) Mikell, Samantha Passions, Shane Calloway, Jessie (Carla) Taylor, Damian and Adreanna Swann. 16 great-grands, Sisters- Rebecca (Gary) Sapp, Catherine Beasley, brothers: Paul and Jimmy (Juanita) Higginbotham. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Memorial service June 3, 2023 11 a.m. at Holiness Missionary Church 404 Brake street Warrior, Al. 35180.

Mr. Zendal “Zeke” Renay Higginbotham, of Oneonta passed away at his residence on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. Zeke love to play music both Southern Rock and Gospel, was an excellent mechanic and spent his time refinishing old furniture and guitars. He was preceded by his father Ervin Higginbotham and brother David. He is survived by his Mother Donnierea Moon Higginbotham; sisters Nilajean Harris (Martin Acosta) and Reba Johnson (Cliff); brothers Coy (Dorothy) and Wendel (Belinda) Higginbotham; a host of nephews and nieces and a special friend Jason Thrasher.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. for a Graveside Service at the Bethlehem Cemetery in Trafford with Bro. Ronnie Daily conducting the service. Lemley Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home July 28, 2023
Darwin E. Higginbotham (ca1962-2023) AL
Darwin “Boo Boo” E. Higginbotham, a lifelong resident of Fairhope, AL, passed away Friday, July 28, 2023, at the age of 61.
He managed the King Cole Club along side of his mother, Big Mama.
He is survived by his son, Chris Higginbotham of Fairhope; brothers, Dean Higginbotham of Point Clear and Larry (Vickie) Wilkinson of Daphne; sister, Susie Higginbotham Blackard of Daphne and other relatives and friends.
A celebration of Boo Boo’s life will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 11:00am until 12:00 pm at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Fairhope.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your favorite charity.

Randy Thomas Higginbotham (1961-2023) AL
November 1, 1960 - August 21, 2023
Randy Higginbotham, age 62 of Jasper, passed away on Monday, August 21, 2023 at Princeton Baptist Medical Center.
The family will receive friends on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Collins-Burke Funeral Home, graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Shanghi Cemetery.
Mr. Higginbotham is survived by his Sisters-Sharron Wires and Judy Higginbotham.

Davie Glenn “Bubba” Higginbotham, age 63, of Northport, Ala., passed away September 23, 2023 at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Ala. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Carolwood Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery with Bro. Jimmy Norred officiating and Magnolia Chapel North directing.
Survivors include his two daughters, Kristen and Rachel; one son, Davie Glenn; sisters, Helene Sanford and Cathy Norred; brothers, Johnny Higginbotham and Eddie Ivey; father, Ed Ivey; and several grandchildren.
Davie Glenn Higginbotham was affectionately known as “Bubba” to his family and friends. He was born in Meridian, Mississippi on June 26, 1960 and resided in Northport, Alabama. He served his country in the Alabama National Guard. Bubba was loved very much by his family and friends. He had three children and several grandchildren. He will be missed very much!
Pallbearers will be Blue Creek Realty Employees, Dennis Sanford, and Jimmy Norred.

Betty Ann Higginbotham Deneke (1933-2023) AL
January 14, 1933 - October 3, 2023

Betty Higginbotham Deneke was born on January 14, 1933 in Tarrant City, AL to Clarence P. and Elizabeth Higginbotham. She was received into the arms of our Lord on October 3, 2023. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 52 years, William “Bill” E. Deneke; her son John E. Deneke; her brother Preston Holland Higginbotham (Mary). She is survived by her daughter Janna Deneke Lyons and son-in-law John “Sam” Lyons, daughter Susan Deneke Robbins and son-in-law Bennett Robbins; grandchildren Morgan Lyons Wilson (Jason), Jonathan Lyons (Allison), Wiliam Robbins, and Rebecca Robbins; great grandchildren Caleb and Madelyn Wilson, and Hatch, Edward, and Jackson Lyons; along with several cherished nieces and nephews.
Arriving as a new bride in 1952, she and Bill made Mobile their home. She was a truly devoted mother and grandmother. She worked in the banking industry and later worked at the St. Dominic Catholic School After School Care Program, with her most important job being a homemaker.
Visitation and funeral service will be at St. Dominic Catholic Church on Monday, October 9, 2023. Visitation begins at 10:00AM with the funeral Mass following at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Dominic Catholic School at 4160 Burma Road, Mobile, AL, 36693 or any favorite charity of your choice. Internment will be at Pine Crest Cemetery West, 1599 Snow Road, Mobile, Alabama, 36695

Marcelle Clay Higginbotham, affectionately known as Marcie, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2023 at the age of 71 in Ft. Myers, Florida. Born on May 28th, 1952 in Bessemer, Alabama. Marcie brought joy and laughter to all that knew her. A joyful spirit and a giggly laugh, Marcie was always happy to see you. She enjoyed shopping, traveling and had a particular fondness for Disneyworld. Marci had a creative side and was an avid collector of antique jewelry. She also loved playing computer games with her family members, creating cherished memories together. Marcie will be deeply missed by her mother, Mary Daffron, her brother, David Higginbotham, and her sister, Judith Wright. She also leaves behind her nieces, nephews, and cousins. Marcie was preceded in death by her father, Reuben Clay Higginbotham, her brother, Scott Allen Higginbotham, stepmother, Jewel C. Higginbotham, stepsister, Judy Ann King and stepbrother David Earl Williams. In her professional life, Marcie worked for the Treasury Dept. in Washington D. C. During the Carter Administration before transferring to the Social Security Dept. in Birmingham, Alabama. Alongside her hobbies of travel, collecting antique jewelry and artistic pursuits, Marcie will be remembered for her kind heart and her love of family and friends. A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 6, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Hoover, Alabama.

Funeral service for Shawna Kay Higginbotham, 36, will be Friday, November 3, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Michael Gunter officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Midway Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Friday, November 3, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home.
Miss Higginbotham passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023 at Huntsville Hospital. She was born January 13, 1987, in Morgan County, to Belinda Higginbotham Johnson.
Shawna was a very outgoing person with a heart of gold. She, even now, is immediately helping others by being an organ donor. She loved to sing, loved her staff at C.D.D., eating at Captain D's, her phone and talking on her phone. She loved her family dearly.
Survivors include:
Mother & Step-Father - Belinda Higginbotham Johnson (Byron Johnson)
Brother - Olen Kilpatric
Sister - Raven Johnson
Pallbearers will be Daniel Kilpatric, Dylan Looney, Caleb Anders and Grad Johnson.
Peck Funeral Home

Albert Darryl Higginbotham (1943-2023) AL
08/30/1943 - 11/05/2023
Albert Darryl Higginbotham, 80, of Cropwell, AL passed away peacefully on November 5, 2023. He was born in Birmingham, AL on August 30, 1943 to Albert E. Higginbotham and Alwilda G. Higginbotham.
Darryl grew up in Mt. Olive, AL and graduated from Phillips High School in 1961. Darryl attended Auburn University where he was a member of Lamda Chi Alpha fraternity and in 1966 he graduated with a B.S. degree in Business Administration.
Darryl built a successful sales and management career in the auto industry, starting in 1968 after he served in the U.S. Army.
Darryl loved the Auburn Tigers, tinkering in the garage, studying genealogy, and the joys of lake life. He was a gifted story-teller, a talented bowler, and a formidable Canasta player.
In his golden years, he was an active volunteer with the local Veterans Treatment Court. If you knew Darryl, you knew he always had two things in his pockets to share – an American flag pin and doggie treats.
His loving nature, kindness and charm will be missed by all.
Darryl is survived by his wife of 56 years, S. Lee Higginbotham, daughters Storey Adams (Billy) and Samantha Higginbotham (Stacey), grandsons Peyton Freeman (Taylor), Trace Adams, Cory Adams (Alison), and great-grandchildren Avery Kate Freeman and Hayes Adams.
The family will be holding a private celebration of life for Darryl. Memorials in Darryl's name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, K9s for Warriors, or to a charity of your choice.

Voncile “Bonnie” Higginbotham, 83, of Oneonta, passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham.
Voncile is preceded in death by her parents Fred and Velma Vaughn Bowling; sisters Louise Spears, Bobbie Fowler, and Onzell Denney and Brother Donald Bowling.
She is Survived by her Husband Larry Higginbotham; daughter Mary Henderson (Adam); sons Allen Higginbotham (Shelia), Terry Higginbotham and Tim Higginbotham; grandson Tim Henderson (Staci); granddaughters Chelsea Pope (B.J.) and Heather Laughlin (Tony); great grandchildren Derrick Henderson, Colten Henderson, Axel Clark, Jack Pope, Christian Laughlin, Gabriel Laughlin, and Fancy Laughlin; great- great grandson Mason Riggs and sister Betty Klinger. The family also wants to recognize her special friends Pam & Josh Bailey, Amanda Hill and Hope Glover.
A graveside service will be held at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Oneonta on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 11:00 A. M. with Brother Tim Coker officiating. Lemley Funeral Home is honored to serve this family.

BIRMINGHAM — Virginia Reid Higginbotham passed away after a brief illness on December 10, 2023, in Birmingham, AL. Virginia, known as “Ginnie,” was born in Garden City, Alabama, on November 13, 1939, the second of four children of Edith LaVelle Helms Reid and Cannie Taft Reid. Ginnie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, John Elliot Higginbotham. Her brothers Franklin Taft Reid and Ronald Hudson Reid are also deceased. She is survived by her daughter Heather Higginbotham Ward, son-in-law John Logan Ward, Jr., and grandchildren Luther Finn Ward and Eliot Morrow Ward of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She is also survived by her brother John Roosevelt Reid and his wife Hilma of Saraland, Alabama; sister-in-law Martha Shaffer of Columbus, Ohio; brother-in-law Tommy Higginbotham and his wife Barbara of Florence, Alabama; and sister-in-law Mary Jean Ligon of Florence; plus many cherished nieces and nephews and their families: Naomi and Chris Curtis of Sacramento, California; Mary and Craig Curtis of Columbus, Ohio; Andrea and Michael Cardillo of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Candace Higginbotham of Birmingham; Whitney and Shawn Ligon of Birmingham; DeanNa and Thomas Higginbotham of Cocoa, Florida; Renée and Luke Reid of Aiken, South Carolina; Ronald Reid, Jr., of Hanceville, Alabama; Sharon and Mark Reid of Hanceville; Victoria and Chad Perry of Trussville, Alabama; Casey and Britt Reid of Watkinsville, Georgia; Justin Reid and Tyler Reid of Saraland, Alabama. After graduating Hanceville High School in 1957, Ginnie was awarded a scholarship to study journalism at Samford University in Birmingham. She later transferred to the University of North Alabama (then called Florence State College), where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education, English and art in 1962, and a Master of Arts degree in English and language arts teacher education in 1971. She met John during course registration at UNA, and they developed a bond as lab partners in zoology class. Ginnie and John were avid water skiers on Shoals Creek over the summer break, and they married during the Christmas holidays (December 18, 1960). After graduation from UNA, the couple moved to Birmingham, where Ginnie taught English at Berry High School and John attended Cumberland Law School. Following law school, Ginnie and John settled in Florence, where John practiced law for more than 50 years. Ginnie taught English and art at Central High School and at Bradshaw High School until the birth of their only child, Heather, in 1969. Ginnie was involved over the years in a variety of local organizations, including the ladies auxiliary of the Lauderdale County Bar Association, the Montessori School, Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, Florence Ballet Company, Kennedy-Douglas Arts Center, and Tennessee Valley Art Association. For decades, she was a competitive tennis player and member of many successful USTA teams in the area. From 1983-1995, Ginnie served as Northwest Alabama Regional Director of the American Heart Association, where she worked with scores of dedicated volunteers to raise funds for heart disease research and prevention. After her grandchildren were born, Ginnie returned to her love of oil painting, focusing on portraiture and plein air. She studied diligently under many teachers, including Billy Kirk from 2000-2009; attended workshops throughout the United States and in Italy with renowned artists such as Roger Dale Brown, Marc Hanson, Karen Hewitt Hagan, Hedi Moran, and Lori Putnam; and had recently enjoyed enrolling in figure drawing classes at UNA. Ginnie was a member of the Portrait Society of America. For several years, she was an invited artist to The Forgotten Coast en Plein Air event along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Ginnie exhibited her work in the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art’s annual membership show and other local venues. After John retired in 2016, he and Ginnie took great pleasure in their family and home on Shoals Creek, where they lived since 1968. They traveled frequently to visit art museums across the United States and to visit Heather and her family in Virginia and North Carolina. Ginnie moved to Birmingham in November 2023. A memorial service will be announced in the coming weeks. Those who wish to make a gift in Ginnie’s memory are encouraged to contribute to the American Heart Association or the University of North Alabama.

Myrna Frith Smitherman, age 78 of Lawley, Alabama passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on Friday, February 9, 2024. She was born April 11, 1945, in Alabama, son of late Trester Frith and the late Mae Frith. Mrs. Myrna was a loving mother and nanny. She loved to sit outside and wait for her boys to come home. She loved flowers and jewelry. Nanny loved her puppy Mae Mae. Mrs. Myrna was deeply loved, and will truly be missed. She has survived by her loving Husband, Jack Smitherman; Son, James Higginbotham (Jennifer); Sister, Rhonda Freeman; Grandchildren, Candis Pate (Adam), Jamie Higginbotham, Jacob Higginbotham; 6 Great-Grandchildren; and her Sweet Puppy, Mae Mae. She is proceeded in death by her Parents, Trester and Mae Frith; Son, Wesley Higginbotham; Sisters, Mary Frances Payne, Glenda Wallace; and her Sweet Puppy Hershey. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Medline Baptist Church in Lawley Alabama on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 1 PM. Interment will follow at Medline Baptist Cemetery. Please send flowers to Medline Baptist Church in Lawley, AL for the service on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 1PM. Martin Funeral Home directing.

Rodney James Higginbotham, born September 9, 1949, passed away on February 28, 2024 at his home in Cordova, AL. Memorial services will be Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Gary Key will officiate. He was preceded in death by his Parents-Charles J. and Mellardean Higginbotham; Brothers-Gregory, Steve and Jacky Higginbotham; Grandson-Lucas Higginbotham. He is survived by his Wife-Jennifer; Son-Rodney James Higginbotham, Jr. (Nikki); Daughters-Mandy Uptain (Jason), Aleyah and Akelah Higginbotham; Brother-Terry Higginbotham (Sandra); Sisters-Carolyn Dill, Deborah Stewart (Doug) and Lera Wood; Brothers-in-law-Joe Mosley, Jason Mosley (Tawanda) and Jermain Mosley; Mother-in-law-Joann Butler; 8 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren; Special Friends-Darrie Mosley, Neil Akins, Jr. and Jimmy Goodwin.


HIGGINBOTHAM, TERRY DEAN, passed away on May 14, 2008 at his home in Palm Bay Florida. He is survived by his mother, Joan Minatra of Birmingham Alabama; his grandfather, Mr. JW Higginbotham of Empire Alabama; one brother, Jim E. Higginbotham; one sister, Kandace Minatra, two nieces, Azaline Gunn and Sophia Woods; one very special aunt, Helen Hammond of Leeds Alabama; along with several faithful and loving cousins who demonstrated love without condition during some very difficult times. Terry will be remembered for his charm, quick wit and determination in the face of adversity. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 16th from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at Johns Ridouts funeral home, Southside Chapel on University Blvd and there will be a graveside service at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 17th at the Pleasant Hill Church of Christ Cemetery in the Corner community of Warrior, Alabama. The service will be officiated by Reverend Malcolm Marler . The family requests that any memorials in his honor be made to the 1917 Clinic at UAB or The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The Birmingham News 07/06/2008 Sara Elizabeth Smith Higginbotham (1923-2008) AL
HIGGINBOTHAM, SARA ELIZABETH, age 84, of Hoover, a truly wonderful lady, passed away July 2, 2008. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Nobie Smith of Atlanta, GA and a brother, Billy Smith of Birmingham. Sara is survived by her son, Paul Hollis and wife Alice; her daughter, Janet Sandlin and husband Terry; a brother, Richard Smith and late wife Joyce of Atlanta; a granddaughter, Olivia Hollis; a step-grandson, Kyle Sandlin and wife Audrey; one step-great-granddaughter, Natalie Sandlin; and many nieces and nephews. Sara was a well known home builder in Birmingham in the early 70's, and owned S & H Homebuilders and S & H Cabinet Works, Inc. in Pelham of which the cabinet shop is still in operation today with co-owner James Smith. Sara's knack for decorating and design prompted her to open The Gift Bag in Pelham, which she owned and operated for 29 years before its closing last year. Sara was a member of Shades Mountain Church of Christ for over 50 years. Sara will be greatly remembered as a hard worker, her kind heart, unsurpassed generosity to others and of course, her flare for fashion. Anyone who didn't know or meet her missed knowing a truly great and beautiful lady. She will be deeply missed forever by her family, loved ones, friends, employees and regular customers of The Gift Bag and S & H Cabinet Works - all of which are thankful that she was part of our lives. Visitation will be held at Elmwood Chapel on Monday, July 7 from 5 to 7 PM. Services will be held Tuesday, July 8 at Elmwood Chapel at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. Ridout's Elmwood Chapel, 205-251-7227, directing.