Arkansas Obituaries

Seaborn Higginbotham died November 4, 1883, an old resident of Georgia Ridge in Tate county, Mississippi and well known in the area.

FORT SMITH, Ark., Sept. 12 - Cora Higginbotham, 12 years old, of Hartford, Ark., yesterday was overcome by heat and died. Temperatures in Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma ranged from 95 to 100 degrees.

Former Tazewell Man Dies At Arkansas Home George Higginbotham Once Owned Fine Farm Near Liberty Hill, Where He Kept "Open House"—Is Survived By Large Family

The following article from the Arkansas Gazette, announces the death at Bentonville, Arkansas, of George W. Higginbotham, a native of Tazewell County and for years one of the most highly esteemed citizens of the entire county. "Bentonville, April 10—George W. Higginbotham, aged 76, died at his home south of Bentonville Saturday. He was a native of Virginia, and had lived here 16 years. He served in Company A, Forty-fifth Regiment, Virginia Infantry in the Confederate Army. He is survived by his wife and ten children, Dr. W. M., and Joe of Bentonville; Section, of Rogers, Hunter, a member of the U. S. Marine band now at Bremerton, Wash.; Mrs. Ed Engstrom, of Little Rock; Mrs. M. L. Voyles, of Bentonville; Mrs. C. L. Denny, Mrs. J. L. Cockrell, Mrs. Arthur Fullerton and Mrs. Sam Halleck." There are many people in this county who will be sorry to know that their old friend and acquaintance has passed away. For many years he lived on a comfortable estate at Liberty Hill, in the western section of the county, the same on which he was born and reared. His father, Joseph Higginbotham, before him, lived at Liberty Hill. George Higginbotham and his wife, who was a Miss Sexton, of Smythe county, reared a family of ten children, moving to Arkansas about 25 years ago, where his widow and several children still live. Few families ever left Tazewell that were more sadly missed. The home was open day and night to all comers, and the humblest citizen found a friend in this hospitable family whenever in need or distress. The family was the mainstay, alongside the family of John C. Bundy, a neighbor, of the little Baptist church in the neighborhood, of which they were all zealous members. Deceased had seven sisters and three brothers, all of whom have passed away. He was the last of his father’s family. He was in the 80th year of his age. The only particulars of his death are given in a letter to Mr. Jeff Ward, of this town, who kindly gives it to this paper for publication. The letter follows: Dear Jeff: Mother requested that I write you of the death of our dear father, which occurred at noon last Saturday, April 7. We are broken of heart, while he, ripened in years, and fully prepared, passed on to enjoy the life Abundant. He had realized that his time here was growing short, though he was able to walk about the place and went to the table the evening before. Next morning he didn’t feel like getting up, tho ate a little, but about 9 o’clock had a hard chill and became unconscious and never rallied. Went as though falling asleep. Father adored gray, so, dressed in gray, he was buried in a gray casket. He looked so peaceful and as tho’ not dead. Father hadn’t had a care for years. His boys treated him and mother like children in their care for them. Mother has improved some in health this winter. She will miss him sorely. Her grief makes it doubly hard for us." M. L. Voyles.

H.G. Higinbotham, years ago one of Clay county's most prominent business man, engaged principally in the banking business, died Thursday at Pine Bluff, Ark., which place has been his home since removing from Clay Center.

The funeral was held here Sunday afternoon from the home of H.H. Starkweather, under the aupices of the Knights Templar. Rev. S.A. Siewert preached the sermon, and Rev. W. Harley Smith assisted with prayer.

Mrs. J.A. Hanna, Miss Duden, Alfred Humfeld and Sumner Vincent sang several selections, and, following the services at the house, interment took place in Greenwood cemetery.

Horace G. Higinbotham was born in Connorsville, Ind., December 18, 1853, and came to Clay Center, Kan., in 1872. A brief funeral service was held at the First Presbyterian church at Pine Bluff, where the deceased was an elder, conducted by his pastor, Rev. Excell Fry, and member of the Damascus commandery were escorts of honor.

Mr. Higinbotham was active in civic, Masonic and church circles. In 1874, when but 21 years of age, he was made an elder in the Presbyterian church at Clay Center. He served as Sabbath school superintendent for ten years, assisted the choir in its work and led the Sabbath school music with his coronet.

He moved to Arkansas in 1890 and remained there until the time of his death. A memorial service is to be held in his honor at the First Presbyterian church of Pine Bluff upon upon the return of the family to their home. Mr. Higinbotham received many hours from the various orders to which he belonged.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Lillian Starkweather Higinbotham, and son, Dr. Charles J. Higinbotham, a brother, John, of Boise, Idaho, and two sisters, Mrs. Leonice Wells of Los Angeles, Cal., and Mrs. Selden G. Spencer of Kansas City, Mo.

MORTUARY RUFUS HIGGINBOTHAM
The funeral of Rufus Higginbotham, aged 84, who died last night at 7 o'clock at the family home 1516 County avenue, was held this afternoon at 2:30 from the home of Mr. J.H. Davis, 1222 Pecan Street, Rev. O.J.Wade, pastor of the Beech St. Baptist church conducted the services after which the remains were interred in the Sylverino cemetery. Deceased had lived in Miller county 52 years and is survived by one daughter, Mrs. J.H. Davis, and two sons R.F. and S.L. Higginbotham, all of Texarkana.

HIGGINBOTHAM FUNERAL TO BE HELD THIS AFTERNOON
22 September 1923

Death of Rufus Higginbotham, 47 years old, occurred yesterday at 1:30 o'clock at the family home 1307 Pecan street. Mr. Higginbotham is survived by his wife and mother, Mrs. Rufus Higginbotham, Sr. He is also survived by two sons, Earl and Milton, one brother, F.L.[S.L.], of this city and one sister, Mrs. Jim Davis of this city.

Mr. Higginbotham was born and reared in Texarkana. Funeral services will be held this afternoon at the family home, conducted by Rev. O.J. Wade, pastor of the Beech Street Baptist church, at 4 o'clock this afternoon. Interment will be made in Woodlawn cemetery. Following are pallbearers, ___ Winham, Henry Moore, Jr., C.E. Turner, O.L. Johnson, Earl Parsons, T.V. Owens, D.V. Patterson, John Vanlandingham.

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 9 - A board of inquest sat at the navy year today to determine whether Private George H. Higginbotham of the Marine Corps, whose home was in Rogers, Ark., came to his death accidentally or otherwise. He was on guard duty yesterday outside the court martial room of the marine barracks when a pistol shot interrupted the proceedings of the court. Opening the door, officers found the private lying face downward with a pistol at his side. Higginbotham, officers said, had a fine record in the corps.

Mr. Wilson Higginbotham, aged 46 years, 9 months and 10 days, died at his home in Pine Bluff, Ark., early Thursday morning, death being due to paralysis.

Mr. Higginbotham was a native of Morehouse Parish having been born n the Seventh Ward and his early childhood was spent there. In early manhood he removed to Arkansas and became town Marshall at Crossett in which capacity he served for a number of years. Later he was special policeman for the Missouri Pacific railway and held other positions of similar nature. Several years ago, he was appointed a policeman on the Pine Bluff force and was regarded as one of the most efficient men in the service. Some months ago, he suffered a slight stroke of paralysis and later was stricken again and was forced to give up his active duties as a policeman. Thursday's stroke was fatal.

Funeral services were held from his late residence in Pine Bluff Saturday by the pastor of the Pine Bluff Methodist Church of which he was a member and burial followed in Bellewood Cemetery there with the Order of Eagles of which he belonged, in charge.

He is survived by his wife, one son, J. W. and one daughter, Bessie May of Pine Bluff. Also one sister, Mrs. T. E. Hudson of Gallion and two brothers, James Higginbotham of this city and W. H. Higginbotham of Mer Rouge survive. Mrs. Mary Higginbotham, who died a few months ago at Gallion, was the decease's mother.

TEXARKANA, Ark., May 31 - (AP)-Earl Higginbotham, 19, was placed in jail here Wednesday night charged with the murder of his 15-year-old bride Frances Shipp Higginbotham, who was drowned in a creek near Redwater, Tex., Tuesday night.

Higginbotham reported to officers that he and his wife had gone swimming in the creek near his father’s home and that cramps prevented his going to his wife’s aid when she got into deep water.

The girl's face bore a bruise which physician’s said was made before she was drowned.

Word has been received here by Lewis Shutt of the death of his sister, Delia Higginbotham, at Eureka Springs, Ark., Sunday morning. Surviving are the husband, Sam; one son, Herbert; five daughters, Mrs. Mattie Kennedy of Denver, Col., Mrs. Gertrude David and Mrs. Ethel White of Eureka Springs, Ark., and Thelma and Bessie at home; one sister, Mrs. Bess Smith of Detroit, Mich.; four brothers, Lewis, Charles and James of this city, and Elza of Mundel, and 11 grandchildren. Mrs. Higginbotham was formerly a resident of Terre Haute. Burial will be made in Arkansas.

Mrs. Belle Going, aged 39 years, died at her home near Sharum Thursday night after a week's illness of pneumonia. Funeral services were held at Skaggs Christian church Friday afternoon at 3:30. Interment was made in the Masonic cemetery, Pocahontas. She is survived by four children, Katherine Campbell, Worthy Campbell Jr., Vesta Lou Going and Homer Lee Going; two sisters, Mrs. Charlie Holmes and Mrs. Carl Higginbotham, and a brother, Lee Higginbotham.

Funeral services for Mrs. Sallie T. Higginbotham, aged 87 years, eight months and 26 days, widow of the late George W. Higginbotham, who died unexpectedly about 6:30 o'clock p.m., Friday, Dec. 17th, 1935, at her home three miles south of Bentonville, were held at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon at the Bentonville Baptist Church, of which she had been a long member, conducted by the pastor, the Rev. LeRoy C. Tedford. Two hymns were sung by the church choir, and a solo, "I Shall See The Light of Home", by Mrs. J. H. Morgan, with Mrs. F. E. Rogers as accompanist. Burial was in the family lot at the Oakley Chapel cemetery, southeast of Bentonville, and the pallbearers were Beverly Rakes, Will Rakes, Jim Rakes, Frank Rakes, James Drummond and Lee Smith. Funeral arrangements were in charge of the Burns Funeral Home of Bentonville. A daughter of Joseph and Myria McDonald Sexton, members of pioneer Virginia families, Mrs. Higginbotham was born April 7th, 1848, at Chatham Hill, Virginia. She was married at Chatham Hill on May 13th, 1868, to George W. Higginbotham and they lived in Tazewell County, Va. until moving in 1892 to Harper, Kansas. In 1901 they and their children came to Northwest Arkansas, locating here in Benton County on the same farm near Bentonville where Mrs. Higginbotham passed away, and where her husband died in April 1917. Mrs. Higginbotham had been identified with the Baptist Church since girlhood and active in church work until advancing years and declining health would no longer permit. She was a woman of genuinely gentle breeding and loved by all who knew her well. She is survived by three sons, Dr. M. W. Higginbotham and Joe B. Higginbotham of near Bentonville, with whom she lived and Sexton Higginbotham of Kansas City, Mo., and by six daughters, Mrs. M. L. Voyles and Mrs. Ed Engstrom of Little Rock, Mrs. C. L. Denny, Colo., Mrs. J. L. Cockrell, Fort Wayne, Ind., Mrs. A. W. Fullerton, Neosho, Mo. and Mrs. S. W. Hallock, Springfield, Colo. She is also survived by a number of grandchildren and by one brother. Among her children and other relatives and friends coming here on account of her death were Rev. and Mrs. M. L. Voyles, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Engstrom, Miss Mary Voyles, and John Walters, all of Little Rock; Mrs. A. W. Fullerton of Neosho, Mo., and Mr. and Mrs. Sexton Higginbotham and children of Kansas City. Due to distance and weather conditions the three daughters living in Indiana and Colorado were unable to be here.

LITTLE ROCK - (AP) - James Curtis Higginbotham, 34, of Jonesboro, attorney and brother of State Senator Gene Higginbotham of Hardy, died suddenly Thursday at Hotel Marion of a heart attack.

Carson Higginbotham, 39-year-old Ravenden, Ark., undertaker and brother of State Senator Gene Higginbotham, of Hardy, Ark., died Sunday in a Jonesboro hospital from wounds suffered in a shooting at Ravenden last Monday. Marvin Clements, 50, former rural mail carrier received a foot wound in the altercation and is in a Memphis hospital.

The shooting is said to have been the result of a personal argument and also involved John Hannie, 35, Higginbotham's brother-in-law, who is held for the wounding of Clements.

Pine Bluff Commercial 12/01/1945
Martha Jane Higginbotham Ratliff (1861-1945) GA/AR

Funeral Services for Mrs. Martha Jane Ratliff, age 86, widow of the late Ben F. Ratliff of Rison, Arkansas, who died Thursday morning, at 2:30 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. M. D. Camp, of DeWitt, were held Friday at 2:30 pm at Mt. Zion Baptist Church near Rison, burial in the family lot by the Buie Funeral Home of Rison in charge.
She was born in Rome, Georgia in 1859, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Higginbotham, pioneer residents of Georgia, coming to Arkansas when a small child.
She made her home in Cleveland County the remainder of her life.
Mrs. Ratliff was an active member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church until her ill health detained her.
Survivors are four daughters, Mrs. Maudie Beard of Long Beach, California, Mrs. M. D. Camp of DeWitt, Arkansas, Mrs. Carrie Ross of Tacoma, Washington, and Mrs. Gertrude Williams of Rison; six sons, B. B. Ratliff of Watson Chapel, Rev. J. E. Ratliff of El Paso, Texas, J. R. Ratliff, W. R. Ratliff, and J. L. Ratliff, all of Pine Bluff, one sister, Mrs. Delia England of Parr, Texas, sixty-three grand-children, one hundred great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

Services for Loys Blane Higginbotham of Joiner, will be held today at 2:30 at the First Methodist Church their with the Rev. Sanford in charge. Burial will be at the Bassett Cemetery. He was born in Mississippi and died October 8 at 9:30 p.m. at his home in Joiner. He has been an active citizen there, and is a prominent farmer of this district. He leaves his widow, Mrs. Helen Higginbotham, a son, Jack, and two sisters, Mrs. C. B. Webb of Joiner, and Mrs. L. F. Etter Jr., of Bassett. Active pallbearers will be John Wilson, Wallace Miller, Joe Terror, Herbert Seymour, all of Joiner, John Keller of Memphis, and R. L. Brownlee of Bassett. Swift Funeral Home will be in charge of the services.

Bentonville, Ark., May 2O.-Mrs. Sue Higginbotham Engstrom, wife of J. Ed Engstrom of Little Rock, a deputy of the Pulaski county circuit clerk and former Pulaski county treasurer, died unexpectedly at Little Rock Wednesday. Born in Tazewell county, Virginia, she moved with her parents to Benton county and resided about three miles south of Bentonville until her marriage in 1908.

She is survived by her husband, two sons, George Edwin Engstrom of Taos, N. M. and Joe Sexton Engstrom of Fresno, Calif., a daughter, Mrs. Norman Kavanaugh of El Dorado, four sisters, Mrs. Arthur Fullerton of Neosho, Mo., Mrs. William Arbuthnot of Springfield, Colo., Mrs. John Cokrell of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Mrs. C. L. Denney of Melton, Wash., two brothers, M. W. Higginbotham of Bentonville and O. S. Higginbotham of Kansas City, Mo. She was a sister of the late Mr. M. L. Voyles, wife of a widely known Baptist minister and former pastor here.

Mrs. Minnie Rhodes, mother of Earl Rhodes of 105 Commerce St., was burned to death in a fire at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Grace Callicott, in Caney community, near Prescott, Ark., Wednesday morning, February 27.

Mrs. Rhodes, who was 63 years old, had often visited in Bastrop at the home of her son and had many friends here who regret her untimely death.

The family of Mrs. Callicott was awakened sometime between 12 and one o'clock early in the morning of Feb. 27 by smoke billowing through the home. All occupants of the home managed to get out safely but Mrs. Rhodes jerked loose from her daughter, who was holding her, and ran back into the burning home.

Attempts to rescue her were futile and she perished in the flames. She made no outcry after going back into the house and it is thought she passed away from a heart attack, or suffocation, before the flames struck her.

Mrs. Rhodes was born near Prescott, Ark., Feb. 8, 1889. She married the late Ben Rhodes and to this union 13 children were born, nine of whom survive.

She is survived by four sons, Earl, Bastrop, Bob, Lubbock, Tex., Denver of Dallas; and Bill Rhodes of Kevil, Kentucky; five daughters, Mrs. Grace Callicott and Mrs. Pearl Glass, both of Prescott, Ark., Mrs. Sue Baker and Mrs. Martha Purifoy, both of Dallas; her father, Mr. J. C. Higginbotham; and a brother, J. C. Higginbotham, both of Prescott; and one sister, Mrs. Ethel Ottwell, Texarkana, Texas. There are also 23 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at the Morris Baptist Church near Prescott on Feb. 28 at 10:00 a.m. Rev. W. E. Thomason of Prescott conducted the services assisted Rev. Harold Holland of Bastrop. Interment was in the Friendship church near Prescott.

James Roscoe Higginbottom, 58, a retired farmer of Tuckerman, died of a heart attack at his home about 2 o'clock Monday morning.A native of Strawberry, Lawrence county, he had spent most of his life in the Tuckerman area.

Survivors include four sons, Bob and William Higginbottom of Tuckerman, Bruce Higginbottom of Newport and Jewell Higginbottom of Little Rock; three daughters, Mrs. Morgan Fowler and Mrs. Theron McManus of Little Rock, and Mrs. Bob Bevans of California, and a number of grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today (Thursday) at the Assembly of God Church here by Rev. Lehman Rorex of Trumann. Burial will be in Battle Axe cemetery by Dillinger Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be John Milligan, A. M. Matheney, Clarence Fortenberry, Bunk Koller, Jim Moorehead, Pawnee Halliburton and Frank Greenhaw.

Services for Sandra Darlene Higginbotham, one-month-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Higginbotham of Chicago, formerly of Blytheville, will be conducted tomorrow in Cobb Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. Bob Petrovich. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery. The child died Sunday in Chicago, where her parents had moved recently. Other survivors include a brother, David.

LEACHVILLE - Services for Henry Lee Higginbotham, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Higginbotham of Leachville were conducted at Leachville Cemetery yesterday morning by J. S. Jones, pastor of Church of China.

FORMER OFFICER SUCCUMBS SUDDENLY TO HEART ATTACK

Francis Milton Higginbotham, life-long resident of Miller County and a veteran law enforcement officer, died about 5:30 p.m. Saturday in a local hospital after suffering a heart attack. He was 47. Mr. Higginbotham was a former member of the Arkansas city police department and the Miller County Sheriff's department. He was chief of guards at Red River Arsenal for six years and also served in the same capacity at Day and Zimmermann for several years. He was an investigator for the Arkansas State Revenue Department until about one year ago when he accepted a position with the 999 Service Station at 7th and State Line Ave. He was at the station Saturday when he became ill and was taken by an East Funeral Home ambulance to the hospital where he died shortly afterward. Mr. Higginbotham was a graduate of Arkansas High School and a member of the Fairview Methodist Church. He resided at 401 Bell Ave.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby Higginbotham; a son, Gary Higginbotham; one brother, Earl Higginbotham, all of Texarkana; a nephew Rufus Earl Higginbotham of Stigler, Okla.; and one niece, Mrs. Charlie Starks, Jr., of Texarkana. The body will remain at the East Funeral Home pending the completion of funeral arrangements.

Camden, Ark., May 1 - Mrs. W. G. Shaddock. resident of this area for about 40 years, died in a local hospital Tuesday following a long illness. She was 73.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Proctors Chapel with the Rev. Francis A. Buddin and the Rev. W.M. Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

She is survived by her husband, two sons, James Shaddock of Tulsa, Okla., and Thomas Shaddock of Camden; four daughters, Mrs. William Baker of Dallas, Mrs. Harvey Adams of Lynchburg, Va., Mrs. T.D. Lites of Camden, Mrs. Dorothy S. Walker of Pine Bluff; one brother, Guy Higginbotham of Buna, Tex.; one sisters, Mrs. Ebbie Gammill of Silsbee, Tex.; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Aubrey Hickenbottom, son of Emanuel and Ora Lee Rowlett Hickenbottom, was born July 23, 1901, in Boone County, Arkansas where he lived his entire life.

Engaged in the automotive and farm equipment business, Mr. Hickenbottom was also very active in Republican politics in Boone County as well as in the state of Arkansas. Very popular throughout the county, he served five consecutive two-years terms as County Judge of Boone County. Energetic and tireless, he devoted his time to the public trust placed in him. A man of vision, he foresaw the need for a fine county hospital and worked until it was a reality. It was Judge Hickenbottom who gave his dynamic energy to the dream of a rest home for Boone county and it was his leadership which made it a reality. Few men, indeed, leave so great a living monument to their memory.

Aubrey Hickenbottom was notable as a friendly man. He was unselfish almost to a fault, and there are few people who cannot remember some kind act done for them or their families. If he had enemies, they were of his own choosing, for he was a man whom everybody liked.

His untimely death occurred on the night of October 31, 1957. He is survived by his wife, Bernice; one son, Robert Lee; one daughter, Ima Jean Stapleton; his father, Emmanuel Hickenbottom; a brother, Ronald; a half-sister, Mrs. Mae Masterson, and two half-brothers, Bill and Kenneth Hickenbottom. There are four grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 4, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church by Rev. John Carter of Marionville, Mo. and Rev. Bill Cook. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery. Active pallbearers were: Joe Miller, James Cecil, Claude Alexander, Ted Bradley, Paul Middleton, and Sterlin Hurley. Honorary pallbearers included each and everyone of his many friends.

TAHLEQUAH (AP) - James Higginbotham, 15-year-old Fort Smith, Ark., boy drowned late yesterday in the Illinois River east of Tahlequah where he was swimming with five other teenagers.

Officers said Higginbotham never came up after diving into the river from the Standing Rock Bridge on State Highway 82. His body was recovered.

Thomas E. Higginbotham, 2703 Moffet Avenue, died at 10 o'clock this morning in the veteran's hospital at Fayetteville, Ark.

A native of Golden City, Mr. Higginbotham formerly resided at Carthage. Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Mary A. Higginbotham; two brothers, Joe Higginbotham, 305 Meridian Street, Carthage, and Earl Higginbotham of Watsonville, Calif., and two sisters, Mrs. Beulah Bailey, 305 Meridian Street, Carthage, and Mrs. Esther Beck of Worcester, Mass.

Morris (Long John) Higginbotham, 48, died yesterday morning at a local hospital. He has been a resident of this city for the past eight-and-a-half years, born Sept. 23, 1914 in Echman, W. Va., the son of J. M. and Mae Higginbotham. He was a body repairman and painter.

Survivors include the widow, Flora and a daughter, Janice, both of the home; his mother, Mrs. Mae Higginbotham, Charleston, W. Va.; two brothers, Ellis, Mabscott, W. Va., and Kenneth, Finley, Ohio; two sisters, Mrs. Pauline Headrick, Beckley, W. Va., and Mrs. Cecilia Mae McKinney, also of Charleston.

Services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at Moore's Chapel. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.

Higginbotham, Everett Owen, was born at Sparks, Okla., Aug. 4, 1908; died of cancer at Leavenworth, Wash., Nov. 9, 1964; aged 56 y. 3 m. 5 d. He grew up at Culp, Ark., where on June 17, 1929, he married Zella Cox, who survives. He became a member of the Bethel Springs Church, Culp, Ark., in May, 1947. Also surviving are 4 sons and 4 daughters (Owen, Daniel, Leon, Paul, Mrs. Doris Schumann, Mrs. Herman Krehbiel, and Carolyn; one name omitted), one brother (Russell Poole), one sister (Ada Bartow), and 16 grandchildren. While living in Oregon, since 1952, he became a member of the Sheridan Church. The last few months of his illness he spent at Leavenworth, Wash., with his wife, at the home of their son, Owen and family. Funeral services were held at the Betts Funeral Home; interment in Mountain View Cemetery, Leavenworth, Wash.

HIGGINBOTHAM, Thomas J. Returned to Weatherford, Texas for service and interment.

Ella Rose Ingram Higginbotham (1873-1967), 94, Hamburg, Sept. 7 (no obit, pg. 1)

Rush A. Higginbotham of Route 1, Touchet, died at his home Tuesday morning at age 73 after a short illness. Higginbotham was born in Hamburg, Ark., on Oct. 5, 1893. He and Lois M. Hardy were married in Hamburg on Feb. 2, 1919, and they moved to Missouri two years later. In 1924, the family traveled west and settled in Hedges, Wash. Higginbotham was section foreman for the OWR & N railway and Union Pacific for 35 years before retirement in 1958. The family moved to Walla Walla at that time and Higginbotham worked at the Peoples Market with his son. He retired from that job and moved to Gardena in 1966. The Higginbotham's celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary Feb. 2. Higginbotham had recently been busy remodeling their home, gardening, fishing and traveling Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Lois M. Higginbotham at the home; two daughters, Mrs. Elmer (June) Slater and Mrs. Elmer (Grace) Bald, both of Touchet; two sons, Rush W. Higginbotham and Harral C. Higginbotham, both of Walla Walla; his mother, Mrs. Ella Rose Higginbotham of Hamburg, Ark.; two sisters, Mrs. Nellie Patterson of Shreveport, La., and Mrs. Willie Lee Etheredge of Hamburg, Ark.; two brothers, Leroy Higginbotham of Hamburg, Ark., and Garvin Higginbotham of Eureka, Wash.; 10 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Higginbotham was a member of Touchet Community Congregational Church; Walla Walla Lodge No. 7, F & AM; Alki Chapter No. 25, Eastern Star Touchet Grange No. 251, and the Union Pacific Old Timers Club. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Marshall-Herring Chapel with Chaplain Lawrence Cousins officiating. Ritualistic services will be by Walla Walla Lodge No 7, F & AM. Interment will be in the Touchet Cemetery.

He was a member of the Osceola High football team, a member of the First Baptist Church and would have been a junior in September.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Billy Higginbotham; two sisters, Connie Jo Higginbotham and Patricia Ann Higginbotham, both of Osceola.

Services will be tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. in Swift Colonial Chapel, Rev. H. G. Jacobs officiating with burial in Mississippi County Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Perry Poyner, Donnie Whitney, Corky McCorkly, David McDaniel, Grover Bowers, Jerry Childers, Dennis Curtwright and Tommy Hendricks.

Raymond Higinbotham, 70, of Fayetteville, died Thursday in a Huntsville rest home. Born June 13, 1900 at Hopewell, Ohio, the son of William and Elizabeth Higinbothom, he was a retired employee of the University of Arkansas.

Survivors are one brother, Hilbert of Farmington and three sisters, Mrs. Olive Francis of Gratiot, Ohio, Mrs. Margaret Crist of Newark, Ohio and Mrs. Marjorie Chandler of Dresdin, Ohio.

Funeral and burial will be in Zanesville, Ohio with local arrangements by Moore's Chapel.

Noel C. Higginbotham of Edwardsville, Ill., 39-year-old son of Walter and Ruth Higginbotham of Warm Springs, was killed Friday night in a car wreck in Edwardsville. A car which Higginbotham's car was meeting is said to have crossed the centerline on a curve at a high rate of speed and hit Higginbotham head-on. Both cars were demolished. The two occupants of the other car are in critical condition in a Granite City, Mo., hospital. Born Oct. 7, 1931, he was an employee of General Motors. In addition to his parents, he is survived by 3 brothers, Paul Higginbotham of Edwardsville, James Higginbotham of Rt. 5; Pocahontas, and Boyd Higginbotham of Bernie, Mo.; 1 sister, Mrs. Doris Martin of Dallas, Tex. Funeral services were held at 10 a. m., Tuesday in the Chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with Grant Robinson officiating. Interment followed in Randolph Memorial Gardens under direction of McNabbs.

James Cone Higginbotham Jr. (1900-1971) AR 70, Hamburg, Feb. 11 (no obit, pg. 1)

Crossett, Ark. - Funeral services were at 10 a.m. today in the chapel of Jones Funeral Home here for former Monroe resident, Mrs. Rose Higginbotham, 83, of Crossett.

Survivors include on son, Phillip Higginbotham of Crossett; a daughter, Mrs. Theo Edney of Greenwood, Miss.; two grandsons and several great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Mary B. Yancey, 96, widow of John Rufus Yancey, died Saturday at her home here. She had been a resident of Arkansas since she was seven years old. She was a member of the Methodist church.

Survivors include a son, Vernon Yancey of Hope; four daughters, Mrs. Anne Medlock and Mrs. J. W. Hooten, both of Hope; Mrs. Cora Wharton and Mrs. Zillah Irby, both of Louisiana.

Services 3 p.m. Monday at Herndon Funeral Chapel by the Rev. Norris Steele. Burial in Memory Gardens by Herndon Funeral Home.

Rogers - Raymond F. Higginbotham, 68, of Rogers, died Wednesday in the Rogers hospital. Born Sept. 28, 1904 in Lima, Ohio, he was a retired assistant division superintendent for an oil company and a veteran of World War II.

Survivors are the widow, Mrs. Helen Higginbotham and one brother, Robert E. of Tulsa.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Callison Funeral Chapel with burial in Fayetteville National Cemetery.

Mrs. Ruth Higginbotham, 62 of Rt. 5, Pocahontas, passed away Saturday in Randolph County Hospital. She was born May 27, 1913 in Lilburn, Mo., daughter of the late Henry and Annie Burns Williams. She is survived by her husband, Walter Thurman Higginbotham of the home; 3 sons Boyd and James Higginbotham, both of Rt. 5, Pocahontas and Paul Higginbotham of Pocahontas; a daughter, Mrs. Doris Martin of Houston, Tex., and a sister, Mrs. Mary Davidson of Leachville; 7 grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday in the Chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with Rev. Grant Robertson officiating. Burial followed in Randolph Memorial Gardens with McNabb's in charge.

Mrs. Pansy Alvadean Higginbotham, 65 of Ravenden Springs, passed away in Randolph Home, Saturday. She was born Sept. 19, 1913 in Missouri, a daughter of the late Howard and Pearl Speer Evans. A widow of Gene Higginbotham, she was a former postmistress at Ravenden Springs. She is survived by two sons, James E. Mooney of Ravenden Springs and Milton J. Mooney of Enid, Okla.; two brothers, Charles E. Evans of Memphis and Lyman Evans of Columbus, Ga.; two sisters, Mrs. Flossie Green of Torrence, Calif., and Mrs., Gerrilean Wagner of Oran, Mo.; three grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday in the Chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with Neil Inness officiating. Burial followed in Yadkin Cemetery with McNabbs in charge. Pallbearers were E. O. Fultner, Jim Andrews, Frankie Wells, G. W. Butler. Voye Cook and Ferrel James.

William Garvin Higginbotham (1890-1979) AR/WA, 88, Walla Walla, Washington (Hamburg), Jan. 11

Walter Thurman Higginbotham, 81 of 1217 Pyburn St., Pocahontas, passed away in Randolph County Medical Center last Thursday. He was born Feb. 17, 1899 in Sharp County, a son of the late John and Rebecca Huckabee Higginbotham. His wife, Mrs. Ruth Williams Higginbotham preceded him in death. Survivors include three sons, Boyd and James Higginbotham of Pocahontas, and Paul Higginbotham of Jonesboro; a daughter, Mrs. Doris Martin of Bloomington, Tex.; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., Sunday in the Chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with Rev. C.C. Hodges officiating. Burial followed in Randolph Memorial Gardens with McNabbs in charge. Pallbearers were Marty Hueter, Merle Loflin, Tom Wynne, Darrell Higginbotham, Art Williamson and Bill Rapert.

Almous J. Higginbotham, 67, of Pocahontas, died Saturday morning at Randolph County Medical Center. A native of Ravenden Springs, he was a lifetime resident of Randolph County and had managed Bill's Dollar Store in Pocahontas at one time, had also been a farmer. He was a veteran of World War II, a member of the Assembly of God Church in Pocahontas and a member of the American Legion. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Wilma Jones Higginbotham of the home; one daughter, Mrs. Sharon K. Higginbotham Smith of Osceola; one brother, Henry R. Higginbotham of Pocahontas; one sister, Mrs. Willie Hamlin of Peach Orchard; a half-brother, Lavern Higginbotham of Michigan and two grandchildren. Funeral services were at 2 Monday afternoon at the Assembly of God Church in Pocahontas, with C. S. Howell officiating. Burial followed in Randolph Memorial Gardens with Higginbotham Funeral Service of Walnut Ridge in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services for Mrs. Bernice Gay Higginbotham, 48, of Killeen, will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Chapel with Chaplain Edwin Vanderland officiating.

She had lived in Killeen for 25 years. Mrs. Higginbotham worked with the Fort Hood Are Board of Realtors and was associated with Barr Real Estate Co. of Killeen.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph C. "Pete" Higginbotham of Killeen; a son, Ralph C. "Carl" Higginbotham of Killeen; four daughters, Mrs. David (Deborah Gay) Barr of Killeen, Mrs. Shawn (Karen Ann) Bowkin of Killeen, Mrs. Timothy (Sonia Dee) VanBibber of Rosharon, and Leslie Lyn Higginbotham of Killeen; and five grandchildren.

Clarence V. Higginbotham, 79, of Little Rock, Ark., formerly of Moline, died Thursday at leisure Lodge Nursing Home, Little Rock.

Dorene Higginbotham Sherrill (1917-1984) AR/GA, 67, Helena, GA (Hamburg), Dec. 12

Thomas Isaac Higginbotham, 69 of Rt. 3, Pocahontas, passed away in Delta Nursing Home, England, Ark., Tuesday, Sept. 30, 1986. He was born Feb. 24, 1917 in Randolph County, a son of the late Owen V. and Exie Myrtle Warner Higginbotham. Survivors include two sons, John R. Higginbotham of N. Little Rock and Truman Higginbotham of Hermaston, Okla. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m., last Thursday in the Chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with Bennie Gates officiating. Burial followed Thomas Cemetery with McNabbs in charge. Pallbearers were Clarence, Hershel and Jay Walker, Adolph Warner, John Sanders and Dewrell Potter.

Nellie Higginbotham Patterson (1898-1988) AR/LA, 89, Shreveport (Hamburg), Feb. 10

Mrs. Elva Lowina Higginbotham, 76, of 917 Redbud, Pocahontas, died at Randolph County Medical Center Saturday, April 13, 1991. She was born June 24, 1914, at Manson, a daughter of the late Julian and Mintie Riddle Anderson. She is survived by her husband, Henry Higginbotham of the home; a son, Billie Higginbotham of Osceola; two grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Funeral services were held Monday morning in the Chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with Ben Williams officiating. Burial followed in Randolph Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Tommy and Robby Smith, Joe Wallace, Junior and Phil Hamlin and Willis Hayes.

Spencer Leon Higginbotham, 69, died Sept. 14, 1992 at the Newport Hospital. Funeral services were conducted Sept. 17 at the Thompson-Wilson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Harrel Cato of Rosebud and Rev. Ladell Bailey of Searcy officiating. Interment was in the Augusta Memorial Park Cemetery. He is survived by two sons, Tom Higginbotham of McCrory and David Higginbotham of Augusta; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Leroy Higginbotham, Jr. age 72, of 4711 Westgarden, Alexandria, Louisiana, died December 28, 1994 at Rapides Regional Medical Center. He was born November 14, 1922, in Hamburg, Arkansas, the son of Leroy and Irene Worley Higginbotham who preceded him in death. He has been a resident of Alexandria 27 years. A graduate of Hamburg High School, [he] attended Arkansas A&M College, now the University of Arkansas at Monticello, and was a veteran of World War II. He was a member of Prairie Lodge #465 in Hamburg and was a 32nd Degree Mason and a Shriner. He was a member of the Pentecostals of Alexandria, and the Alpine Travelin' Sams Camping Club. He was a retired automobile and timber equipment dealer. He was the owner and operator of Higginbotham Motor Company in Hamburg, Ark. and was co-owner of the HP Equipment Company in Pineville, Louisiana. Survivors are his wife of 53 years, Margaret Ann Finch Higginbotham; one son, Leroy Higginbotham, III of Houston, Texas; one daughter, Anne Vincent of Alexandria; two grandsons; one granddaughter; and one great-granddaughter. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today, December 30, 1994 in the sanctuary of the Pentecostals of Alexandria with the Reverends G.A. Mangun and Anthony Mangun officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors Thursday between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. and after 8 a.m. until noon today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 6054 Medical Center Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana 71301-8127 or to the Pentecostals of Alexandria, 2817 Rapides Ave., Alexandria, Louisiana 71301.

Edna Higginbotham, 85, of Texarkana, Ark., died Saturday, March 26,1994, in a local hospital. Mrs. Higginbotham was born Sept. 26, 1908, in Texarkana. She was retired from Arkansas Revenue Office and Baptist.

Survivors include one son, Rufus Higginbotham of North Little Rock, Ark.; one daughter, Jane Starks of Texarkana; one brother, James Harris of Texarkana; two sisters, Maudie Chapman and Mittie Brock of Texarkana; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Monday in East Memorial Gardens with the Rev. David Crooks officiating. Burial will be under direction of East Funeral Home. The family will be at 3 Embassy Lane, Texarkana, Ark.

Forrest City, Arkansas - THELMA LILLIE CARLIN, 69, supervisor for 27 years for the Conwood Corp. in Memphis, died of pneumonia Thursday at St. Joseph Hospital in Memphis. There will be private family services with burial in Hughes Cemetery. Stevens Funeral Home has charge. She was a Baptist. Mrs. Carlin, the widow of James J. Carlin, leaves a son, Donald Qualls of Forrest City; three sisters, Faye Emerson of Earle, Gladys Archer of Lewisburg, Tenn., and Josey Newland of Maryland; a brother, Jack Higginbotham of Millington, Tenn., four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Eugene V. Higginbotham, 74, died January 18, 1997 at the Baptist Memorial Hospital in Blytheville. Born August 2, 1922, he was the son of the late George and Ethel Parnell Higginbotham. Gene as he was known by his friends, served his country during WWII in Egypt and Italy. He was married to Helen Higginbotham for over 26 years. He worked as a warehouseman until he retired. He became a Christian and was baptized into the Baptist Church April 11, 1982. Gene and Helen have lived in Caruthersville since 1987. Survivors include: his wife, Helen Higginbotham of Caruthersville, Mo.; two sons, Jim Higginbotham and Don Higginbotham; three Step-Sons, Wayne, Gary and Don Gourley; one Step-Daughter, Phyllis Helms; one brother, Wyman Higginbotham; two sisters, Aileen Holliday and Elsie Easley. Services were held January 22, 1997 at the Dean Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. James Pinkerton officiating. Burial was in the Little Prairie Cemetery.

Billie Jean Higginbotham Bussell (1934-2000) LA/AR

Mrs. Billie Higginbotham Bussell, 66, of Lake Village, died Saturday, August 5, 2000, at the Chicot Memorial Hospital in Lake Village. Mrs. Bussell was a native of Bastrop, LA, a resident of Lake Village since 1988 and a former resident of Hamburg. She worked for 18 years for the Ashley County Ledger and the Ashley News Observer as a bookkeeper. A member of the Chicot Baptist Church in Lake Village, she was preceded in death by her parents, J. C. & Eunice Griswald Higginbotham; and a sister, Lorece Ozment Rainey. She is survived by her husband of 47 years , R. H. "Sonny" Bussell of Lake Village; a son, Randy Bussell of Lake Village; a daughter, Camille Goodell of Gillette; a sister, Helen Foote of Hamburg; three brothers, Don Higginbotham of Houston, TX, Phillip Higginbotham of Winona, TX and James Higginbotham of Crossett; and five grandchildren. Funeral services were at 2 p.m., Monday, August 7, in the chapel of Jones Funeral Home of Hamburg with Revs. James Morris & David Powers officiating. Pallbearers were Chad, Shawn & Stacy Higginbotham, Nan & Kyle Barnett, Dallas Stanberry, Brad Lott and Chris Lay. Honorary pallbearers were Shanna Lay, Donnie Goodwin, William Hankins and Frank Jenkins. Interment followed services at the Hamburg Cemetery under the direction of Jones Funeral Home of Hamburg. Memorials may be made to the Chicot Baptist Church, 744-A Lake Hall Road, Lake Village, AR 71653.

Mrs. Barbara J. Higginbotham, 69, of Hamburg died Friday, September 14, 2001, at the Ashley County Medical Center in Crossett. Mrs. Higginbotham was a native of Ashley County and a lifelong resident of Hamburg, a homemaker and a member of the Promise Land Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ardell & Iva Mae Hill Bates; and two brothers, Robert Howard Bates & Marvin W. Bates.

She is survived by her husband, Frank Higginbotham, Sr.; three sons, Frank Higginbotham, Jr., and wife Kathryn, Billy Ray Higginbotham, and Lamar Higginbotham and wife Janice, all of Hamburg; a daughter, Beverly Mosley and husband Wayne of Crossett; a brother, Richard Bates and wife Becky of Clarksville, TN; 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, September 16, at the Promise Land Missionary Baptist Church with Revs. Jimmy Bates, Charles Pullin, E. W. Ricks & Kenny Williams officiating. Pallbearers were Larry Smith, Luther Richardson, Daniel Grygrecyk, Dewayne Bussell, Alvin, Gene & Dale Bates. Honorary pallbearers are the deacons of Promise Land Missionary Baptist Church and Floyd Ellingburg. Interment followed services at the Trafalgar Cemetery under the direction of Jones Funeral Home of Hamburg. Memorials may be made to the Trafalgar Cemetery Association, c/o Ben Lawrence, 859 Ashley Road 105, Montrose, AR 71658 or to the Promise Land Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 30, Hamburg, AR 71646.

Ashley County Ledger 10/31/2001
Willie Lee Higginbotham Etheridge (1902-2001) AR
Mrs. Willie Lee Higginbotham Etheridge, 99, of Hamburg, died Friday, October 26, 2001, at her daughter's residence in Amory, Mississippi. Mrs. Etheridge was a native of Ashley County and a life long resident of Hamburg. She was a homemaker and she worked for years in the Hamburg School lunch room and in the central supply at the Crossett Health Center. She was a member of the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and a member of the Eastern Star Margaret Chapter 151 in Hamburg. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Etheridge, in 1950; a son, Ruben Allen Etheridge, in 1977; a foster daughter, Lisa Maxwell in 2000; and her parents, Will & Ella Ingram Higginbotham; five brothers, Harold, Leroy, Garvin, Rush & Joe Higginbotham; and three sisters, Nellie Patterson, Edna Riley and Virdelle McDonald.
She is survived by a son, Rev. W.F. "Rick" Etheridge of Sheridan; a daughter, Nell Johnston of Amory, MS; a daughter-in-law, Merlene Etheridge of Hamburg; 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were at 2 p.m., Sunday, October 28, in the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church with Revs. Jackie Adams & Joey Meredith officiating. Pallbearers were Pete Higginbotham, Charles Akers, Walter Chester, Kenneth Leigh, Lynn Croswell and Doyle Sivils. Grandsons were honorary pallbearers. Interment followed services in the Hamburg Cemetery under the direction of Jones Funeral Home of Hamburg. Memorials may be made to the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 400 W. Washington Street, Hamburg, AR 71646.

Hazel Higginbotham, 67, of Osceola, died Sunday, Nov. 25, 2001, in Memphis. Born May 26, 1934, in Dell, she was the daughter of J.L. and Cecil Davis Wallace. She was a member of the First Baptist Church. She is survived by her mother, Cecil Wallace of Osceola; two daughters and sons-in-law, Connie and Stan McPherson of Osceola, and Patricia and Jeff Clark of Manila; a brother, Joe Wallace of Osceola; a sister, Billie Sue Coley of Romulus, Mich., and three grandchildren, Brittany Clark, McKenzie Clark and Amy White. She was preceded in death by her father; her husband, Bill Higginbotham; a son, Donnie Higginbotham; and a sister, Crystal Gipson. The funeral was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Roller-Swift Funeral Home in Osceola with Brother Logan "Doc" Perkins officiating. Burial was in Mississippi County Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

POCAHONTAS -- John Laval Higginbotham, 39, of Pocahontas died Sunday, Feb. 3, at Warm Springs. Born in Monette, he was a diesel mechanic. Survivors include one son, Derek Wayne Higginbotham of Seymour, Tenn.; his mother and stepfather, Mary and Steve Anderson of Pocahontas; his father and stepmother, Boyd and Leola Higginbotham of Pocahontas; three brothers, Steven Anderson of Imboden, Allen Higginbotham of Shreveport, La., and Mike Higginbotham of Pocahontas; and two sisters, Mary Collins of San Antonio, Texas and Susan Beede of the home. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. Graveside services are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Monday at Warm Springs Cemetery, with Gaylan Russell officiating. McNabb Funeral Home of Pocahontas is in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers will include Allen Higginbotham, Mike Higginbotham, Steven Anderson, Jeremy Gamso, Sawn Hackworth and Randy Collier. Visitation is from 1-2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Hardy B. Higginbottom (1921-2002) AR
CAVE CITY – H.B. “Patch” Higginbottom, 80, of Poughkeepsie died Wednesday, April 3, 2002 at his home.

Born Dec. 9, 1921, near Poughkeepsie, he was the son of Cleo and Virgie Butts Higginbottom. He was a farmer, worked several years for the Sharp County Road Department and served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he received numerous medals including the Purple Heart. He was of the Church of Christ faith.

Survivors include his wife, Lanell Heath Higginbottom; two sons, Hardy Higginbottom and Kelsey Higginbottom, both of Poughkeepsie; two daughters, Viva Daugherty of Poughkeepsie and Betty Jo Brown of Gould; a sister, Cleotta Olson of Sedalia, Mo.; two grandchildren, Josh Higginbottom of Poughkeepsie and Danny Brown of Fayetteville; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Gordon Higginbottom, Bart Higginbottom and Billy Mack Higginbottom.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Qualls Funeral Home Chapel in Cave City with W.E. Norris and C.C. Baird officiating. Burial will be at Spotts Cemetery in Poughkeepsie.

Pallbearers will be Michael Higginbottom, Ray Runsick, Eugene Heath, Rick Himes, Ewell Heath and Marty Himes.

Ina Mae Brown Higginbotham (1915-2002) AR
Ina Mae Higginbotham, 86, of Texarkana, Ark., died Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2002, in a local hospital.
Mrs. Higginbotham was born Dec. 13, 1915, in Doddridge, Ark. She was a Baptist. She was preceded in death by her husband, R.L. Higginbotham.
Survivors include two sons and one daughter-in-law, Richard L. Higginbotham of Texarkana and Tim and Teresa Higginbotham of Albuquerque, N.M.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jean and Lonnie Jones of Fouke, Ark., and Judy and Larry Bowman of Texarkana; two sisters, Mable Gregory of Texarkana and Mavis King of Dallas; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Saturday in Sylverino Cemetery with the Rev. Thomas Launius officiating. Burial will be under direction of East Funeral Home, Downtown.

Edna Marcella Gibbs Green Higginbotham (1940-2002) AL/AR
Marcella Higginbotham, 62, died Dec. 24, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Medical Center in Meridian.
She was born in Alabama and lived most of her life in Trumann. She had made her home in Philadelphia for about seven years. She was of the Pentecostal faith. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Lee Green, in 1993 and her parents, Henry and Vera Estellee Gibbs.
She is survived by her husband, William Higginbotham of Philadelphia; two sons, Gregory Lynn Green and Jimmy Dean Green, both of Trumann; one sister, Vera Louise Green of Trumann; two brothers, Robert Earl Gibbs of Harrisburg and Ray Gibbs of Jonesboro; one stepdaughter, Charlotte Alford of Philadelphia; two stepsons, Brad and Brian Higginbotham, both of Philadelphia and seven grandchildren.
Memorial services were Dec. 26, 2002, at the chapel of McClain-Hays Funeral Home. The Rev. David Richardson officiated the ceremony. Burial was at Trumann.

LEACHVILLE -- Mary Odessa Carter, 96, of Leachville died Saturday, March 29, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Blytheville.
Born in Ravenden Springs, she had been a Leachville resident since 1929. In 1948, she and her late husband founded the Melody Theater in Leachville. She was a longtime member of the Leachville First Baptist Church where she taught a Sunday school class and was active in the choir. She was a charter member of the Leachville Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and was a graduate of Jonesboro Baptist College and had taught in the Jonesboro school system in the early 1920s.
Survivors include two sons, Bill Carter of Helena and Dr. Jerry Carter of Little Rock; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy Carter; her parents, Robert Lee and Ella Marriott Higginbotham; and one grandson.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Leachville First Baptist Church, with the Rev. Doug Applegate officiating. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery at Jonesboro under the direction of Howard Funeral Service of Leachville.
Active pallbearers will be Snowden Hawkins, Leon Swihart, Wilburn Lovelady, Jerry Lee Carter Jr., Brent Carter and Jared Zeiser.
Honorary pallbearers will include the deacons of the Leachville First Baptist Church.
Visitation will be from 5:30-8:30 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Mr. Billie Charles Higginbotham, age 71, of Quitman, Arkansas, passed away at his home on Saturday, December 20, 2003. Born in Woodruff County, Arkansas, on January 8, 1932, he was the son of the late Virgil Lee and Winnie (Brown) Higginbotham. Mr. Higginbotham had been a resident of Quitman for ten years, and he was a retired truck driver. He was a veteran of Korea, having served in the United States Army. His religious belief was Baptist. Mr. Higginbotham was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Jean, in September of 2001. Survivors include: two sons, Jim Higginbotham and Mark Higginbotham, both of Winters, CA, one brother, Harold Higginbotham of Heber Springs, AR, one sister, Mary Lee Low of Heber Springs, AR, three grandchildren and his nieces and nephews. Mr. Higginbotham is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.

Texarkana Gazette 10/23/2004
Roy Rogers Higginbotham (1936-2004) AR
DE QUEEN, Ark.-Roy Rogers Higginbotham, 67, of De Queen died Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2004, in a local hospital.
Mr. Higginbotham was born Dec. 17, 1936, in De Queen. He was retired from the City of Los Angeles and a Marine veteran. He was preceded in death by one son, Vernon Higginbotham.
Survivors include seven sons, Rick Higginbotham, Roger Higginbotham, Rory Higginbotham, Rodney Higginbotham and Jonathan Higginbotham of Los Angeles, Erick Higginbotham of Baltimore and Gerald Higginbotham of St. Louis; four daughters, Beverly Gooch, Roxanna Higginbotham and Judy Higginbotham of Los Angeles and Evelyn Bennett of Flint, Mich.; one brother, Otis Hill of De Queen; one sister, Thelma Gilmore of Muskegon, Mich.; 22 grandchildren; and a number of other relatives.
Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Chandler Funeral Home with the Rev. Jesse Miller officiating. The body will be cremated.
Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Texarkana Gazette 01/30/2004
Judy Lynn Copeland Higginbotham (1959-2004) AR/TX
NEW BOSTON, Texas-Judy Lynn Higginbotham, 44, of New Boston died Monday, Jan. 26, 2004, in New Boston.
Mrs. Higginbotham was born Sept. 6, 1959, in Texarkana, Ark. She was a homemaker, retired from Red River Army Depot and a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors include one son, Bobby Joe Higginbotham of New Boston; her parents, Eldean Copeland and Joe E. Copeland Sr. of Texarkana; two sisters, Elnoria Ruth of Texarkana and Normia Moore of Genoa, Ark.; one brother, Joe E. Copeland of Simms, Texas; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Bobby and Juanita Higginbotham of New Boston; one brother-in-law, Steve Higginbotham of San Diego; and a number of other relatives.
Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church with Norman Hooten officiating. Burial will be in Daniels Chapel Cemetery under direction of Bates-Rolf Funeral Home.
The family will be at 5716 Wilshire, Texarkana, Texas.
Memorials may be made to Boles Children's Home Inc., 7065 Love, Quinlan, Texas, 75474-4609, or Shriner's Children's Hospital, 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport, La., 71103.

Texarkana Gazette 01/30/2004
Russell Howard Higginbotham (1960-2004) TX/AR
NEW BOSTON, Texas-Russell Howard Higginbotham, 43, of New Boston died Monday, Jan. 26, 2004, in New Boston.
Mr. Higginbotham was born Feb. 5, 1960, in Texarkana, Texas. He was employed with Red River Army Depot and a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors include one son, Bobby Joe Higginbotham of New Boston; his parents, Bobby and Juanita Higginbotham of New Boston; one brother, Steven Higginbotham of San Diego; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Eldean Copeland and Joe E. Copeland Sr. of Texarkana; one brother-in-law, Joe E. Copeland Jr. of Simms, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Elnoria Ruth of Texarkana and Normia A. Moore of Genoa, Ark.; and a number of other relatives.
Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at New Boston First Baptist Church with Norman Hooten officiating. Burial will be in Daniels Chapel Cemetery under direction of Bates-Rolf Funeral Home.
The family will be at Route 2 Box 398, Daniels Chapel Road, New Boston.
Memorials may be made to Boles Children's Home Inc., 7065 Love, Quinlan, Texas, 75474-4609, or Shriner's Children's Hospital, 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport, La., 71103.

Ovia Harper Higginbotham (1913-2004) OK/AR
Ovia Harper Higginbotham, 90, of Fayetteville, Ark., died Dec. 15, 2004 at Fayetteville City Hospital Nursing Home. Born Dec. 17, 1913 in Lone Grove, Okla., she was the daughter of Joseph Harden Higginbotham and Inthy Catherine Purser.
Survivors include one daughter, Ruth Elizabeth Higginbotham of Fayetteville; one granddaughter; four brothers, Raymond Higginbotham of Carson City, Nev., Carl Lee Higginbotham, J.C. Higginbotham, and Shelby Gene Higginbotham, all of Amarillo, Texas; four sisters, Maybelle Gibson of Concord, Calif., Eulila Higginbotham of Vinita, Okla., Imogene Riddle of Disney, Okla., and Jesse Hartwell of Amarillo, Texas.
Pallbearers were Mark Vickery, James McCratic, Ritchie Weaver, Dewayne Higginbotham, Bobby Rust, and Lee Graham.
Services were held Dec. 18 at Luginbuel Chapel in Prairie Grove, Ark. Burial was in Weddington Cemetery in Wedington, Ark. Arrangements were under the direction of Luginbuel Funeral Home, Prairie Grove, Ark.

Danny Wayne Higginbotham, 41, of Jonesboro died Saturday, May 1, at St. Bernard's Medical Center.
Born at Walnut Ridge, he worked as a chef.
Survivors include his mother, Yvonne Shelton of Black Rock; his stepfather, James Leon Shelton of Black Rock; one sister, Cindy Hopkins of Jonesboro; and two brothers, James Shelton of Jonesboro and Tim Shelton of Searcy.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Wayne Higginbotham.
Arrangements will be announced by Higginbotham Funeral Service of Walnut Ridge.

DE QUEEN, Ark.-Roy Rogers Higginbotham, 67, of De Queen died Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2004, in a local hospital.
Mr. Higginbotham was born Dec. 17, 1936, in De Queen. He was retired from the City of Los Angeles and a Marine veteran. He was preceded in death by one son, Vernon Higginbotham.
Survivors include seven sons, Rick Higginbotham, Roger Higginbotham, Rory Higginbotham, Rodney Higginbotham and Jonathan Higginbotham of Los Angeles, Erick Higginbotham of Baltimore and Gerald Higginbotham of St. Louis; four daughters, Beverly Gooch, Roxanna Higginbotham and Judy Higginbotham of Los Angeles and Evelyn Bennett of Flint, Mich.; one brother, Otis Hill of De Queen; one sister, Thelma Gilmore of Muskegon, Mich.; 22 grandchildren; and a number of other relatives.
Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Chandler Funeral Home with the Rev. Jesse Miller officiating. The body will be cremated.
Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Rufus Merritt Higginbotham (1919-2004) AR/NM
ROSWELL, N.M.-R.M. Higginbotham, 85, of Albuquerque, N.M., died Monday, Nov. 1, 2004, in Albuquerque.
Mr. Higginbotham was born March 7, 1919, in Texarkana, Ark. He was former business manager of the Roswell Daily Record, a member of Roswell Chamber of Commerce, Redcoats, Noon Optimists, Elks and St. Thomas á Becket Episcopal Church and a World War II Navy veteran. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alma Higginbotham.
Survivors include two sons and one daughter-in-law, Ronald and Marla Higginbotham of Roswell and Richard Higginbotham of Albuquerque; one granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Kristin and Rob Hause of Ruidoso, N.M.; and three great-grandchildren, Kasey, Scott and Corey.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Friday in South Park Cemetery with the Rev. Bob Tally officiating. Burial with military rites will be under direction of Lagrone Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico, 200 N. Lea, Roswell, N.M., 88201.

MaLinda Cherie Higginbottom, 32, of Paragould died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2005, at her residence. Born at Paragould, she was a homemaker and of the Baptist belief. Survivors include three sons, Josh Sherbrick, Wesley Shipman and Jacob Howell; her parents, Herbert and Debbie Higginbottom of Paragould; her grandmother, Loreta Owen of Paragould; and her fiancé, Rebel Howell of Paragould. She was preceded in death by one sister, Lisa Higginbottom; and her grandparents, L.H. "Blue" Owen and Herbert Ray and Imogene Tyner Higginbottom. Graveside services are scheduled for 10 a.m. today in Shiloh Cemetery, with the Rev. Bill Snow officiating. Burial will be under the direction of Heath Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be DeLane Owen, Darwin Owen, Bobby Ward, Gordon Kilgore, Aaron Harmon and Jose Rodrigez. Memorials may be made to the Children's Home of Paragould.

Ruby Green Higginbotham Gerrald (1913-2005) AR
Ruby Higginbotham Gerrald, 91, of Ashdown, Ark., died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2005, in an Ashdown hospital.
Mrs. Gerald was born Aug. 3, 1913, in Miller County, Ark. She was a retired licensed practical nurse from St. Michael's Hospital. She was preceded in death by two husbands, F.M. Higginbotham, in 1956, and Bob Gerrald, in 1981.
Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Bessie Higginbotham of Ashdown; one brother, Joel B. Green of Texarkana; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and one nephew.
Graveside services will be 3 p.m. Friday in East Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Beth Waldrup and Dr. Herbert Wren officiating. Burial will be under direction of East Funeral Home, Downtown.
Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
The family will be at the home of Gary Higginbotham in Ashdown.

Philip Ronald Higginbotham, 91, of Crossett, died Wednesday, May 4, 2005, at Ashley County Medical Center. Born October 25, 1913, to James Edward and Rose Eugenia Hughes Higginbotham in West Monroe, LA. He was an active member of First Baptist Church where he served as secretary of the sixth grade Sunday School department. He retired from Georgia Pacific where he worked as a draftsman/surveyor and later as supervisor of the duplicating department. Mr. Higginbotham was on the volunteer fire department for 45 years and the Crossett Sewer Department for 40 years. He was an avid golfer and held the course record on sand greens at the Prairie Country Club, where he was member for 65 years. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Hazel Honeycutt Higginbotham of Crossett; one son, Dr. Philip Ronald Higginbotham, Jr. of Spartanburg, SC; three grandchildren, Hayley Elizabeth Higginbotham, Philip Ronald Higginbotham III and Cary Lynn Hart; two step-grandchildren, Catherine April Lerch and Justin Stephen Lerch; one great-grandchild, Hunter Bradley Hart. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister.

Funeral services were at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 6, in the Crossett First Baptist Church with Reverend Larry White officiating. Interment will follow at Pinewood Memorial Park under the direction of Jones Funeral Home of Crossett.

Elsie L. Higginbotham, 73, of Hamburg, died Monday, September 5, 2005, at the Medical Center of South Arkansas in El Dorado. A native of Holton, IN, a resident of Hamburg, for the past ten years and a former resident of Killeen, TX, she was a homemaker and a member of the Promise Land Missionary Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband, Pete Higginbotham of Hamburg; a son, Stanley Nickleson of Fort Worth, TX; two daughters, Deborah Shiller of Killeen and Melissa Gutierrez of Corpus Christi, TX; a step-son, Carl Higginbotham of Killeen; four step-daughters, Debra Gay Smith and Karen Higginbotham of Killeen, Sonja Racher of Gatesville, TX, and Leslie Baise of Temple, TX; a brother, Sam Stickleman of Holton; a half-brother, Robert Stickleman of California; two step-sisters, Claranell Caswell of Holton and Hilda Sheets of Indianapolis, IN; 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; Opha and Nellie Webster Stickleman.

Funeral services were at 10 a.m., Thursday, September 8, in the Promise Land Missionary Baptist Church with Revs. Mike Reese and Charles Pullin officiating. Burial followed services at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 10, at the Killeen City Cemetery in Killeen, Texas, with Dr. Joe Rich officiating. Funeral services were by Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home of Hamburg and Crawford and Bowers Funeral Home of Killeen. Memorials may be made to the Promise Land Missionary Baptist Church, P. O. Box 30, Hamburg, AR 71646.

Mrs. Mildred Hickingbottom Williams, age 94, of Dallas, Texas, and a former long time resident of Forrest City, died Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005.Mrs. Williams was born Sept. 17, 1911, in Phillips County, the daughter of John Cannon Hickingbottom and Allie Mae Jarrett Hickingbottom. She was retired from the Forrest City Public Schools Administration Office, was a member of the Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, the Cosmos Club and the First Baptist Church. Mrs. Williams married James E. Williams in 1942 and he preceded her in death in 2000. She is survived by a son, James E. Williams Jr. of Dallas, Texas; a sister, Mrs. Charles C. Moore of Memphis; a brother, Marion L. Hickingbottom of North Little Rock; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service for Mrs. Williams will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2005, at Stevens Funeral Home at 11 a.m.

Jack Ray Higginbotham (1930-2006) AR
JOINER -- Jack Ray Higginbotham, 75, of Joiner died Jan. 9 of brain disease at his home in Joiner.
Born May 23, 1930, at Joiner, he was a retired manager of Home Oil and was a veteran of the Army. He was a member of Joiner Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen Hill and Loys Blaine Higginbotham.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Higginbotham of Joiner; two sons, Loys Blaine Higginbotham of Monette and Joe Ray Higginbotham of Fort Smith; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was held Wednesday in Wilson Funeral Home at Osceola. The Rev. Joe Sparks officiated. Burial followed in Ashburn Musick Cemetery at Bards Town.
Wilson Funeral Home of Osceola was in charge of arrangements.

William Thomas (W. T.) Higginbotham, 87, of Hamburg, died Monday, February, 6, 2006, at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, LA. Born in Hamburg on January 15, 1919, he was the son of the late Joe A. & Estelle White Higginbotham. A lifelong resident of Ashley County, Mr. Higginbotham was an Army Air Force veteran of World War II earning the rank of master sergeant. After returning to Hamburg, he was associated with Higginbotham Motor Company, served as Ashley County Judge for 22 years and was president of the Wilmot State Bank. In recent years, he had been engaged in farming. A member of the First Baptist Church since 1929, he had been an active deacon and a junior boys Sunday school teacher. At the time of his death, he was the oldest continuous member of the church.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Gardner-Timberlake Post of the American Legion and was the first World War II veteran to serve as post commander. He was a former president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club and the Ashley County Fair Association; a former director of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and the Ashley County Sheltered Workshop, and served on the Southeast Arkansas Development Council and on the planning commission for Forest Echoes Vocational Technical School

In 1975, he received the Arkansas Community Development Exceptional Accomplishment Award for Leadership in Local Communities. In 1997, he was presented a 50 year service award by the officers of Prairie Lodge No. 465. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason and a Shriner.

An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting and horseback riding. He was a member of H & H Deer Camp, the Kelley Place Bird Hunters and the Crossett Riding Club and a past president and 60 year member of the Prairie Country Club.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, the former Dorothy Rainwater, one daughter, Rebecca Lynn Higginbotham Murphy and husband Robert D. Murphy, Jr.; three grandchildren, Robert D. Murphy, III, Rebecca Smith Murphy and Erin Elizabeth Murphy, all of Houston, Texas; one sister, Agnes Higginbotham Wheldon of Chebeague Island, Maine; three nieces and six nephews.

In addition to his parents, a sister, Dorene Higginbotham Sherrill, and two brothers, Travis L. Higginbotham and Joe A. Higginbotham, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m., Thursday, February 9, in the First Baptist Church with Dr. Bobby Pennington and Rev. Klois Hargis officiating. Burial followed services at Pinewood Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Philip and Gerald Lauhon, Shan Streeter, Dewey “Scutter” Kilcrease, Bill Norsworthy, Bill Bonds, Kirby Cockrum, Allen and Steven Wilcoxon, John Young, Joe Foote, Stanton Veazey, Travis and Emmitt Wallace, Alan and Wayne Davis, Charles “Bull” Wells and Reagan Craig.

Memorials may be made to the Hamburg High School Scholarship Fund, c/o Mrs. Polly Lochala, P. O. Box 30, Hamburg, AR 71646 or to First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 352, Hamburg, AR 71646 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Funeral services were under the direction of Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home.

Thomas Lawson Higginbotham Jr., 78, of Rogers, Ark., died Sunday, April 16, 2006. He was born March 18, 1928, in El Dorado, Kan., to Thomas Higginbotham and Eunice Eldridge Higginbotham.
He was raised and educated in Genesee, Ill., and served in the U.S. Army. He worked for Wal-Mart. He was a chief X-ray technician. He was a member of the American Legion, the Central United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Men’s Association. He was a Boy Scout Explorer leader.
Survivors include his wife, Hattie Higginbotham; four sons and three daughters-in-law, Thomas Higginbotham III and Linda Higginbotham, David Higginbotham and Curtina Higginbotham, and Carl Higginbotham, all of Rogers, and Keith Higginbotham and Virginia Higginbotham of Centerton, Ark.; a daughter; Lisa Clark of Bella Vista, Ark.; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Thursday, April 20, at the Central United Methodist Church in Rogers, with the Rev. Biff Averrt and the Rev. Jaimie Alexander. Burial was held Saturday, April 22, at the Kovar-Brethren Cemetery in Kovar, Texas. Arrangements were by Callison-Lough Funeral Home Chapel in Rogers. Mary M. Howell.

Thedford Mackson Higginbotham (1913-2006) AL/AR
CAVE CITY -- Thedford Higginbotham, 92, of Cave City died Tuesday, July 25, 2006, at Little Rock.
He was born July 27, 1913, in Alabama. He was a United States veteran and member of Cave City Church of Christ.
Services are 10 a.m. Saturday in Qualls Funeral Home Chapel at Cave City with Dean Fugett officiating. Burial will follow in Cave City Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Qualls Funeral Home of Cave City.
Pallbearers will be Clyde Cossey, Les Kleider, Ray England, James Watson, Robert Watson and Philip Fugett.
Honorary pallbearers are Pete Ring and Eric Fugett.

Willie Higginbotham Hamlin (1912-2006) AR
PEACH ORCHARD -- Mrs. Willie Hamlin, 94, of Peach Orchard died Aug. 8, 2006. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Hamlin Sr.
Survivors include a son, Carl Hamlin Jr. of Brookings; daughter, Joyce Gates of Prairieville, La.; one twin brother, Henry Higginbotham of Pocahontas; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Saturday at the Ermert Funeral Home in Corning from 9-11 a.m., the time to leave for graveside services at Pirtle Cemetery at Peach Orchard.

Mark William Higginbotham (1959-2006) AR/MO
Mark William Higginbotham, 47, of Brookline Station, died at 3:32 a.m. December 25.
Mr. Higginbotham was born November 4, 1959, in Harrison, Arkansas. He was a truck driver and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon.
Survivors include his parents, Eugene and Lou Woods Higginbotham of Mt. Vernon; one brother, Steve Higginbotham of Mt. Vernon; two sisters, Jennifer Smith of Mt. Vernon and Debbie Thompson of Republic; five nephews, two nieces, and two great nieces.
Private services are under the direction of Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home of Mt. Vernon Burial will be in Mt. Vernon IOOF Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today, December 27, at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Ethel Johnson Higginbotham, 102, of Little Rock died Monday, April 16, 2007. She was born February 13, 1905 in Moline, Illinois, where she taught kindergarten for 26 years. She grew up in a loving family of sound values dedicated to the church and community. Her mother was a wonderful cook and seamstress and her father was a bookkeeper for John Deere. Ethel had an older brother Raymond and a sister Irene. She graduated from Petalozzi Froebel College in Chicago with a degree in elementary education. Ethel was a Life Member of the Illinois Congress of Parent and Teachers Association, a 35 years member of Mary K. Hillhouse Kings Daughters where she received the Honor Pearl, and a 60 year member of the Eastern Star. She was a member of St. James United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Amanda Johnson; brother, sister, husband, Clarence Vaughn Higginbotham and a daughter, Marieta. She is survived by her daughter and husband Vaughn Pike and Dr. John; three grandchildren, Angela Otis and husband Bill, John Pike, Jr. and wife Melanie and Valerie Pike; five great-grandchildren, Tyler Otis, Kyle Otis, Maria Pike, Alexander Pike, and Gregory Walker. The family would like to thank the Staff at Presbyterian Village, Caring Hands Prayer Shawel Ministry and Richard Davis of St. James Untied Methodist Church and Arkansas Hospice for their concern and loving care. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, April 21, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel (501)224-8300 with Reverend Fred Haustein officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Moline, Illinois. Memorials may be made to St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72212; Presbyterian Village, 510 Brookside Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205; or Arkansas Hospice, 5600 West 12th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204.

She was born in Enon, LA, a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Slidell, LA, attended Trinity Baptist Church in Alma, a retired LPN and the widow of Emmett Higginbotham. Funeral at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home Chapel in Bogalusa, LA with burial at Ponemah Cemetery in Bogalusa, LA. Local arrangements under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Alma, AR. She is survived by a daughter, Nancy Pierson of Alma; a son, Emmett Higginbotham of Metairie, LA; a sister, Jessie Bateman of Franklinton, LA, 3 brothers, J.P. Jones of Lafayette, LA, Delos Jones of Amite, LA and Jimmy Jones of Ft. Worth, Texas; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Holland (MI) Sentinel 05/26/2007
Mabel Winters Cash Bowers Higginbotham (1922-2007) AR
Mabel Higginbotham, 85, of Cave City, Ark., died Thursday, May 24, 2007, at the Cave City Nursing Home.
She was a retired beautician and member of the Cave City Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her husbands Jimmy Clint Cash, Sims Bowers and Thedford Higginbotham.
Survivors include her daughter Brenda and Ed Wendler; one grandson; one great-grandson; two step-grandchildren; sisters Beulah Sessums of Zeeland and Thelma Eakley of Hope, Ark.; nieces and nephews.
Visitation is 2 to 3 p.m. today at Qualls Funeral Home, 326 North Main, Cave City.
Services are 3 p.m. today at the Cave City Cemetery with Dean Fugett officiating.

Kevin Carson Higginbotham, 46, of Hardy, Ark., formerly of Walnut Ridge, died Dec. 9, 2007, at Hardy. He was born on April 25, 1961, at Jonesboro, to William Carter and Mary Jo Shaver Higginbotham.
Kevin was a graduate of Walnut Ridge High School and graduated from Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in Dallas, Texas, in 1982.
He was a licensed embalmer and funeral director and was associated with his families’ business, Higginbotham Funeral Service and Higginbotham Burial Insurance Company at Walnut Ridge and Hardy.
He was the top salesman for the Higginbotham pre-need sales force for a number of years.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Walnut Ridge.
Survivors include his daughter: Rachael Lee Acord and her husband, Jacob, of Horseshoe Bend; his mother, Mary Jo Higginbotham of Hardy; one brother, Robert Lee Higginbotham, of Muskogee, Okla.; a granddaughter, Addison Acord, and many other relatives and friends.
Kevin was preceded in death by: his father, William Carter Higginbotham Sr.; a brother, William Carter Higginbotham Jr.; his paternal grandparents, Carson and Hazel Higginbotham Best; and step-grandfather, J.W. Best; and his maternal grandparents, Harland Ray and Tola Shaver.
Two funeral services were held. The first one Dec. 14 in Higginbotham Chapel in Hardy.
A second service was held on Dec. 15 at the Higginbotham Chapel in Walnut Ridge. Bro. Harold Russell and Bro. Isom Everett officiated.
Graveside followed in Lawrence Memorial Cemetery in Walnut Ridge with arrangements under the direction of the Higginbotham Funeral Service.
Serving as pallbearers were Rick Dobbins, Ernie Rose, Stan Duckworth, Mark McArthur, Mac McArthur and Ronnie Rice.

Mr. Frank (Bunk) Higginbotham, Sr., 80, of Hamburg, died Friday, February 15, 2008 at his residence in Hamburg. Mr. Higginbotham was a native of Ashley County and a life long resident of Hamburg. He worked at Barnes Saw Mill for 40 years and he was a water well driller. He was a veteran of the United States Army and a member of the Promise Land Missionary Baptist Church. He loved to hunt, fish and garden and he was a great dad and granddad. He is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Barbara Bates Higginbotham in 2001 and his parents, Gaston & Janie Venters Higginbotham. He is survived by three sons, Frank Higginbotham Jr. and wife, Kathryn, Billy Ray Higginbotham and Lamar Higginbotham and wife, Janice, all of Hamburg; a daughter, Beverly Mosley and husband, Wayne, of Crossett; four brothers, Lavon, Pete, Norman and James Higginbotham all of Hamburg; four sisters, Annie Jo Smith of Crossett, Betty Eubanks of Hamburg; Louise Pelton of Eudora and Margaret A. Riley of Hamburg; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Funeral services are 2 p.m., Monday, February 18, 2008 at the Promise Land Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Bates, Rev. Timmy Williams and Rev. Michael Reese officiating. Burial will be in the Trafalgar Cemetery. Pallbearers are Brian Higginbotham, Larry Smith, Dewayne Bussell, Wayne Mosley, Walter Hill and Chad Rice. Honorary pallbearers are the Deacons of Promise Land Missionary Baptist Church and Luther Richardson. Memorials may be made to the Trafalgar Cemetery Association, c/o Ben Lawrence, 859 Ashley 150 Road, Montrose, AR 71658.

Zachary Seth Higginbotham, 25, of Crossett, died Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at his residence. Zachary was a native and life long resident of Crossett. He received his G.E.D from Hamburg High School in 2000 and attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello for two years. He was an electrician's apprentice and a member of the First Baptist Church in Crossett. He enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, and studying history. He is preceded in death by his father, Gary Higginbotham, Sr. in 2007. He is survived by his mother, Brenda O'Fallon Higginbotham; a brother, Gary Keith Higginbotham, Jr.; a sister, Denise O'Fallon Rinehart all of Crossett; his paternal grandparents, J.D. & Gail Bing Higginbotham of Hamburg; his maternal grandparents, Glen & Pauline Whitlock O'Fallon of Crossett; a niece, Emma Raiyn O'Fallon; a nephew, Skyler Blackburn; his best friend, Matt Gulledge and a host of family and friends. Funeral services are 10 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2008 in the chapel of Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home with Rev. James Dean officiating. Burial will be in the Hamburg Cemetery. Pallbearers are Matt Gulledge, Gary Keith Higginbotham Jr., Chance Sharp, Joey Weatherly, John Bowles and Daniel Reap. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.

Barbara Ellen Higginbotham, 55, of Bentonville, Ark., died Thursday, April 3, 2008, at Circle of Life Hospice Home in Springdale, Ark. She was born Dec. 3, 1952, in Escanaba, Mich., to Paul A. DeGrand and Frances Jones DeGrand. She was raised and educated in Michigan. She married Walter Higginbotham on Jan. 28, 2006, in Farmington, Mich. The couple moved to Bentonville in February 2006. She was manager of Bentonville Storage. She was a competitive ballroom dancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Frances DeGrand; and a brother, Michael DeGrand. Survivors include her husband, Walter Higginbotham; six brothers and two sisters-in-law, Peter DeGrand and Pamela DeGrand, and Charlie DeGrand, all of Michigan, Tom DeGrand and Debbie DeGrand of Upper Peninsula, Mich., Daniel DeGrand of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Patrick DeGrand and Hang DeGrand, both of Lubbock, Texas; two sisters, Cindy De-Grand of Redford, Mich., and Darlene DeGrand of Victoria, Texas; and many nieces and nephews. No local services are planned. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory of Bella Vista, Ark. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a memorial fund, in care of Walter Higginbotham, Arvest Bank, P. O. Box 1229, Bentonville, AR 72712.

Betty Lou Hahn Stevens Higginbotham, age 78, died May 19, 2008. She is survived by her sons, Rick Hahn and Jim (Debbie) Hahn of Bryant; one daughter, Debbi (Randy) Smith of Jacksonville, Florida; five grandchildren; one great grandchild; one sister Vanita Hill of Beebe and former husbands Gilbert Hahn and Jack Higginbotham. Preceding her in death are parents James Wister and Eulala Patton McKenzie; a sister Maycel Woodall, and former husband Russell Stevens. Visitation, 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be Friday, May 23 at 11:00 a.m. at Boyd Funeral Home Chapel in Lonoke. Burial will follow in Hazen Cemetery. Online guest book, www.boydfuneralhome.net.

John T. Higginbotham, Jr. age 87 of Elizabeth, Arkansas passed away Monday, October 20, 2008 at his residence. He was born August 30, 1921 in Cordova, Alabama to the late John T. and Flora (Haynes) Higginbotham. Mr. Higginbotham is survived by two sons: Jerry Higginbotham of Napa, California and Ronnie Higginbotham of Waterford, California and a step-daughter: Helen Haile of Elizabeth, Arkansas. Funeral services will be private. Interment will be in Baxter Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Roller Funeral Home.

Gregory Michael Higginbotham, 56, of Little Rock, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2008. He was born March 30, 1952 in Blythville, Arkansas. He was a member of Geyer Springs Church of Christ. Survivors include his sister, Jo Carol of Sherwood and brother, William Higginbotham of Little Rock. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 5, 2008 at 10:00 am at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral.

Alean Truda Higginbottom, 79, Highland, Ark., died on May 18, 2009, Highland, Ark. Barker Funeral Home, Salem, Ark.

Oreece Kelley Higginbotham, 81, of Hamburg died Thursday, June 4, 2009, at her residence. A native and lifelong resident of Hamburg, she was a homemaker, a member of the First Baptist Church since 1959 where she was the secretary of the children's department, a member of the choir and Women's Missionary Union for many years, and she was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Lavon "Slick" Higginbotham of Hamburg; a son, Marion Higginbotham of Crossett; three daughters, Marilyn Chambers of Hamburg, Barbara Gifford of Crossett and Judy Pierce of North Little Rock; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mack Kelley & Vennie Mae Wallace Higginbotham, and her grandparents that raised her, Pres & Ossie Wallace. Funeral services were at 4 p.m., Friday, June 5, in the First Baptist Church with Dr. Bobby Pennington officiating. Burial followed at the Promise Land Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jackie Lauhon, Zack Lauhon, Stuart Higginbotham, David Streeter, Jason Pierce, Ben Wood, Greg Griswould, Jon Jackson and Morris Knight. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 352, Hamburg, AR 71646 or to the Hamburg High School Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 30, Hamburg, AR 71646 Funeral arrangements were by Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home of Hamburg. Online guest book at www.jones-hartshorn.com.

Wilma Lois Higginbotham of Osceola died Tuesday March 2, 2010 at St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro, she was 77 years old. She was born June 27, 1932 in OKean community to the late Charlie and Edith Wilson Jones. She married Jewel Higginbotham on November 16, 1950 in Pocahontas. She worked for many years as manger for the Dollar General Store in Pocahontas. She is preceded in death by her husband, sister, Debbie Corter and two brothers, Melvin and Charles Jones. Mrs. Higginbotham is survived by her daughter; Sharon Smith of Osceola, three grandsons; Robbie Smith of Paris, TN, Rocky and Dusty Smith both of Osceola and 5 great grandchildren. Six sisters; Reba Oren and Nina Kazzee both of Pocahontas, Brenda Stone of Delapelaine, Linda Parten and Peggy Burnside both of Hoxie, and Pam Tate of Paragould. Two brothers; Tom Jones of Walnut Ridge and Russell Jones of Rockford, IL. A host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive her. Graveside funeral services and interment was held at Randolph County Memorial Gardens. Revs. Paul Craig and Jeff Watson officiating.

Mavis Lynn Higginbotham, 41, of Conway, died Saturday, May 1, 2010. She was born March 7, 1969 in Little Rock. She was a hostess at the Dixie Café. She is survived by her loving husband Jerry Wayne Higginbotham Jr.; son, David Wayne Jones, Jr.; mother, Ruth Lynn Adkins; half brother, James Wesley McClatchy; cousins, Wanda Johnston, Lisa Gail Jones, Lori Turner, Lesley Standridge. Memorial services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday at the Point of Grace Church in Conway with Brother Chris Hackler officiating. Cremation arrangements by Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway.

Barbara "Bobbye" J. Hudson, loving wife and mother, passed from this earth on August 29, 2010. She is survived by her husband and 2 children. Bobbye was born Barbara Jean Hickinbotham in 1926 to Mona Bell (Kelley) and Roy Washington Hickinbotham in the community of Melrose, Kansas. Her father worked in the mines and old fields, moving the family to various towns in Kansas and Oklahoma. In 1943, Bobbye graduated from Fredonia High School. The Hickinbothams purchased a family farm and settled in the area of Barnsdall Oklahoma in 1944. Bobbye followed her family and worked for various companies including Phillips Petroleum. In 1951 she married John G. Hudson and eventually settled in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Bobbye and John had 2 children, Preston Roy Hudson of Fort Smith and Karen Sue Hudson of Memphis, Tennessee. Bobbye was blessed with three grandchildren: Jake Hudson (wife Victoria) of Fort Smith; Valerie Garcia (husband Eric) of Bakersfield, California; and Amanda Hudson (husband James Appell) of Tampa, Florida. In addition to her grandchildren, Bobbye leaves behind 5 beautiful great grandchildren and two younger sisters, Gracie Sanford of Barnsdall, Oklahoma and Dora Davis of Nowata, Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by both parents and one older sister, Betty Nadine Forrest. Bobbye was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. The size of her heart was matched only by the love of her family. Bobbye's family feels a tremendous loss at this time but knows that she is in the home of her Lord where she is happy and healthy.
Services will be 10:00 am Wednesday, September 1 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with a 3:00 pm graveside Wednesday at the Union Hill Cemetery, Jasper, Arkansas. Family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 5:30pm until 7:00 pm at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 N. 12th, Fort Smith, AR
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House at 3324 South M, Fort Smith, AR 72903.

Donna Jean Higginbotham, 65 a resident of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord on October 13, 2010 at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
She was born April 17, 1945 in Lincoln, Arkansas, the daughter of John Donald and Maybelle Wright Kirk.

She was a volunteer with Prairie Grove Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts for many years. She was an LPN and worked at both Washington Regional and the Area Agency on Aging.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frankie D. Higginbotham and her father.

Survivors include one son and daughter in law, Dewayne and Agena Higginbotham of Cabot, Arkansas; one daughter and son in law, Frankie and David Rhudy daughter, Frankie Rhudy of Paxton, Illinois; her mother, Maebelle Kirk of Prairie Grove, Arkansas; one brother and sister in law, Robert and Doris Kirk of Enid, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, Keryn Higginbotham, Robert K. Higginbotham, Genni Higginbotham, William Rhudy, Kayleigh Rhudy and Reba Rhudy.

Funeral services were held Friday, October 15 at 10:00am at the Prairie Grove Christian Church in Prairie Grove.
Burial was at Ganderville Cemetery in Summers.

Luginbuel Funeral Home, Prairie Grove, Arkansas

Glenn Alan Higginbotham, 72, of Bentonville, AR, died Thursday, October 21, 2010 in his home. Born on June 21, 1938 in Berkeley, CA, Mr. Higginbotham was the son of Glenn Alan Higginbotham, Sr. and Dorotha Harrison Higginbotham. Mr. Higginbotham attended Carlmont High School in San Carlos, CA. After gradation he moved with his family to Puerto Rico where he worked as a draftsman. He then returned to the United States to serve 4 years in the United States Air Force. During his service at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS, he met the love of his life, Edith Ernestine Talburt. They were married on June 5, 1960 in Batesville, AR then moved back to California to train under his father as a tool and die maker. Eventually, Mr. Higginbotham and his wife moved back to Arkansas where he spent the next 50 years of his life. He attended the University of Arkansas and received a B.S. in Vocational Agriculture. Utilizing this degree he taught for over 15 years in several schools throughout the state. His passion for teaching and education, his love for his students, and his ever present sense of humor made him an exceptional teacher. He returned to the University of Arkansas where he earned his Masters Degree in Education and served the last 15 years of his career as a High School principal. Mr. Higginbotham was a loving husband and dedicated father. After retiring from education he and his wife moved back to Bentonville, AR to be close to their children and grandchildren. His was known to family and friends as an avid photographer. Survivors include his lovely bride of 50 years, Edith Higginbotham, daughters Stacey Linn Parham and Sharon Aileen Zeeck, son Scott Alan Higginbotham, grandchildren Emily Reynolds, Christopher Zeeck, Lauryn Zeeck, and Jake Parham, sisters Terri Williamson and Sue Raymond, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 24, at Callison-Lough Funeral Home, 605 W. Central in Bentonville. Graveside service will be held at 11am on Monday at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Batesville, AR. Arrangements are under the care of Callison-Lough Funeral Home of Bentonville.

Heber Springs, Ark. — Mary Lee Low, age 84, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away at her home on Wednesday, November 10, 2010. Born in Augusta, Arkansas, on March 20, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Virgie Lee and Winnie (Brown) Higginbotham. Mrs. Low was a retired civil service employee and a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Army. She was a member of the Southside Baptist Church. Her husband, Bondee Low, preceded her in death. Mrs. Low was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Billie Higginbotham; and one sister, Dorthea McCoy. She is survived by her brother, Harold Higginbotham of Heber Springs; two nieces, including Vickie Larimore and her husband, Larry, of Newcastle, Oklahoma; and numerous nephews. Mrs. Low is also survived by other relatives and her many friends. Graveside services and interment were held Sunday, November 14, at 2 p.m. in the Center Point Cemetery with Rev. Bob Bittle officiating. Memorials may be made to the Heber Springs Human Society, P. O. Box 401, Heber Springs, AR 72543.

Ms. Wanda K. Hickenbottom, of Clarksville, Arkansas, died Feb. 10, 2011, in a Fort Smith, Arkansas, hospital. Ms. Hickenbottom was 38 years, 8 months, and 26 days old. She was a Respiratory Therapist by profession. Ms. Hickenbottom is survived by her husband: Mike Hickenbottom; two children: Valeria Hickenbottom and Tristan Hickenbottom; her father: Jimmy King, of Cave City, Arkansas; a sister: Jinna Schumacher, of London, Arkansas; a brother: Glen King, of Cave City, Arkansas; other relatives; and a host of good friends. Memorial service will be held at a later date. The body was cremated.

H.O. Higginbotham, Sr., 84, of West Memphis passed away at his residence May 16, 2011. Mr. Higginbotham was a retired steel fabricator for Hagan Manufacturing; member of West Memphis Church of Christ; a WWII U.S. Army Veteran; past Commander of V.F.W. post #5225; the American Legion and the 40 &.8 He was preceded in death by his wife Naomi Jean Higginbotham and his parents Hershel & Mattie (Stacks) Higginbotham. He is survived by one daughter, Pam Clegg of Nashville, TN; two sons, H.O. "Butch" Higginbotham, Jr. and Michael O "Mickey" Higginbotham both of West Memphis; one sister Virginia Brite also of West Memphis; 5 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren Visitation will be Thursday, May 19th from 6:00-8:00 PM at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home and services 2:00 PM Friday in their chapel with interment following at Crittenden Memorial Park in Marion, AR.

Lester Michael "Mike" Hickenbottom, age 61, passed away at home on Tuesday morning, August 2, 2011, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Harrison on January 30, 1950, to William Dale "Bill" and Dorothy Iris (Deweese) Hickenbottom. Mike graduated from Bergman High School in 1968 and served in the US Army. Mike returned home and worked for Hudspeth Motors and Boone County Road Department. He was truly gifted at working on cars and recently retired from North Arkansas College after 22 years of service as an auto collision repair instructor. He was proud of leading the school's effort to obtain certification from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation. In 2008, the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development honored Mike with a Teaching and Leadership Excellence Award.

Mike loved spending time outdoors. He was a cowboy at heart and he had a real passion for horseback riding and driving his mules. He was an active member of the Harrison Round-Up Club and enjoyed participating in their annual wagon train ride to Springdale for many years. His trail ride buddies were truly his second family.

Those who knew Mike will always remember his sense of humor. He was quick with a joke and never went anywhere without running into a friend.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Natalie Cline; three children, Jennifer and husband Geoffrey Freeman, Heather Ashlock, and Colby Hickenbottom; a grandson Jaden Freeman; a stepson Martin Cline; four siblings, Billie "Carolyn" Jennings, Marilyn "Sue" Hickenbottom, Roger Hickenbottom and Gale Hickenbottom; many other family members, countless friends, all who will miss him very much.

Services will be 10 AM, Saturday, August 6, 2011, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Cooper speaking. Visitation will be 6 to 8 PM, Friday, August 5, 2011, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home. Honorary pallbearers will be, Jimmy Parker, George Parker, Randy Jones, Roy King, Clay Clark, Alex Clark, Billy Don Cash, Gary Villines, Kasey Vanderpool, Harrison Round-Up Club, and staff and facility of North Arkansas College.

James Ronald "Ron" Higginbotham of Sheridan, Arkansas was born September 25, 1948 in Pontotoc, Mississippi, the son of the late Virgil R. and Janie Ruth Dodson Higginbotham. He was a carpenter and had many hobbies. He loved to play the guitar and harmonica as well as writing and playing video games. Ron died Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at UAMS in Little Rock as a result from an accident at the age of 63. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Gary Higginbotham. Survivors: Wife, Judy Carol Honeysuckle Higginbotham of the home; Daughters, Sherri Taylor and husband, Ryan of Sheridan; Melissa Higginbotham and spouse Lore Reaves of Hensley; Brother, Jerry Higginbotham of Clinton; Sisters, Carrolle Mount of Florida; Janice Ivy of Birmingham, Alabama; Mother-in-law, Lucille Pacios of Sheridan; Grandchildren, Jacob "Ryan" Thomas and wife Felicia; Logan Thomas, Natalie Kirkpatrick and Nathan Kirkpatrick all of Sheridan. A time of visitation will be held on Friday, October 14, 2011 from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Lou Jane Starks, 79, of Texarkana, AR passed away February 2, 2012 in a local nursing home. Mrs. Starks was born July 1, 1932 in Texarkana, AR. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Texarkana, AR; North Heights Alumni Association; and National Daylily Association. Survivors include her husband, Charlie Starks of Texarkana, AR; son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Vicky Starks of Texarkana; granddaughters and grandsons-in-law, Johna and Jason Orr of Searcy, AR and Jamie and Josh Newberry of Fayetteville, AR; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Cullen and Callie Starks of Texarkana; brother and sister-in-law, Rufus and Mary Helen Higginbotham of Little Rock, AR; special friends, John and Rene Harmon of Palestine, TX and Mary Whidden of Texarkana; plus numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be 10 a.m., Monday, February 6, 2012 at East Memorial Chapel – Downtown with Rev. Bruce Bennett officiating. Burial will be in East Memorial Gardens under the direction of East Funeral Home – Downtown. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, February 5, 2012 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Texarkana, AR; Watersprings Ranch; or Dierkson Hospice.

Dorothy Dell Higginbotham, 89, of Parkin, AR., went home to be with the Lord, May 17, 2012. She passed away at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Dot Higginbotham. She resided at Three Rivers Nursing Home at Marked Tree, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Birley Len Dowdy and Cordia Iola Worley; husband, James C. Higginbotham; son, James Edward Higginbotham; brother, Jack Dowdy. Dorothy was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Birley and Cordia Dowdy. She graduated from Levelland High School in Levelland, Texas in 1941. She was a member of Parkin Baptist church. She enjoyed gospel music, preaching, all activities at the nursing home. She enjoyed all of the visits of her special little friend "Rascal" who loved to visit her at the nursing home. Survivors are sons, Larry Gene Higginbotham of Tyronza, Arkansas; Billy Wayne Higginbotham of Parkin, Arkansas; daughter, Jo Ann Ellison of Knoxville, Tennessee; six grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and eleven great-great grandchildren. Funeral services were at Kernodle Funeral Home with burial in Parkin Cemetery. Arrangements were by: Kernodle Funeral Home.

Kenny Joe Hickenbottom Jr., 69, of Harrison, died Monday, June 4 (2012) at Mercy Hospital, in Springfield, Mo.

The son of Helen (Stapleton) and Kenneth Hickenbottom Sr. was born Sept. 22, 1942, at Harrison. Kenneth was of the Baptist faith and a lifelong resident of Boone County. He was a retired Auto Body Man and Mechanic and when his daughter Brenda was in high school, she worked with him as his parts runner. He loved hunting and fishing and was a member of the Twin Lakes Fox and Wolf Hunter's Association. He loved surrounding himself with his family and friends, and he loved all of his grandchildren immensely.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda (Taylor) Hickenbottom, of the home; daughters, Brenda Rose, of Harrison and Debbie Wagoner, of Harrison; an aunt, Wanda O'Brien, of Houston, Texas; four grandchildren, Travis Wagoner, Elizabeth Marks, Passion Rose and Michael Rose; and one great-grandchild, Alex Wagoner.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, June 8, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, with Bruce Trammell officiating. Family gathering will be from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, June 8, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Travis Wagoner, Brandt Marks, Hickory Wells, Richard Jarrett, Justin Keithley, L.A. Stapleton, Heath Trammell, Jim Mathis and Donald Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Alex Wagoner, Passion Rose, Elizabeth Marks, Michael Rose, J.J. Rose and Brian Whiteside.

Memorials may be made to the Hickenbottom family in care of First National Bank of Green Forest.

Harold Lee Higginbotham, age 82, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, November 7, 2012, at his home. Born at Augusta on September 11, 1930, he was the son of the late Virgil and Winnie (Brown) Higginbotham. Mr. Higginbotham was a retired heavy equipment operator, and he was a Korean veteran, having proudly served our country in the United States Army. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Randy Higginbotham; one brother, Bill Higginbotham; and two sisters, Mary Lee Low and Dorthea McCoy. Mr. Higginbotham is survived by three sons, Darrel Higginbotham of Woodland, California, Todd Higginbotham of Butte Falls, Oregon, and David Higginbotham of Oroville, California; one grandson, Bryan Higginbotham of Woodland, California; one great-granddaughter, Sadie Lynn Higginbotham; and his nieces and nephews. Mr. Higginbotham is also survived by other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held Sunday, Nov. 11, at 2:30 p.m. at the Olmstead Funeral Home. Graveside services and interment will be held Monday, Nov. 12, at 1:00 p.m. at the Center Point Cemetery with Lance Mays officiating. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home.

Boyd Laval Higginbotham, 78, passed away Tuesday, December 4, 2012, at his residence.

Boyd is survived by: his sons Walter Allen (Renee) Higginbotham of Shreveport, LA and Michael Lee (Brenda) Higginbotham of Warm Springs, daughter Mary Collins of San Antonio, TX, brothers Paul and James Higginbotham of Cabot, sister Doris Martin of Flippin, eighteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grand-children.

He is preceded in death by his parents, son John Laval Higginbotham and brother Noel Coy Higginbotham.

Burial was at Randolph Memorial Gardens.
Taylor-Cox Funeral Home was in charge of arrangments.

Lavon "Slick" Higginbotham, 88, of Hamburg, died Monday, May 6, 2013 at the Pinewood Health and Rehabilitation Center in Crossett. Mr. Higginbotham was a native and life long resident of Hamburg and Ashley County. He was a veteran of the United States Army having served during World War II and where he was the recipient of the Purple Heart. He worked for the United States Postal Service in Crossett and Hamburg for 25 years. He was an active and loyal member of the First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He was a member of the American Legion, a Mason and a member of the Promise Land Masonic Lodge. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Oreece Kelley Higginbotham; his parents, Gaston & Janie Venters Higginbotham and a brother, Frank Higginbotham.

He is survived by a son, Marion Higginbotham of Crossett; three daughters, Marilyn Chambers of Hamburg, Barbara Gifford of Crossett and Judy Pierce of North Little Rock; three brothers, Pete, James and Norman Higginbotham all of Hamburg; four sisters, Annie Jo Smith of Crossett, Betty Eubanks of Hamburg, Louise Pelton of Eudora and Margaret Riley of Hamburg; eight grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 2 step-great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services are 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Bobby Pennington officiating. Burial will be in the Promise Land Cemetery. Pallbearers are William Streeter, Drake Streeter, David Streeter, Zack Lauhon, Jackie Lauhon, Jason Pierce, Jacob Meeks, Morris Knight and Ben Wood. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the First Baptist Church Men's Sunday School Class. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, PO Box 352, Hamburg, AR 71646.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home

Ralph (Pete) Carlton Higginbotham, 83, of Hamburg, died Sunday, June 16, 2013 at his residence in Hamburg. Mr. Higginbotham was born December 2, 1929 in Hamburg; a former resident of Killeen, Texas for 40 years having moved back to Hamburg in 1990. He graduated from Hamburg High School in 1948. He was a veteran of the United States Army having retired in 1969 after he served honorably for 20 years. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 4th Award, Army of Occupation Medal with Germany clasp; National Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze service star; Korean Service Medal with one silver star service; Vietnam Service Medal with 4 bronze service stars; United Nations Service Medal; republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/Device (1960); Expert Badge with Auto Rifle Bar with Pistol Bar and Army Aviation-Aircraft Crewman Badge. Upon his military retirement, he entered civil service at Fort Hood, Texas working in the carpenter and locksmith shops for 20 years until he retired in 1990. He was a member of the Promise Land Missionary Baptist Church and he enjoyed fishing and gardening. He is preceded in death by his wives, Bernice Gay Chapman Higginbotham and Elsie Hodges Higginbotham; a son, Randy Wayne Higginbotham; his parents, Gaston & Janie Venters Higginbotham and two brothers; Frank F. (Bunk) & Lavon (Slick) Higginbotham. He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Gloria Deckelman Higginbotham of Hamburg, Arkansas; a son, Ralph Carlton Higginbotham and wife, Sandie, of Killeen, Texas; four daughters, Debra Gay Smith of Killeen, Texas, Karen Ann of Flower Mound, Texas; Sonia Dee Smith and husband, Bill, of Gatesville, Texas; Leslie Lyn Carey and husband, Ron of San Antonio, Texas; three step-children, Debo and Cindy Yates of Pinola, Mississippi; Lucky and Pam Hughes of Hesperia, California and Arthur and Debbie Lacy of Le Cajon, California; two brothers, James Higginbotham and wife, Bobbie, and Norman Higginbotham and wife, Merlyn, all of Hamburg; four sisters, Annie Joe Smith of Crossett, Betty Eubanks, of Hamburg, Louise Pelton and husband, Larry, of Eudora, and Margaret Riley of Hamburg; 13 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Funeral services are 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at the Promise Land Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Reese and Rev. Trey Emory officiating. Graveside services and burial with full military honors will be 2 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2013 at the Killeen City Cemetery in Killeen, Texas. Memorials may be made to the Promise Land Missionary Baptist Church Youth Fund, 765 Ashley 70 Road, Hamburg, AR 71646. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Monday at the funeral home. Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home Inc.

Mr. Thomas Leon "Tom" Higginbotham, resident of McCrory, died Monday, June 24, 2013. He was 70 years of age. Tom was born on December 22, 1942 in Wynne, Arkansas, the son of Spencer Leon and Vivian Nichols Higginbotham. He attended school in Fair Oaks before moving to Augusta where he was a 1961 graduate of Augusta High School. Tom was a very active person and enjoyed all outdoor activities. He retired from Arkla Gas as manager of the McCrory Office in 1992, was a member of the Patriot Guard, and was a Mason. He served on the volunteer fire department for over 20 years and was the fire chief for several of these years. He also served on the City Council for over 20 years and was a member of the McCrory First Baptist Church. He regularly attended the F.G. Express morning "business" meetings and will certainly be missed there. Tom could be seen on his motorcycle or four wheeler and was often seen on his riding lawn mower, mowing not only his yard but the yards of people who were not able to do it themselves. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Carolyn Wilson Higginbotham, One son: Jon Higginbotham and wife Julie all of McCrory Two daughters: Dana Bryant of Searcy and Tina Butler and husband Shawn of Beebe, Five grandchildren: Alex Bryant, Christina Daniels, Jordan Daniels, Dilan Bryant and Willow Butler, Two great-grandchildren: Jacee Arnold and Paisley Daniels and one granddog, Brody. Pallbearers were Glen Curtis, Brian Breckenridge, Chuck Joyner, Manford Ferrell, Shawn Butler, Jamie Beard and Bill Rushing. Honorary pallbearers were Leon Curtis, Carroll Wilson, Peyton Daniels III, The First Baptist Church Men's Sunday School Class and the Dirty Dozen Hunting Club.

Tyronza - Larry G. Higginbotham, 65, passed away May 22, 2014 at his home. Mr. Higginbotham was the owner of Tyronza Truck & Trailer and he attended church at the Corner Chapel Baptist Church in Payneway. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Higginbotham and Dorothy Dowdy, two brothers: Billy and James Higginbotham, and by a grandson, Frank Lavoie. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; three daughters: Chris Hopper and Ronda Tyler of Marked Tree, Arkansas and Diana Newcomb (Greg) of Hardy, Arkansas; two sons: Larry Higginbotham Jr. (Missy) and Doug Manning (Cathy) both of Tyronza, Arkansas; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Joann Ellison; his beloved friend and pet, Rascal; and by many other family members and friends. Visitation will be held at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Memphis, AR on Saturday, May 24 from 5-7 p.m. Services will be held on Sunday, May 25 at 2 p.m. at Corner Chapel Baptist Church in Payneway, AR. Interment will be in Tyronza Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to be made to the Prostate Cancer Society.

Mrs. Roberta Sue (Higginbotham) Baker, 65, of Newark, Arkansas, departed this life on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at her home. She was born June 17, 1949 in Zephyr Hills, Florida. Mrs. Baker was a homemaker, and of the Christian faith. She enjoyed spending time with her family, and using her computer to keep up with her family. Mrs. Baker was preceded in death by her husband, John Deforest Baker; her parents; and three sisters, Brenda Morris, Ruth Cothran, and Betty Coleman. She is survived by ten sons, John David Baker of Pennsylvania, Tim Baker of Pennsylvania, John Baker Deforest Baker of Florida, Stevie Spencer of Florida, John Spencer of Florida, Mark Spencer of Pennsylvania, Tim Spencer of Florida, Michael Baker of Newark, Arkansas, Jason Baker of Newark, Arkansas, and Clinton Baker of Oil Trough, Arkansas; four daughters, Melissa James of Oil Trough, Tonya Baker of Texas, Yvonne Sherve of Pennsylvania, and Tammy Ordonize of Texas; one brother, Sonny Higginbotham of Florida; one sister, Carol Eudy of Florida; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Friends may visit at the funeral home, Friday, 6:00-8:00 p.m. The family will be holding memorial services at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 28, 2014, at the Newark Assembly of God.

Gary L. Higginbotham, Sr., 76, of Ashdown, AR passed away January 4, 2015 in an Ashdown, AR hospital. Mr. Higginbotham was born November 20, 1938 in Texarkana, TX. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army; a member of First United Methodist Church, Ashdown, AR; and a member of The Sons of the Confederacy. Survivors include his wife, Bessie Higginbotham of Ashdown, AR; sons, Ray Andrew Green of Henrico, VA, Gary Landra Higginbotham, Jr. of Crossett, AR, Michael Darren Higginbotham of Texarkana, AR and Milton Taylor Higginbotham of Ashdown, AR; daughters, Amelia Kaye Green of Garland, TX and Dolores Marie Tolleson of Bivens, TX; 12 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and 8 great great grandchildren. Services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, January 8, 2015 at East Memorial Chapel - Downtown with Rev. Jim Cross officiating. Burial will be in East Memorial Gardens under the direction of East Funeral Home - Downtown. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at the funeral home.

Maurine K Higginbottom Bramlett Holleman, 104, of Wynne, Arkansas departed this life Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015.

She was born Sept. 11, 1910, at Sitka, Arkansas the daughter of Robert and Myrtle Hall Higginbottom.

She was preceded in death by her parents, six sisters, a brother and two husbands, H.S. Bramlett and Claude Holleman.

She is survived by daughters, Margaret Jones, Mary Ann Gordon, Anita McFadden, Patsy Womble Walters, Sarah June Howard and a sister, Hazel Dene Flinn, 15 grand children, 32 great grand children and 14 great-great grandc-hildren.

Mrs. Holleman was a life long member of the Church of Christ and set a great example of Christian living for over 90 years. She took great pride in her looks and was always dressed appropriately. She won the Crestpark Nursing home beauty contest in 2010 at the age of 100. Maurine was a hard worker, spending her early life farming with her husband and father of their 5 daughters, Howard Bramlett. The Bramlett family won the Arkansas Farm Family of the year in 1952.

Arrangements were by Thompson Wilson Funeral Home with burial in Crosslawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

Billy Ray Higginbotham, 59, of Hamburg, died Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at his residence. Mr. Higginbotham was a native of Hamburg and a former resident of Killeen, Texas having moved back to Hamburg in 2000. He was a veteran of the United States Army; a carpenter and a member of the Promise Land Missionary Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank Sr. (Bunk) and Barbara Bates Higginbotham and his grandparents, Ardell & Iva Mae Bates and Gaston and Janie Higginbotham.

He is survived by two daughters, Tiffany Crane of Kansas and Tracy Streagle of Alaska; two brothers, Frank Higginbotham and wife, Kathryn, of Crossett and Lamar Higginbotham and wife, Janice, of Hamburg; a sister, Beverly Mosley and husband, Wayne, of Crossett; two grandchildren, Luke and Lily Streagle and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Graveside services and burial will be 2 p.m., Saturday, June 20, 2015 at the Trafalgar Cemetery. Pallbearers are his nephews Dewayne Bussell Brian Higginbotham, Zachary Higginbotham, Chris Higginbotham, Benji Brooks and Alan Richardson. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Turner and Kary Johnson. Memorials may be made to the Trafalgar Cemetery Association, c/o Ben Lawrence, 859 Ashley 105, Montrose, AR 71658.

Alan passed away as a result of cancer from exposure to Agent Orange at the John L. McClellan VA Hospital in Little Rock, AR. He was born December 8, 1948 in Marvell AR. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Mary Alice Bonner Williford. He is survived by his wife of 38 years Reta Lott Higginbotham, two sisters: Mary Jon (Frank) Baker; Kay (Don) McGee both of Lakeland, FL and nieces Meradith McGee Hale, Lynn Baker Ritter and nephew, Greg Baker and a host of cousins, in-laws and friends. Alan graduated from Marvell High School and afterwards served his country in the US Air Force. His work in the cable TV industry, took he and Reta on a perpetual vacation all over the United States. His favorite past time was fishing and hunting and entertaining his family and friends with his exploits. He was a gifted poet and writer who also collected banks. His greatest regret was that he did not save his childhood Davy Crockett bank, his Red Rider BB gun and Robby the Robot. Home is the hunter from the woods, the fisherman from the stream and the beloved husband, brother and uncle from those who will hold his memory so dear.

Judy Carol Honeysuckle Higginbotham of Sheridan, Arkansas was born May 16, 1951 in Mesa, Arizona. She died on Sunday, March 27, 2016 at Arkansas Hospice Center in Little Rock at the age of 64. Ms. Higginbotham enjoyed sewing and spending time with her children, grandchildren and her great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Ronald “Ron” Higginbotham. Survivors: mother, Lucille Wann of Sheridan; daughters, Sherri Taylor and husband Ryan of Sheridan; Melissa Higginbotham and spouse Lorie Reaves of Hensley; brother; Terry Sikes of Oklahoma; sister, Malva Ellis of Oklahoma; grandchildren, Jacob Ryan Thomas and wife Felicia, Logan Thomas, Natalie Kirkpatrick, Nathan Kirkpatrick; great grandchildren, Arabella and Jordyn Thomas and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Cane Creek Volunteer Fire Department.

Joseph W. “Joe” Higginbotham, 67, of Mabelvale, went to be with the Lord, June 21, 2016. He was born to Joseph and Mary Louise Higginbotham on September 19, 1948 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Joe loved telling crazy stories and had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved arts and crafts, painting, scrapbooking, collecting stamps and coins, but his favorite pass time was playing with his grandson. Joe graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a degree in Mathematics; he later earned two masters, one from Brigham Young University in Computer Aided Manufacturing and one from University of Utah in Artificial Intelligence. He served in the Air Force in Jacksonville as a Deputy Missile Crew Commander. Joe was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 45 years, Debbie; his mother, Mary Louise; son, Joseph Walker “JW” Higginbotham and his wife Melissa Higginbotham; grandson, Joseph Martin Higginbotham; cousins, Debbie Akins, Carol Keller and Carl Smith. He also leaves a host of loving family and friends. A Visitation will be held Monday, June 27, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Forest Hills, 10200 Hwy 5 N., Alexander, Arkansas with the funeral service following at 12 p.m. Pastor Dave Hughey will officiate. In lieu of flowers please make memorials in Joe’s name to Geyer Springs First Baptist Church Building Fund, 12400 I-30, Little Rock, AR 72210.

Betty Walston Higginbotham of Caldwell, Arkansas, died Sunday, September 4, 2016, she was 69. Betty was born in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas on May 17, 1947 to William and Audrey Story Walston. She lived in Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas. Betty was a CNA and of the Catholic and Baptist faith. Survivors are her daughters, Donna Walston of Hatfield, Kendra Saunstaire of Wynne, grandchild, LaDonna Goodman, brother, Warren "Corkey" Walston, great grandchildren, Aiden and Isabella Goodman, sister-in-laws and best friends, Ann Donnell and husband Joe, Betty Ware, Milton Ware, Lady D Jordan. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Audrey Walston, and siblings, Edward, Bernie, Charles, JoAnn, Shirley, Glen, John, Carolyn, Geraldine, and Donna. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 7, 2016 from 3 PM until 4 PM at Kernodle Funeral Home Chapel with funeral services following at 4 PM. A graveside service will be held Friday, September 9, 2016 at Restlawn Cemetery in Vidor, Texas.

Carla Lynn Dennington Higginbotham, 60 of West Memphis, AR Passed away October 6, 2016.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Gloria Dennington, Jr.; and her sister, Debbie Williams.

She is survived by her son, Tripp Higginbotham of West Memphis, AR; and her sisters, Phyllis Langford of West Memphis, AR and Barbara Snyder of Jacksonville, FL.

William Bailey Higginbotham, 80, of Little Rock, AR., passed away February 6, 2018. He learned to be a welder at the VO Tech School and became a tool and die inspector for Commercial Air Jet Service (Falcon). He was also a Air Force veteran.

William is survived by his two sons: Stephen Higginbotham and David Higginbotham both of Little Rock; a daughter, Elizabeth Bell of Tuscon, Arizona; 2 grandchildren; 3 great grand children and a sister, Jo Carol Horne of Sherwood, Arkansas. He is preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth and one brother and sister.

A graveside service will be held, 11:00 A.M., Monday, February 12, at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Alexander, AR. Conducting the service will be his nephew, Timothy D. Horne. Visitation will be an hour and half before the service. William was born on January 19, 1938 and passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2018. William was a resident of Arkansas at the time of passing.

Helen May Nichols Higginbotham (1945-2018) TX
March 6, 1945 - February 18, 2018
Texarkana, Texas

Mrs. Helen May Nichols Higginbotham, age 72, of Texarkana, Arkansas, died Sunday, February 18, 2018, in a local hospice facility.

Mrs. Higginbotham was born March 6, 1945, in Canton, Ohio, and had lived in Texarkana since 1958. She was a Baptist and was a retired office manager. She was preceded in death by her husband.
Survivors include one daughter, Rebecca Easley of Wake Village, Texas, one son, Lewis Jobe of Texarkana, Arkansas, one daughter-in-law, Gloria Hogie of Texarkana, Texas, two sisters, Jennifer McCord and Nancy Nichols of Texarkana, Arkansas, two brothers and one sister-in-law, Ernie and Ivy Nichols, of Norman, Arkansas, and Kenneth Ratcliff of Texarkana, Arkansas, one special friend, John McLaughlin of Poteau, Oklahoma, and three grandchildren, Michael Jobe, Jonathan Jobe, and Sara Jobe.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 A. M. Wednesday at the Texarkana Funeral Home Arkansas Chapel with Rev. Wallace Edgar officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:30 P.M. until 7:00 P. M. Tuesday.
The family will be at the home of Rebecca Easley, Wake Village, Texas
The family would like to thank Hospice of Texarkana for the excellent care given to our loved one. Memorials may be made to them at 2407 Galleria Oaks, Texarkana, Texas, 75503.

Virginia H. “Jenny” Brite, 94, of West Memphis, AR and formerly of Memphis, went to be with the lord while surrounded by her family on July 7th, 2018. Virginia was born in Turrell, AR the daughter of the late Hershel and Mattie Higginbotham and she is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Ernest E. Brite, daughter, Betty O’Rourke son, Jimmy Dean Fortune, sister, Laverne Gyunn and brothers, Hershel O. and Lawrence Higginbotham. Virginia is survived by: her daughters; Virginia Burks, Pauletta Gordon, Rachel Brite and son, Steve Brite, 17 grand-children, 24 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren. She was a member of Frayser Assembly of God and a retired expeditor from International Harvester. Later, she retired as a secretary at Frayser Assembly Christian School. Visitation will be held on Tuesday July 10, 2018 from 9am to 10am with a funeral service to follow at 10 am at Forest Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park – East, 2440 Whitten Rd., Memphis, TN. A committal service will be at 12pm, July 10, 2018 at Crittenden Memorial Park, West Memphis, AR Arrangements have been entrusted to Forest Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park – East 2440 Whitten Rd., Memphis, TN 38122 (901) 382-1000.

Mrs. Brenda Higginbotham, 63, of Crossett, AR died Friday, November 2, 2018 at her home in Crossett. She was a native of Bastrop, LA, but a resident of Crossett for the past 51 years. She was a member of South Main Baptist Church in Crossett.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Keith Higginbotham; her son, Zachary Seth Higginbotham; and her parents, Glen and Pauline Whitlock-O'Fallon. Brenda loved to make people laugh, she was a people person and she loved all children. She enjoyed arts and crafts and decorating for all Holidays. She also enjoyed cooking.

She is survived by one son, Gary Keith Higginbotham, of Crossett, AR; one brother, Rev. Donnie O'Fallon, wife Marsha, of Weatherford, TX; three sisters, Wanda Andrews, Glenda Giles, and Carol O'Fallon(Rick) all from Crossett, AR; and one grandson, Rexxon Higginbotham.

Memorial service will be Thursday, November 8, 2018, at 11:00 A.M., at South Main Baptist Church in Crossett with Bro. Donnie O'Fallon and Bro. Lyle Hern officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are Allen Clark, Matt Gammel, Rick Donald, Richard Wood, and Gary Higginbotham, Jr. A private burial will be at Hamburg Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 10:30-11:00 A.M. before the service at South Main Baptist Church in Crossett.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Kirby & Family Funeral & Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas, for Rita Marie Higginbotham, 37, of Mountain Home, Arkansas. Rita died November 11, 2018, at Baxter Regional Medical Center.

Laura Higginbotham (1953-2018) AR
January 18, 1953 - November 15, 2018
Laura was born on January 18, 1953 and passed away on Thursday, November 15, 2018.
Laura was a resident of Amity, Arkansas at the time of passing.
She was a 1971 graduate of Highland High School in Ault, Colorado.

Lonnie Houston Higginbotham Sr., 89, passed away April 3, 2019. He was born May 17, 1929 to the late Henry and Lucinda Higginbotham in Charleston, West Virginia.

Lonnie loved many things and had several hobbies which included; fishing, hunting, listening to gospel music, and gardening. He was known as a Godly gentleman. Lonnie was a loving husband that cared for his wife until he was unable to do so. He would do anything for anyone that needed help. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 54 years; Berta Higginbotham, two sons; Doug Higginbotham (Teresa), Tim Higginbotham, five daughters; Sandy Wyrick, Lesa Corter, Kathy Graham, Debbie Higginbotham, Debbie Wright, one brother; Burlie Higginbotham (Gracie), one sister; Violet Easter, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by two sons; Lonnie Higginbotham Jr. and Garry Wheetley, one brother; Ed Higginbotham.

Berta Lamona Higginbotham, 82, of Judsonia passed away Friday, April 19th at Unity Health Medical Center. She was born September 1, 1936 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Lloyd and Violet (Flat) Martin.

Berta was a member of Gracepoint Church in Beebe. She was a faithful woman of God and prayer warrior. During her early years she was a song leader at Fox United Pentecostal Church. She loved gardening, fishing, crocheting, and she enjoyed her nature walks. Working in nursing she truly enjoyed caring for her home health clients. However, her most favorite pass time was spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are her five daughters, Lesa Corter, Kathy Graham, husband, Edwin, Debbie Wright, Sandy Wyrick, and Debbie Higginbotham; two sons, Doug Higginbotham, wife Teresa, and Tim Higginbotham; one brother, Jim Martin, wife Juanita; eight grandchildren, Tiffany Shrum, husband Nicki, Joseph Graham, Harvey Wright, Mary Pena, Charles Wright, Justin Wright, Misti Shrum and McKayla Shrum; and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Berta was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Lonnie Higginbotham; two sons, Gary Wheetley, and Lonnie Higginbotham Jr; one brother, Freddie Martin; two sisters, Carol Vaughn, and Madge Pace; and one brother in law, Phil Pace.

Visitation will be April 24th from 10:00-11:00 am Searcy McEuen Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be April 24th at 11:00 am at Searcy McEuen Chapel. Burial will follow at Gum Springs Cemetery in Searcy, Arkansas.

Gail Bing Higginbotham (1937-2020) AR
May 31, 1937 ~ January 1, 2020 (age 82)
Gail Bing Higginbotham, 82, of Hamburg, died Wednesday, January 1, 2020, at her residence. Mrs. Higginbotham was a native of Eudora and a resident of Hamburg for the past 63 years. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church of Hamburg.
She is preceded in death by a son, Gary K. Higginbotham, Sr., in 2007; a daughter, Valerie Higginbotham, in 1957; a grandson, Zachary Seth Higginbotham, in 2008; her parents, Earl & Loye Carpenter Bing; a brother, Rudy Bing and a sister, Penny Kilcrease.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, J.D. Higginbotham of Hamburg; three sons, Eric Higginbotham, John David Higginbotham both of Hamburg and Jay Higginbotham of Crossett; a sister, Annette Weindorf and husband, Dane, of Hamburg; a half-sister, Libby Smith of Pine Bluff; two grandsons, Eric James Higginbotham and Gary Keith Higginbotham, Jr. and three great-grandchildren,
Memorial services are 11 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2020, in the Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ty Danielson officiating. Private burial will be in the Hamburg Cemetery.
Visitation will be after the service.

John David Higginbotham Sr. (1935-2020) AR
January 17, 1935 ~ January 11, 2020 (age 84)
J D Higginbotham, 84, of Hamburg, died Saturday, January 11, 2020, at his residence. Mr. Higginbotham was a native and lifelong resident of Hamburg and a graduate of Hamburg High School. He was a wonderful provider for his family, a hard worker and loved working for Georgia-Pacific Corporation for 46 years. Mr. Higginbotham was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hamburg for over 70 years.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, 11 days ago, Gail Bing Higginbotham; a son, Gary K. Higginbotham, Sr., in 2007; a daughter, Valerie Higginbotham, in 1957; a grandson, Zachary Seth Higginbotham, in 2008; his parents, Johnny and Jessie Lou Venters Higginbotham and two half-brothers, John Richard Giles and Paul Dean Higginbotham.
He is survived by three sons, Eric Higginbotham, John David Higginbotham both of Hamburg and Jay Higginbotham of Crossett; two half-brothers, Fay Giles of Price, Utah and Doyle Giles of Conway; a half-sister, Johnita Lebow of Houston, Texas; two grandsons, Eric James Higginbotham and Gary Keith Higginbotham, Jr. and three great-grandchildren,
Memorial services are 10 a.m., Friday, January 17, 2020, in the Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ty Danielson officiating. A private burial will be in the Hamburg Cemetery.
Visitation will be after the service.

Rufus Earl Higginbotham, Jr., 85, of Mt. Vernon, AR passed away March 1, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Higginbotham was born March 25 1934 in Texarkana, AR to the late Rufus Earl Higginbotham, Sr., & Edna Harris Higginbotham. Rufus was a member of Beech Street Baptist Church in Texarkana, AR. He attended Texarkana College. Rufus retired from Rock Supply/ Building Specialties in 2000. He was a lifelong avid sportsman. Rufus was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Mary Helen Parks Higginbotham. He is survived by; children: Butch (Melissa) Higginbotham, Gene Higginbotham, BJ Golden (Tony Hughes), John Higginbotham, Susie Higginbotham, grandchildren: Pam (Justin) Shoop, Ben (Esbeida) Higginbotham, Sam Higginbotham, Leslie Golden, Jonathan Higginbotham, William Higginbotham, Justin Cole, Michael Cunningham Jr., great grandchildren, Benaiah Higginbotham, Donovan Higginbotham, Skylar Kist, special friends: Mike and Karen Tanner, Michael Tanner and family, Ashlie and Emma Lankford; and many other treasured family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held March 14, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the family home in Mt. Vernon, AR. Memorial service for Mr. and Mrs. Higginbotham will be held at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Texarkana, AR on March 15, 2020 at 1:00 pm.

Ricky Higginbotham age 58, of Rogers, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2020 in Pevely, Missouri. He was born October 1, 1961 in Ohio, the son of the late Ella Mae (nee Billups) and Troy Higginbotham. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer (Kyle) Mahler of Barnhart, Missouri; a son Troy Higginbotham of Altoona, Pennsylvania; sister Teresa (Pam) Higginbotham; grandchildren Noah and Gabriel Mahler, and Lilly, Aiden, Greg, and Landon Higginbotham; and loving daughters-in-law Nicole Higginbotham and Alyssa Shattuck. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by a son Nick Higginbotham. Services will be at a later date in Rogers, Arkansas. Memorials in his memory are preferred to "Mission 22" 17040 Pilkington Road, Suite 200, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035.

The Gazette on Sep. 6, 2020

Donald Lee Higginbotham (1929-2020) OK/AR
October 23, 1929 July 29, 2020
DONALD LEE HIGGINBOTHAM, 90, died on July 29, 2020, at the Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas, with his wife and children beside him. Don fought a long battle with COPD, which ultimately caused his death.
He lived with his wife, Jo, in Bella Vista, AR, and also nearby were his two daughters, Nelly and Mary, and granddaughter, Anastasia.
Don was born in Tulsa, OK, on October 23, 1929, to the late Daniel Klieber Higginbotham and the late Anne Louise (Dittmar) Higginbotham. He was also proceeded in death by his two older sisters, Jean Moore and Anne Grimes. Don has two nieces, Laura Ward, California, the late Maureen Moore, and a nephew, Steve Ward, Brazil.
Don graduated from Tulsa Central High School (1947), then received his BA degree in Architectural Engineering from Oklahoma State University in 1952. With the help of the GI Bill, he graduated from Princeton University with a Masters in Architectural Design (1958). Don was the only member of his birth family with a college education. Black Thursday, one day after Don was born, began the Great Depression which made such advantages like college more difficult for many. Don strove to get ahead from these hardscrabble times to achieve goals only he could imagine.
His full-time summer jobs in high school and college, included traveling from Tulsa to Colorado to work first at a resort in Grand Lake and then later driving big tour cars to the top of Pikes Peak. It was during these summers that he fell in love with the beautiful Colorado mountains, determined to someday live and work near them. That dream lead him to Colorado Springs in 1958, where he then lived for 58 years and practiced architecture for 37 years.
He was a principal partner with the architectural firm Higginbotham, Nakata and Muir, from 1962-1972, followed by president of his own firm, Higginbotham and Associates (1972 - 1991), then Higginbotham, Briggs, and Associates (from 1991 until his retirement in 1995). HB&A is still an active firm in Colorado Springs today, lead by Aaron Briggs.
As an architect/planner, Don was registered to practice in CO, OK, WY, and NM. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). In 1970, he was a visiting lecturer in the Dept. of Architecture at U. Colorado, Boulder, and in 1974 a lecturer at Colorado College.
Don was responsible for 75 architectural projects and 60 military and civic community master plans, which exemplified his unwavering and determined work ethic to do every job just right. He was listed as a notable architect/master planner by Marquis Who's Who.
He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (1972-1974) and a member of the Chancellor's Advisory Committee at U. Colorado - Colorado Springs (1983-1984).
Don was also a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, the Men's Christian Bible Study, El Paso Club, Broadmoor Country Club, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.
He served in the United States Air Force from 1953-1955, receiving the rank of First Lieutenant.
Don enjoyed tennis, handball, and squash. He once beat in straight sets the best tennis player at OSU, receiving many kudos from his fraternity brothers! He loved his dog, Moshe, classical music, biographies, great movies, photography, writing poetry, family trips to the mountains, and being with his friends, many of whom he kept up with until a few weeks before he died. He had such a unique sense of humor and was aptly nicknamed "Father Fun" by his family.
His deepest love was for his family. He met his wife Josephine (Hackett), in 1957, in the Tulsa Rose Garden. So young and happy, they fell in love instantly among the many roses. They were married in Tulsa on September 6, 1958, by Dr. Edmund F. Miller, minister of First Presbyterian Church, who had known them both since their youth (though Don and Jo did not realize that, due to their six years difference in age). As Don had so wanted, they moved immediately to Colorado Springs, where they raised their three children, Nelly Kathryn, Matthew Lee, and Mary Jennifer; grandchildren are Hanna Mae Bradbury (Fernando Pereira Gomes), Teo Lee Bradbury, and Anastasia Josephine Higginbotham.
Since their first meeting in the Rose Garden, 63 years ago, they both discovered that the beautiful rose does have it's hidden thorns. Don and Jo spent some years apart, remarrying each other twice. Their close bond, however frayed at times, never broke. Their friendship and love endured as testament to a much Higher Power than they.
For those friends and acquaintances of Don, who wish to honor his memory by donating to a charity, we suggest The Mesa House, c/o Rev. Steve Handen, 420 Mesa Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80905. Don admired Steve so much for the work he does to help those less fortunate in life. On behalf of Don, his family thanks you.

Richard L. Higginbotham (1951-2020) AR
August 13, 1951 – December 27, 2020
Richard L Higginbotham, age 69 was a life long citizen of Texarkana, Arkansas and passed away at his home, Sunday, December 27th, 2020.
He graduated from Arkansas High School and was an avid fan of the Arkansas High School Razorbacks. He called them his "Little Hogs" as he played trumpet in the high school band. He was a life time fan also of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.
Mr. Higginbotham was preceded in death by his father, (Red) R. L. Higginbotham and mother, Ina Mae Higginbotham; and one sister, Jean Jones.
He is survived by one sister and brother-in-law, Larry and Judy Bowman and one brother, Tim Higginbotham, all of Texarkana, AR.
Other survivors are two nieces, Connie Glass of Hooks, TX and Kristin Sledge of Conway, AR and four nephews, Greg Crabtree of Hughes Springs, TX and Jeremy Higginbotham of Greenbriar, AR, Tracy Jones of Texarkana and Shad Jones of McKinney, TX; and a number of great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Graveside funeral service will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, January 4, 2021 at Sylverino Cemetery.
Come and go visitation will be Sunday, January 3, 2021 from 1 to 4 P.M. at East Funeral Home-Downtown.

William Hilton Higginbotham (1964-2021) Germany/AR
June 24, 1964 ~ April 12, 2021 (age 56)
William “Bill” Hilton Higginbotham Jr., 56, of Searcy passed away Monday, April 12, 2021 at Unity Health Medical Center after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was born June 24, 1964 in Berchtesgaden, Germany to the late William and Ursula (Schrank) Higginbotham.
Bill was a United States Army Veteran. He served honorably during Desert Shield. Bill served in Law Enforcement for 27 years. He served as Deputy Sheriff in White County between his two stints with the Searcy Police Department. Bill was affectionately known as “Officer Friendly” by both the citizens of White County and the other officers in the Police force. He was a respected police officer who served the community of Searcy with pride and commitment. He was a loving husband, father, and friend who will be dearly missed.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Wendy Higginbotham; two sons, Jacob and his wife, Rebekah, and Garret; and one sister, Judith Blow and her husband, Jim.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be a gathering at Searcy Church of the Nazarene, Thursday, April 15th from 1:00-3:00 PM for anyone who wants to come and share memories and pay their respects to Bill.

All Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Searcy McEuen Funeral Home.
Condolences may be left at www.SearcyMcEuenFuneralHome.com

James F. Higginbottom Jr., 75, of Batesville passed away Tuesday, July 13, 2021. He was born September 1, 1945, in Batesville to Jim and Alice (Story) Higginbottom. James was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and worked for the radio station KBTA-AM, and other Batesville and Mountain View-area stations from the White River Now radio group, for 53 years. Jim Higginbottom was a founding owner of KBTA-AM, the first radio station to go on the air in Batesville. Survivors include one adoptive daughter, Dixie Smithee of Batesville; three god-children, Scott Baxter (Tracy) of Batesville, Sissy Wilson (Ricky) of O’Neal, and Shelly Baxter of Horseshoe Bend; two adoptive grandchildren, Misty Smithee of Batesville, and Justin Smithee (Katie) of Cave City; four cousins, Carolyn Call (David) of Boulder, Colorado, Ben Brickhouse (Dale) of Blairsville, Georgia, Lucia Madey of Gainsville, Florida, and Joel Adams of Cape Coral, Florida; three great-grandchildren, Brileigh Marlin, Brecken Smithee, Brooks Smithee, and his best friend of 70 years, Brenda Baxter of Batesville. He is preceded in death by his parents. Pallbearers are Scott Baxter, Ricky Wilson, Justin Smithee, Marty Tipton, Bill Olson, and Jon Hidy. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Jim E. Lytle, Danny Yeager, Dr. Bill Waldrip, John Clouse, and Ronnie Clouse. Graveside services will be Monday, July 19, 2021 at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville at 10 a.m. with Rev. Jim McDonald officiating. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday, July 18, 2021, at the Roller-Crouch Funeral Home in Batesville. Memorials may be made to Independence County Library at 267 E Main St, Batesville, AR 72501.

Helen Colene Higginbotham Foote (1926-2021) AR
July 28, 1926 ~ August 29, 2021 (age 95)
Helen Higginbotham Foote, 95, of Hamburg, died Sunday, August 29, 2021, at the Ashley County Medical Center in Crossett. Mrs. Foote was a native of Lake Village and resident of Hamburg for most of her life. After graduating from Hamburg High School, she attended the Baptist Nursing School in Little Rock and received her degree as a Registered Nurse. Following her servant's heart, she became a lifelong caretaker and worked as a Floor Nurse/Surgical Nurse at the Ashley County Medical Center, formerly the Crossett Hospital, the Hamburg School District School Nurse, and a Home Health Nurse for the Arkansas Department of Health. True to her kind, generous, selfless nature, she always put others before herself and would often take care of many outside of her job. She was a faithful member of the Hamburg First United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and was an active member of the United Methodist Women and the Rolfe Whitlow Sunday School Class. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing bridge and was hostess in her home for many Farmer’s Bank parties and other social events. Known as Baba to many, she loved her family and was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Louie Gene Foote in 1996; a son, Henry Eugene Foote in 1974; her parents, J.C. & Eunice Griswold Higginbotham; two sisters, Lorece Ozment Rainey and Billie Jean Bussell; a brother, Donald Higginbotham; a sister-in-law, Muriel Bolls Suares and a special friend, Linda Harville.
She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Janes and husband, Jerry, of Hamburg; two brothers, Phillip Higginbotham of Fayetteville and James Higginbotham and wife, Anita, of Crossett; a granddaughter, Nan Erwin and husband Keith, of Hamburg; three grandsons, Kyle Barnett and wife, Kamber, of Yukon, Oklahoma, Jeremy Janes of Rogers and Carey Janes of Bella Vista; eight great-grandchildren, Reid Erwin and Evan Erwin both of Hamburg, Kolbie Barnett and Kylie Barnett both of Yukon, Oklahoma, Camille Janes and Claire Janes both of Texarkana, Morgan Janes and Murphy Janes both of Bella Vista and a sister-in-law, Myra Higginbotham of Katy, Texas
Memorial services are 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church with Colten Stanberry, Bro. Josh Luellen, Rev. Toby Austin and Chad Higginbotham officiating. A private burial will be in the Hamburg Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers are Dillon Deason, Peyton Gwin, Joe Hennington, Jared Brooks, Trey Holland, Johnny Pierce, Josh Pierce, Jeff Foote, Joe Foote, William Foote, Drew Foote, Brad Shiver, Harry Shiver, Kyle Barnett and Reid Erwin. Memorials may be made to the Hamburg First United Methodist Church, 202 S. Main Street, Hamburg, AR 71646 or the Promise Land Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund, 765 Ashley Road 70, Hamburg, AR 71646 or the Promise Land Community Building Fund c/o Lindsey Brooks, 427 Ashley Road 70, Hamburg, AR 71646.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Monday at the funeral home.

Ocker-Putman Funeral Home - Alma on Dec. 5, 2021

Emmett Higginbotham (1942-2021) LA/AR
Friday, December 18th, 1942 - Friday, December 3rd, 2021

Mr. Emmett Higginbotham, 78, of Alma, Arkansas, formerly from Jefferson Parish Louisiana went to be with the Lord Friday evening at Baptist Health after a long illness. Born December 18, 1942 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Alma Ruth McNeese and Emmett Higginbotham Sr. After the death of his mother, his father, Emmett Sr. married Myra Jones. Myra became Emmett and his sister, Nancy's only caregiver/mother after the death of Emmett Sr. Emmett joined the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. After the war, he served as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Polk, Leesville, La. After his military service, he began his service with law enforcement when he went to work for the Jefferson Parrish Sheriff's Office. It is there that he met his wife Ruth Davis Higginbotham. After he retired from law enforcement as Captain of the Narcotics division, he and Ruth moved to Alma, Arkansas to be closer to adored sister, Nancy. Emmett was an active member of the Jerusalem Temple Shriners Clown Unit in Louisiana and was fondly remembered by family and friends as "Papa Boo".
He is preceded in death by his mother, Alma Ruth, father, Emmett Sr., beloved aunt Minnie, and step-mother, Myra. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ruth, his only sibling, sister, Nancy Pierson, and 6 children. Son, Emmett Higginbotham and wife, Mary (Foley AL); daughters, Kim Higginbotham (Hattiesburg, MS), Liz Maloney and husband, Don (Hattiesburg, MS), Tara Fitch and husband, Barry (Omaha, Nebraska), Candice Higginbotham (Austin, TX), Holly Higginbotham, (Metairie, LA). He was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Service will be 12:30 PM Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Van Buren with interment at 2:00 PM at US National Cemetery under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Alma.
The family will visit with friends at 10:00 AM until 12:30 PM Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Van Buren.

John David Higginbotham (1964-2022) AR
July 25, 1964 ~ January 10, 2022 (age 57)
John David Higginbotham, 57, of Crossett, died Monday, January 10, 2022, at his residence in Crossett. Mr. Higginbotham was a native and resident of Crossett for most of his adult life. He was a former resident of Hamburg and a 1982 graduate of Hamburg High School. He enjoyed working on anything electronic, worked for A & E Electric in Crossett as a heating and air specialist. He was known to take apart electronics, especially computers, “reverse engineer it” and put it back together. He was very adventurous and loved being outdoors, especially spontaneous trips to Hot Springs. Recently, he gave his life to the Lord. He fought a long, hard battle, but is now at peace and rejoicing in Heaven.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Trammell; his parents, JD and Gail Bing Higginbotham both in 2020; a brother, Gary K. Higginbotham in 2007; a sister, Valerie Higginbotham in 1957 and a nephew, Zachary Seth Higginbotham in 2008.
He is survived by two brothers, Jay Higginbotham of Crossett and Eric Higginbotham of Hamburg; two nephews, Eric James Higginbotham and Gary Keith Higginbotham and wife, Chloe, and their son, Zachary Higginbotham, all of Hamburg; two step-daughters, Christy Trammell of Little Rock and Katie Earnest of Louisiana; his girlfriend, Michelle Womble Knight of Crossett; two step-grandsons and a host of cousins and other family members.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Joseph Lewis Higginbotham III (1957-2022) IL/AR
June 21, 1957 – February 6, 2022
Joseph Lewis Higginbotham, III, 64, died peacefully at his home in Greenwood on Sunday, February 6, 2022. He was born June 21, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois to Charlotte Lee Brown and Joseph Higginbotham, II.
Joe was known for his quick wit, his generosity and most of all, his love of family. Even when he was having rough days from his cancer treatment, his sense of humor never lapsed. Through his diligence in keeping a record of all the treatments and their effects, his oncologist found that Joe’s medical regime was applicable to other cancer patients. As a past member of Biker’s Against Child Abuse (BACA), his rider name was Beezer for his motorcycle, a restored BSA, Joe was able to help children who had been in abusive home environments. From biker rides, toy drives and courtroom support, the members of BACA helped these children find some normalcy in their world. Joe was generous to others with his money, his time and his woodworking skills. As a master carpenter, Joe did woodworking for Woodco before opening his own business. He did remodeling and cabinetry as well. During the holidays, Joe would randomly give money to those he felt were in need when he saw them in local stores. This gave him great joy to be helpful to others.
Joe loved his family, which was a huge undertaking due to its size. He is survived by his companion, Beth Foley; his children, Jennifer Higginbotham, Maggie Higginbotham, Joey Higginbotham, James Higginbotham, Sarah Higginbotham and Angie Higginbotham; his sisters, Deb Hall, Inga Olson, JoDeane Buren, Delores Locke, Leah Braton and Nina Hill and his brothers, Charles Higginbotham, Jack Travis, Jonas Travis, Bill Travis, Dick Tavis, Terry Travis, Harvey Moore, Ronnie Moore, Frank Moore and Harold Steve Smith. The lights of his life were his grandchildren, Mikaela Higginbotham, Sophie Higginbotham, Nate Leffingwell, Cassie Leffingwell, John Paul Leffingwell, Millie Higginbotham, Darcie Higginbotham, Bonnie Johnson, Inarah Higginbotham, Adelaide Higginbotham, Willow Higginbotham and Ember Ball. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Cindy Higginbotham.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held 12:30 p.m., Sunday, February 20 at the Fort Smith Elk’s Lodge, 5504 Massard Road in Fort Smith. Cremation is under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood.
Instead of flowers, please consider a donation in Joe “Beezer”’s honor to Bikers Against Child Abuse River Valley Chapter, P.O. Box 180955, Fort Smith, AR 72918 or online at arkansas.bacaworld.org.

Nancy Sue Pierson, 80, of Alma, Arkansas passed away July 4, 2022 at a local hospital. She was a retired account manager for Superior Federal Bank, a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Alma, and a member of the Bunco Babes. Nancy was born October 31, 1941 in Bogalusa, Louisiana to the late Emmett and Alma Ruth (McNeese) Higginbotham. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and soulmate, Ernie Pierson; parents, Emmett and Alma Ruth Higginbotham; stepmother, Myra (Jones) Higginbotham; daughter, Teri Lynn Pierson; brother, Emmett Higginbotham; and grandson, Marshall Winn.

The family will visit with friends and family from 2:00 till 4:00 P.M. Sunday, July 10, 2022 at Ocker Funeral Home of Alma. Funeral service will be at 12:30 P.M. Monday, July 11, 2022 at Trinity Baptist Church in Alma with burial to follow at U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Mike Cyr, Emmett David Higginbotham, Darrell Martin, Rick Whitlow, Phillip Patterson, and Chris Cyr.

Nancy is survived by two daughters, Karen Cyr and husband Mike of Spokane, WA, and Ruth Winn of Alma; son, Ken Pierson and wife Janet of Alma; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of unofficially adopted sons, daughters, and grandchildren.

James Edward Higginbotham, 88, of Hamburg, died Wednesday, July 27, 2022, in Little Rock. Mr. Higginbotham was a native and lifelong resident of Hamburg and a 1952 graduate of Hamburg High School. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean Conflict, and worked as a Salesman for Frito Lay for 30 years. He was always willing to lend a hand, could fix anything, and enjoyed helping others with home projects. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gaston and Janie Venters Higginbotham; a sister, Louise Pelton and three brothers, Ralph “Pete” Higginbotham, Frank F. “Bunk” Higginbotham, and Lavon “Slick” Higginbotham.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Bobbie Fuller Higginbotham of Hamburg; three sons, Jamey Higginbotham and wife, Michele, of Houston, Texas, Scott Higginbotham and Mark Higginbotham and wife, Sherry, all of Monticello; three sisters, Annie Jo Smith of Crossett, Betty Eubanks of Hamburg and Margaret Riley of Little Rock; a brother, Norman Higginbotham and wife, Merlyn, of Hamburg; ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Graveside services are 10 a.m., Saturday, July 30, 2022, at the Trafalgar Cemetery with Glen Lawson and Hope Higginbotham officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Blake Higginbotham, Chase Higginbotham, Brett Higginbotham, Rylan Gilbert, and Kenny Bowden. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205-1569.
Visitation will be from 9:45 – 10 a.m. Saturday at the cemetery.

Hattie Mae Lastovica Higginbotham (1933-2022) TX/AR
Rogers, AR, 1933 - 2022
Hattie Mae Higginbotham, 88, of Rogers passed away September 5, 2022, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale after a brief illness.
She was born October 1, 1933, in Temple, Texas, to Paul Henry and Anne (Hofferek) Lastovica. Hattie was an LPN/LVN for 30-plus years. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Rogers. She enjoyed crocheting and was an active member in Prayer Shawl Ministry.
Hattie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Thomas Lawson Higginbotham, Jr.; two brothers, Stanley William Lastovica and Paul Henry Lastovica.
Hattie loved the Lord with all her heart, and it showed in all she did in this life. She loved her family passionately and was always excited to see her children, grandchildren, extended family and many friends.
She is survived by her children, Thomas Lawson Higginbotham, III (Linda), Keith Paul Higginbotham (Virginia), Carl Stanley Higginbotham, David Alan Higginbotham and Lisa Ann Clark; two brothers Leroy James Lastovica (Patricia) and Ernest Alfred Lastovica (Mary Jo); five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Visitation will be 10-10:45 a.m., with memorial services at 11 a.m. Friday, September 9, 2022, at Central United Methodist Church Rogers.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N 4th, Rogers.

Dorothy Jean Varnado Higginbotham, age 91, of Texarkana, Arkansas, died Friday, September 9, 2022 in a local hospice facility. Mrs. Higginbotham was born October 22, 1930, in El Dorado, Arkansas. She was a retired teacher and a member of the First Baptist Church, Texarkana. She was preceded in death by her father, Walter D. Varnado; mother, Gladys Welch Colley; stepfather, Lee Colley and stepsister Patsy Colley. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Cassandra “Sandy” Lynn Phillips and Herbert John Phillips of Texarkana, Arkansas; one grandson, Joshua Andrew Phillips of Texarkana, Arkansas; one niece, Marcie Hope Taylor and daughter Jessica of San Antonio, Texas; one nephew, John Hope and wife Michelle and daughter Lindsey of Boerne, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at the Chapelwood Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bryan Bixler and Buddy McWilliams officiating. Burial will be in Chapelwood Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M.

Larry Higginbotham Jr., 52, of Tyronza, passed away December 30, 2022 at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro. Mr. Higginbotham worked for NEATS out of Jonesboro and of the Baptist Faith. He was born July 7, 1970 in Forrest City to Larry Higginbotham Sr. and Janie Null Austin. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Melissa Higginbotham of Tyronza, one son Brandon (Amanda) Higginbotham of Jonesboro, five daughters Stephanie (Tyler Benight) Higginbotham of Conway, Brandi Higginbotham of Jonesboro, Brittney (Alex) Dean of Marion, Emily Cates, and Zaidy Cates of Tyronza, two sisters Lisa (Jerry) Lancaster, Cindy Cates both of Crawfordsville and two grandchildren. There will be a direct cremation for Mr. Higginbotham. Wilson Funeral Home in Tyronza, AR is in charge of arrangements.

Paul was born on September 4, 1946, in St. Joseph, Louisiana. He went home to be with our Lord and Savior on February 12, 2023.
Paul lived and raised his children in north Louisiana and worked for 30 years for Pabco, Inc. He moved to Mountain View, Arkansas in 1999 to retire on a beautiful mountain, in the home he loved with magnificent sunset views. Paul loved gardening, and feeding and watching the birds, the hummingbirds being his favorite. His ”little buddy,” Charlie, was in his lap every day to cuddle and watch TV.
Paul faithfully served our Lord, serving as Deacon and Sunday School Director at Foothills Baptist Church for many years. He was known by many to be a man with a heart of gold. Paul loved his family more than anything and has left a great legacy of love in each one of them.
Paul is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Frances Barfield Higginbotham and his sister, Cloteal Stockstill.
Paul is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Daphne, and by his brother, Ray Higginbotham of Newellton LA; daughters, Carol Ekenseair (Ken) of Plumerville, AR, Paula Higginbotham of Plano, TX, Amy Robey (Scott) of Lakehills, TX; grandchildren, James Paul Conn of Ruston LA, Rachel Teffs of Maumelle, AR, Landon Hill, Hayden Hill, and Dakota Hill all of Dallas, TX and Dylan Robey and Jordan Robey of Lakehills, TX. His great-grandchildren, Savannah Smith and Emma Smith, Cason Conn and Cadie Conn, Harper Hill, Kinsley Hill, Marianna Hill and Cameron Hill. Paul had numerous nieces and nephews, and dear friends and church family.
Funeral Services for Paul will be 11 AM Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at Foothills Baptist Church in Mountain View, Arkansas. Visitation will be one hour prior. Interment will follow at The Historical Cemetery of Mountain View. Brother Tommy Medley will officiate. Pallbearers will be James Paul Conn, Landon Hill, Hayden Hill, Dakota Hill, Dylan Robey, and Scott Higginbotham.

Mary Jo Ashburn Higginbotham (1933-2023) AR
January 15, 1933 - March 8, 2023
Mary Jo Higginbotham, 90, of Joiner passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. She was born in Wardell on January 15, 1933 to Joe and Mary Ashburn. Mary Jo worked as a secretary for Lee Wilson for many years and was member of Joiner Methodist Church. She enjoyed playing canasta with her card club, gardening, cooking and spending time with her family. Mary Jo is survived by her sons: Blaine (Terri) Higginbotham, Joe (Cory Cook) Higginbotham; grandchildren: Todd (Jennifer) Higginbotham, Brooke (Bishop) Whitley, Ryan (Katie) Higginbotham, Lauren (Jordan) Cordray, Alyssa Larue; great grandchildren: Noah, Xander, Alexa, Jax, Reid, Chandler, Drake, Beckett, Cole; sisters: Alice Ann Spears, Eva Carol ''Sissy'' Barber, and a host of family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Jack Ray ''Bo'' Higginbotham; brother: Sonny Ashburn; sister: Charlene Davies. A visitation will be held at Roller-Swift Funeral Home on Friday, March 10, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with the funeral following at 11:00 am. Interment: Ashburn Musick Cemetery.

Annie Jo Smith, 91, of Crossett, passed away on July 29, in Hamburg. She was born on January 30, 1932 to Gaston Marion Higginbotham and Janie Margarit Venters in Hamburg.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Harold Wilton Smith; four brothers, Lavon “Slick” Higginbotham, Frank “Bunk” Higginbotham, Ralph “Pete” Higginbotham, and James Higginbotham; one sister, Louise Pelton.
She is survived by her daughter, Janice Ann Wright (Donnie); her sons, Harold Glenn Smith (Pam), Timothy Lee Smith (Kim); one brother, Norman Higginbotham; and two sisters, Margarit Riley and Betty Eubanks; her grandchildren, Christy Rice (Howie), Rachel Johnson (Landon), Amanda Willis (Chalin), Kathy Grillot (Danny), Josh Smith (Amanda), and Matt Smith. She is also survived by 18 great grandchildren.
Visitation was 5-7p.m., Tuesday, August 1, at Jones Funeral Home in Crossett. Funeral services were at 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 2, at The Church of Christ on Pine Street in Crossett, with Bro. Jerry Martin officiating. Interment followed at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Crossett under direction of Jones Funeral Home, Inc. Pallbearers are Josh Smith, Matt Smith, Howie Rice, Chalin Willis, Jack Atkins and Tanner Johnson.

Oshey Lee Perkins Wages Higginbotham (1944-2023) AR
Clarksville, AR, 1944 - 2023
Oshey Lee (Perkins) Higginbotham, 79, a resident of Clarksville, formerly of Huntsville and Rogers, passed away Tuesday, October 10, 2023, in Fort Smith.
She was born June 22, 1944, in Prairie Grove, Ark., to the late Oscar and Oshey Lee (Dotson) Perkins. Oshey spent her working years with Tyson Foods. Her most recent years with Tyson, until her retirement, were spent at their corporate office in Rogers, where she worked with the human resource department. Oshey attended the Clarksville Church of Christ. In her spare time, Oshey enjoyed reading, genealogy and traveling with family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Pat Perkins and Hannah Goats.
Survivors include a son, Rodney Wages and wife, Jennifer, of Knoxville; a daughter, Cynthia Salinas of Elkins; three grandchildren, Will Wooten and wife, Morgan, of Elkins, Wes Wooten and wife, Taea, of Elkins, and Ryan Wages of Huntsville; five great-grandchildren, Talon, Nolan and Collin Wooten, and Zoey and Beau Wooten, all of Elkins; and a brother, Bill Perkins of Clarksville.
In honor of Oshey's wishes, arrangements will be private under the direction of Roller-Cox Funeral Home in Clarksville.

Noah Higginbotham (1957-2023) KY/AR
February 16, 1957 – October 20, 2023
Staff Sgt. Noah Higginbotham of Mayflower, AR formally from Carlisle, Kentucky departed this world unsuspectedly on Friday, October 20. 2023 at the age of 66. He was a devoted husband to wife Claudia C. (Garner); for over 20 years. Father to Amanda (Bobby) Higgs of Jacksonville, FL. Noah was a retired US Air Force member for over 20 years. He was a precious grandfather, loving brother, and exceptional friend. He was born to the late Ancil Thomas and Mandy (Perry) Higginbotham. As a young boy and a man he was quiet and laid back who loved life, his friends, family, and especially his pets, Frankie, Gus, and Spirit. He had two stepdaughters, Laronda Daugherty of Little Rock, AR and Angela Daugherty (Anthony Gordin) of Fayetteville, AR. He was a loving grandfather to Brandon Gomez and Jackson Higgs, Kyril Jones, Calleigh Jeffiers, Preslyn Bell, and Dalton Bacus, Rolly Bacus, and Gabby Bacus; loving brothers, Virgil Lee Higginbotham and Roscoe L (Deborah) Higginbotham of Carlisle, Kentucky; mother-in-law, Nellie Garner Kinnaird of Augusta, AR; sister-in-law, Sylvia Perry; Nancy Garner Hyatt (Phillip) of McCrory; Sarah Garner Crews of Hot Springs, Frances Garner Haverstick of Augusta, AR, Jeannie Garner Knight (Mike) Kennett of Missouri, Betty Garner of Augusta, AR. And Peggy Garner Whitledge (Jeff) of Cabot.
He is preceded in death by grandson, Zain Jones and twelve brothers and sisters, Clarence Higginbotham, Albert Higginbotham, Elizabeth Hicks, Addie Mae Perry, Herbert Higginbotham, James Luke Perry, Clifton Leroy Higginbotham, Carlos Higginbotham, Ryma Dean Frantz, Daisy Marie Herrington, Elsie Faye Lutes, Gola Jane Floyd; and two broth-in-laws, Claude P. Garner Jr., and Terry W. Crews.
He was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews of which there are too many to count. His lifelong friends include, Damon Booth and Mike Hillock. He cared for numerous exceptional friends, Harry Roderick, Tony and Sandy Lucas, and Bruce and Lynn Thompson, and all those who crossed his path. He was kind, generous, courageous, devoted airman, that showed valor by saving a fellow serviceman’s life during flight, and a loving soul who loved will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.
A Military Service will be held Tuesday October 24, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Rest Hill Memorial Park in North Little Rock, AR.

Paul Edward Higginbotham, 85, of Cabot, Arkansas, passed away on October 28, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on February 8, 1938 to Ruth Williams Higginbotham and Walter Thurman Higginbotham in Harrisburg, Arkansas. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Noel Higginbotham, Boyd Higginbotham, and Doris Martin. Paul was a veteran who served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War where he was introduced to working on radio and electronic equipment. After completing his service in the military, he went on to pursue a career in law enforcement, various entrepreneurial endeavors, and ultimately retired from the United States Postal Service in 2020 after serving 30+ years as an electronic technician. He was a devoted family man, who always put his loved ones first. Paul cherished his wife of over forty years, Leanna, and was a loving and supportive father to his children, Timothy (Courtney) and Paula (Taylor). He is survived by his youngest brother, James. Paul adored his grandchildren; Peyton, Aida, Landry, and Madeleine. Paul will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, and his unwavering love and support. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. To honor his memory, pick up an extra shift at work, eat a bowl of ice cream, play a game of Solitaire, or enjoy a nice glass of whiskey. A private celebration of life will be held to honor Paul's life and legacy. Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400.

Naomi Jones, 95, of El Dorado passed away Thursday, January 18, 2024 at her residence. Born January 23, 1928 in Wesson, AR, she was the daughter of Irving Franklin and Blanche Oleavia Ball. Naomi was a longtime member of First Assembly of God Church of El Dorado. She had been employed at ConAgra, was the owner of a flea market, and an Avon representative for over 70 years. Preceding her in death along with her parents were her husbands, Harold Purtle, Harvey Higginbotham and Cecil Jones, brothers, Obers, Buphord, Samuel, Irving Francis, and Dwight Franklin Ball and a sister, Viola Odom. Survivors include two daughters, Tereasa Purtle Olinde (Dr. Andrew) of Baton Rouge, LA and Park City, UT, and Peggy Lee of El Dorado; a brother James Ball of Lacey Springs, AL and a sister, Margaret Owen of Hico, LA. Grandchildren are Michael Reitz, Katherine Lee, Andy Lee, Abigail Lee, Tykie Kiefe, Roslyn Gutierrez, Andrew Olinde and Aaron Lee. Her great grandchildren are Joey, Patrick, Tristan, Riley, Kieley, Piper, Brook, Drew and Rosie James. Last but not least, she is survived Zanka, a rescue dog, who was her constant companion Naomi Ball was the 4th of nine children. She was born at home. A child of the Great Depression, the family always had plenty to eat from the farm. While the girls were assigned cooking and housework, Naomi preferred the farm and was allowed to spend her time working the fields, a love that she still had today. She worked her own garden and yard very diligently up until one month ago, doing the work that most men half her age would tire from doing. She loved it, and loved to tell people who visit where each plant or tree came from—Aunt Hazel’s, Catherine’s, Tereasa’s or even on the side of the roads. She was a World Traveler, and especially enjoyed sitting at the Captain’s Table on Crystal Cruises. Naomi first married Harold Purtle and had two daughters, Tereasa, who is married to Dr. Andrew Olinde and Peggy, who along with her grandson Andy, lived with her and cared for her at her home “Naomi’s World”. Beyond her immediate family, Naomi has many, many friends and people that she took care of. Even today! In addition to looking after Benny and Catherine, Naomi has always had someone to care for. Her brother Sam where she was the full-time caregiver, to her sister-in-law Hazel, who she loved like a sister. She recently shared that of all the people in her life who had passed, she missed Hazel the most. They met at 15 and 16 years old and Naomi actually introduced her to her brother. When Buphord passed away, Naomi stayed close to Hazel for many years and acted as her primary caregiver. Naomi also cared for her 2nd husband Harvey Higginbotham, who was stricken with Alzheimer’s. When she and Cecil married at 75, she brought his mom, at 96 to her home when she was unable to continue living on her own. She cared for her like a daughter would. She was like a saint or Florence Nightingale, and would have become a nurse had scholarships not been suspended during WWII when she graduated from Parker’s Chapel as Valedictorian. Naomi was blessed with a long retirement, though she never totally retired. She sold Avon for over 70 years! She worked hard to raise her girls on her own. Her 1st husband, Harold, was a disabled veteran and unable to support her and the children. She never quit. She never said no—she said somehow, she would find a way. She raised her girls at First Assembly and gave both a strong spiritual foundation. Naomi was active in the community all her life. Whether it was to lend an ear, provide a meal or give someone a much-needed ride. She has never forgotten those who helped her. She and Cecil were able to help others and did. In addition to the church, they have helped the Senior Center, including buying a new HVAC system when no funds were available. She was a wonderful person who has been blessed with largely good health throughout her life. She had a wonderful sense of humor, was a voracious reader and a classy lady with a sense of style and grace. She read the complete Bible each and every year. Naomi lived her life exactly as Jesus taught. She loved all and gave to those in need. Always, even when pennies counted. She was blessed to lead a comfortable retirement but continued to support others in need—monetarily and personally. She was the matriarch of the Ball Family and will be sorely missed and always remembered. Her favorite slogan was “I did it my way”, and she truly did. Visitation for friends and family will be Monday, January 22, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Young's Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at First Assembly of God Church with Rev. Daniel Egger officiating. Interment will follow in Old Parker's Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. Honoring Naomi as pallbearers will be Michael Reitz, Andrew Lee, Andrew Olinde, Robert Kiefe, Joe Gutierrez, Jim Ball, Tom Ball, Ken Ball, Joey Brue, and Patrick Brue. Honorary pallbearers are Joe and Joyce Gallea. Memorials may be made to First Assembly of God Church, 2225 W. Hillsboro St., El Dorado, AR 71730 or to the Old Parker's Chapel Cemetery.

Billie Carole Hickenbottom was born in Harrison, Arkansas, to Dale Hickenbottom & Iris Hickenbottom (Weese). She is preceded in death by two siblings, Lester Michael & Manuel Gail Hickenbottom; and is survived by sister, Marilyn Sue Hickenbottom; and brother, Roger Dale Hickenbottom. She is preceded in death by her husband, Willie James Jennings. She is survived by daughter, Tanya Lee Theis (Brewster); grandchildren, Vidisha Raj-Newton and Govind Raj; and great-grandchild, Katherine E. Newton. Billie was an avid painter and proud member of the Tulsa Town Tolers.

Stephanie Higginbotham, 51, of Conway, was born November 30, 1972 in Eldorado, Arkansas and she went to be with the Lord on May 9, 2024 in Conway, Arkansas. She was proceeded in death by her brother, Shane Bridges; bonus dad, Vince Callahan; and grandson, Brooks Angele. Stephanie is survived by her mom, Trish Callahan of Conway, AR; dad, Jack Bridges of West Memphis, AR; daughter, Morgan Angele and John of Greenbrier, AR; son, Ben Higginbotham and Katie of Ward, AR; brothers, Joe Bridges and Allison of Fayetteville, AR, Justin Callahan of Proctor, AR; and 7 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild along with many other family members and friends. Visitation will be from 1:00pm to 2:00pm on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Wilcox Family Funeral Home. Celebration of life will be at 2:00pm on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Wilcox Family Funeral Home with Brother Kyle Lewellen officiating.

Jonathan Rufus Higginbotham, affectionately known as J.R., passed away on June 9, 2024, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, at the age of 35. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, to John Higginbotham and Melanie Lamb. J.R. had a profound passion for music, finding joy in playing the guitar and drumming in the park downtown Eureka Springs. He was known for his generous spirit, always eager to help and serve others. An outdoor enthusiast, he enjoyed kayaking, camping, hiking, and spending time on the lakes and rivers. J.R. also had a love for cooking and dreamed of attending culinary school. He had a great love for dogs, horses, and all animals. Above all, he cherished his family, friends, and especially his son, Skylar. J.R. was a beloved son, brother, father, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. He will be missed beyond measure and forever cherished deep within the hearts of those who loved him. J.R. was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rufus and Mary Helen Higginbotham; great-grandparents, Eddie and Ruby Heater, Grover and Dean Allen; great-great grandparents William and Mary Parks, Earl and Edna Higginbotham, Melvin and Willidine Hogan, and Ben and Ida Hale. Services will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service.

Ella B. Higginbottom, 92, of Pocahontas passed away Friday, September 13, 2024 at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.
She was born February 28, 1932 in Greene County, AR to the late Luther W. and Maggie Lairson Starling. She was married to Burl Higginbottom on April 11, 1953. She worked in environmental services at St. Anthony Medical Center.
She was preceded in death by her parents Luther and Maggie Starling; husband, Burl Higginbottom; brothers, William, Hershal, Pink, Calvin, and Raymond Starling; sister, Joyce Grow; one infant brother; and two infant sisters.
Ella is survived by many nieces and nephews; friend, Pat Hausman; and her family at StoneBridge Senior Living.
All services will be held in the chapel of McNabb Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 10-11 AM with a funeral service beginning at 11 AM with Jeff Hamm officiating. Burial will follow in Randolph Memorial Gardens.