Joy Marie Higginbotham

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joy Marie Higginbotham, a beloved caregiver and cherished member of the community. Born on July 19, 1934, in Grand Saline, Texas, Joy was the daughter of William Brown and Minnie Bell Brown. She dedicated her life to helping others, both in her profession as a caregiver and through her devotion to Abundant Life Temple, where she was an active member for over 50 years.

Known for her kindness and compassionate nature, Joy had a passion for sharing her faith with others and was always eager to extend an invitation to church to those around her. Family was at the center of Joy's world, and she found joy in caring for her loved ones with unwavering love and support.

Joy is survived by her daughters, Sue Pace and Misty Aguilar; granddaughters, Amber Lyons and husband Leslie, Stacy Owens and husband Charlie, Stormi Aguilar, Krystal Pace, and Kim Borsch; grandsons, Aaron Higginbotham, Brandon Aguilar, Kevin Pace, Byron Higginbotham, Todd Higginbotham, Phillip Higginbotham and Brandon Higginbotham; numerous great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ardell Bozarth; as well as many other extended family members and friends. 

Joy is preceded in death by her husband, Milard Philmon Higginbotham; father, William Brown; mother, Minnie Bell Prestige Brown; sons, Raymond Milton Higginbotham, Lavon Higginbotham, and Felton Higginbotham; grandsons, Isiah Aguilar, Israel Aguilar, and John Aaron Higginbotham; Henery Brown; Dorthy Rountree; Martha JoAnn Davis; Sara Nita Tumey; and Tommy Brown. 

The community mourns the loss of a truly selfless individual. A visitation in honor of Joy will be held at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater, Texas on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, from 6 to 8 in the evening. The funeral service will take place at Abundant Life Church in Gladewater, Texas on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 11 o'clock in the morning with burial to follow at the Old White Oak Cemetery in White Oak, Texas. 

May she be remembered for her kindness, faith, and dedication to serving others. Joy's memory will live on in the hearts of all those fortunate enough to have known her.