Betty Ruth Higginbotham

On April 04, 2016, an extraordinary woman left this earth and took her place with the angels in heaven. After a lengthy illness Betty Higginbotham, while holding the hand of her son, Steve Higginbotham, quietly embraced the joy and understanding offered by God knowing there would be no more pain and no more suffering. Her passing has left many people grieving including sons Richard Michael Murphy of Adamsville, AL; Leslie Alan(Melodia) Murphy of Wellsville, Ohio; Steven Edward Higginbotham of Gardendale, AL; Jeffrey Clark (Rebecca) Higginbotham of Warrior, AL; daughter Carol (Timothy) Allums of Anchorage, AK; and daughter-in-law, Cindy Higginbotham of Vinemont, AL. and her brother Richard (Janice) Sargent of Bagley, AL. Her many grandchildren who will miss her are Michael, Elizabeth, Lark, Amy, John Taylor, Curtis, Roger, Clifford, Haley, Hagan, Natalie, Josh, Robbie, Jonathan, Jennifer(Hannah and Jacob), Jason, Sarah, Matthew, Ahren, and Harrison. She was preceded in death by her parents Elbert and Chalmer Sargent; her husband, Clifford Edward Higginbotham; three brothers- Billy Joe Sargent, Robert Sargent, infant John Michael Sargent and her son, Chris Carden Higginbotham.She leaves behind many cousins and other family members and friends who brought her great joy.She will always have a place in the heart of her very best friend, Nancy Screws, of Fultondale, Al. Like the Woman of Worth in Proverbs 37:10-31, Betty was a loyal wife and life partner, a wonderful mother, and a faithful daughter. She raised her children with foundations of family, truth, and strength.Although widowed at a young age, she seized every opportunity to improve herself and the lives of her children. She was an excellent provider, a hard worker, a kind friend, and a generous neighbor. She always put others first and never shied away from her responsibilities. Her children have risen up and called her blessed knowing that she would always be there to help and guide them through life’s struggles. She never considered giving up and never expected a handout. Her grandson, Jonathan Madison of San Antonio, TX, put it best: “She was far from perfect, but she had every excuse to be far less and never took it. She owned her life, and her happiness, like no one else I’ve ever known. She inspired me to try harder, and do better, every single day.” She was, truly, a worthy woman.

Betty Ruth Higginbotham

December 1, 1931 - April 5, 2016