Elizabeth Ballard Higginbotham

She was the daughter of the late Annie Louise McDonald Ballard and William Thomas Ballard of Rockingham, NC. She was born and lived in Rockingham, NC until graduating from college in Raleigh, NC where she met and married Robert S. Higginbotham, her totally devoted and loving husband of 56 years. Betty’s life was built around loving, close relationships with friends and giving to others. God and Family were always the center of her life and a source of abundant joy and constant pride. It was never about herself but always others. Initially, as a member of the Junior League and subsequently through the intervening years, her volunteer activities included involvement with hospitals, handicapped children, and various Presbyterian Churches. She greatly admired the activities of the Williams YMCA where she served as an Ambassador, predominantly with active older adults and fund raising.

Preceded in death by her infant son, Thomas Howard, she is survived by her adoring family: husband, Bob of Jacksonville; son, Robert S. Higginbotham, Jr., Reston VA; daughter and son in-law Kathryn H. and Rick Davis, Marietta, GA, daughter Karen H. Bernstein, Jacksonville; grandchildren, Lauren Mobley, Kate Armstrong, and Brooks Bernstein; great grandchildren, Emma and Jack Mobley; sisters, Carol Daniels, Duluth, GA and Kathryn McManus, Hamlet, NC.

Betty will be sorely missed, of course, by all who knew her, but we are comforted by having her live in our memories, our hearts, and in Heaven where we will someday see her again.

A Celebration of Betty’s Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 11, 2011 in Mandarin Presbyterian Church, 12001 Mandarin Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32223 with Rev. Jeff Arnold as Officiant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Betty’s name to Mandarin Presbyterian Church and the Williams YMCA, 10415 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32257.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.