Anne Hemphill Higgins

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Anne Higgins was called home to our lord on October 26, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Born Aloysia Anne Hemphill on May 22, 1947, in Austin, Texas, she was the daughter of Aloysius Leroy Hemphill, Jr. and Elizabeth Marie Browne Hemphill. Raised in Houston, Anne attended Holy Ghost Catholic School and graduated from Marian High School in 1965. She furthered her education at Dominican College School of Nursing, graduating in 1969. After working in various hospitals and doctors’ offices, she dedicated 27 years of her career as a school nurse at Alief Middle School.

After a vibrant youth swinging from chandeliers and rolling off cars, Anne found life balance through her faith and grandkids. She was a devoted member of St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land, where she played a significant role in the community by leading the J.O.Y Club and serving as an RCIA sponsor. Her commitment to welcoming new members into the Catholic faith was evident in her actions and her strong belief in the goodness of God.

Anne's warm and approachable nature allowed her to foster strong relationships and create a welcoming atmosphere for those around her. She enjoyed travel and adventure, particularly summer trips across Texas with her grandchildren, as well as worldly travel including to the Holy Land. Her love for adventure extended to "wherever" land with her kids and grandkids, highlighting her love and devotion for her family by unfailingly creating lasting memories.

Anne's unique blend of faith and humor was reflected in her sayings, such as "God is good all the time all the time God is good"; “Get me a pen”; and "Hot damn and would you please pass the jelly!" I am sure that everyone has a favorite “Anne-ism”.

Anne is survived by her two daughters, Christine Anne Higgins Carter and Karen Annette Higgins; Christine’s husband, Marc; and their children, Caroline, Michael, and Matthew. She is also survived by her beloved “hero dog,” Bette-Browne; her sisters, Patricia Pomaro and husband Louis, and Mary Jo Pearcy and husband Marc; as well as childhood friends, “MEALS”, Gilbert, and “Bets”. She leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Kathleen Ruth Hemphill, Anne lived life to the fullest, as reflected in her cherished relationships with family and friends.

Pallbearers will include Marc Carter, Michael Carter, Matthew Carter, Chris Saenz, Terry Saenz, Jason Saenz, and TJ Saenz.

Visitation and Vigil/Rosary will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on November 14th in the chapel at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home,12555 S. Kirkwood Rd, Stafford, TX 77477. A funeral mass will take place at 10:00 a.m. on November 15th at St. Laurence Catholic Church, 3100 Sweetwater Boulevard, Sugar Land, TX 77479. The services will be officiated by her dear friends, Father Jaison Thomas and Father Truong Son Nguyen, assisted by Deacon Tom Ruck and Deacon Dennis Henderson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Anne’s memory may be made to Wounded Warriors, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or St. Laurence Social Concerns Ministry.

Anne has left the building.