Ida Nell Love

She attended public schools of Tensas Parish, where she graduated from the Tensas Parish Training School in 1959.

In1961, She married the love of her life, Rev. Richard E. Love. Their union brought forth 2 daughters.

She attended Grambling State University where she received her Bachelors in Education, she attended University of Central Missouri where she received her Masters and Specialists degrees, she attended University of KCMO where she received her PHD. She was a trailblazer and held many high level positions throughout her illustrious career within the Kansas City Missouri School district. She began her career as a classroom teacher, quickly progressing to Reading Coordinator, Principal culminating in her being named Acting Interim Superintendent. She achieved her life long dream of becoming Superintendent, in 1997 when she was voted in as the First African American woman to be appointed as Superintendent for the City Schools of Decatur GA. Later making history again, as the first African American woman to be named Deputy Superintendent for the Department of Education for the State of Georgia.

Ida was preceded in death by her Father and Mother, her brothers Larry T Higginbotham, Ted Higginbotham, Edgar J Higginbotham.

Ida leaves to mourn her loving Husband, Richard E Love of 63 years. Her eldest daughter, Yolonda C. Love, Youngest daughter Jennifer L. Gant. 2 Beloved Grandchildren Jaron Richard and Madison Janelle Gant.

Ida leaves to mourn 4 brothers: Lee Dell Higginbotham of Baltimore Md, Ossie Mack Higginbotham of Temple Hill Md, Bobby D. Higginbotham of New Orleans, La, and Leonard Ray Higginbotham of Baton Rouge, La. She also leaves 2 sisters: Loesther Higginbotham Foley of Houston, Tx and Berdia Mae Higginbotham of Waterproof, La. Along with a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.