Cheryl Ann Higgins

Cheryl was born in Denver, Colorado to Charles “Chuck” Henkel and Avis “Sunny” Henkel (Irwin). She is survived by her beloved husband, Willie Higgins; cherished daughter Jessica Mullennix (Jason) of Fletcher, OK and grandchildren Marcus, Lawton, OK, Michael, Olympia, WA and Madison, Fletcher, OK; stepchildren, William Higgins, Orange County, CA, Sherry Higgins, Charlotte, NC and Tyler Higgins, Lancaster, NC; sisters Janice Fleckman (Henkel), Evanston, IL and Mary Lou Hendrickson (Henkel), Colleyville, TX and brothers, Gregory Henkel (Sue), Pahoa, HI, Jonathan Henkel (Krasi), Purcellville, VA, Jeffrey Henkel (Sonia), Draper, UT and Timothy Henkel (Sherri), Carson, CA. Cheryl was an aunt and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews and a sweet, kind, thoughtful friend to many.

Cheryl spent most of her life living and working in Charlotte, NC. She married Ralph Brown on May 10, 1973 and from that marriage they had their daughter, Jessica. Cheryl started her career in retail at Service Merchandise, where she was a warehouse manager for over 20 years. She then worked at several other retail stores, Auto Zone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, but ultimately settled at Home Depot where she truly loved her job, customers and co-workers, who would call her their “work-mom” because she loved to take care of everyone.

In 1992, Cheryl met the love of her life, Willie Higgins. Cheryl and Willie married in Hawaii on August 28, 2006. After their marriage they immediately began creating a lush garden paradise to resemble Hawaii. This garden has grown and bloomed with their love for each other and their love for that beautiful day they joined hands in marriage.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Chuck and Sunny Henkel and former husband, Ralph Brown.

A Celebration of Life for Cheryl will take place on April 23, 2022 at 2pm, in their beloved garden located at her home.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Cheryl, please consider giving to Novant Health Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).

** If you are considering a donation to Novant Health Hospice, please use this link to donate: https://presby.supportnovanthealth.org/Presbyterian, select "Harris Hospice" from the drop down for an area to support. There is an option for donating in honor of. Contributions can also be send to

Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation, c/o Hospice at 220 Hawthorne Lane Charlotte NC 28204. Please note on memo line of check, donation is in honor of Cheryl Higgins. Thank you.