(1966 Northwestern State University. Natchitoches, LA)
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." John 14:18.
Diane "Tia" Lee Higginbotham, 73, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend, passed away on Monday, August 2, 2021, with her sister and brother-in-law by her side.
Diane attended Northwestern University and received her Undergraduate and Master's Degrees from LSU. She was a lifelong educator, loved by her colleagues and students alike.
Diane spent most of her career teaching second grade at Rummel Creek Elementary School in Houston, Texas where she lived for many years. In 2003 the Spring Branch School District honored her as Teacher of the Year. Even in retirement she remained close to many of her students and their families, attending their weddings and baby showers long after they left her classroom.
She was a founding sister of Lambda Alpha Honor Society and a member of Delta Zeta sorority. Diane's faith was expressed in the caring way that she lived her life. A devout Christian, she was a member of Jefferson United Methodist Church. Diane had many life-long friends she treated as family and enjoyed traveling, dining out and watching her beloved LSU Tigers.
She is survived by her sister, Beryl Marie Parsons, and brother-in-law, Bob Parsons; nieces and their spouses, Paige Parsons Gagliano and Louis Gagliano and Robyn Parsons Wood and Scott Wood; and her loving great-nieces, Bailey Wax, Grace Gagliano and Samantha Wood and great-nephews Ethan Wax and Graham Wood.
She was preceded in death by and will joyfully be reunited with her mother, Phyllis Higginbotham, and her father W.G. Higginbotham.
We are eternally grateful to Compassus Hospice Care and Fidelis Care for their love and support. Due to the COVID outbreak, there will be a private graveside service for the family co-officiated by Bishop Cynthia Harvey and Pastor Leslie Stephens. A memorial celebrating Diane's life will be held at a future date. She will be laid to rest with those who loved her so dearly in Buehler Plains Cemetery Zachary.
Published by The Advocate from Aug. 4 to Aug. 5, 2021.
Diane Lee Higginbotham was called home today after a lengthy illness. Our “Tia” was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, an inspirational teacher and the dearest friend anyone could hope for. Our hearts are broken and our lives feel emptier. At the same time, we know that she is resting in glorious peace with her Lord and that when she got to those gates all the pain was gone and she was met by her parents, whom she loved so dearly, and the wonderful friends gone before her who were family to her.
Paige Parsons Gagliano
BIRTH
DEATH
2 Aug 2021 East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, USA
BURIAL
Cemetery of Buhler Plains Zachary, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana
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