Edith Laverne Watson

With sadness and heartfelt gratitude for our Mamma’s long, happy, lovely life… we announce the loss of our matriarch, Edith Higginbotham-Watson, of Little Rock, 95, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, February 13, 2026.

The most wonderful-beloved mother who ever lived was born March 23, 1930, in Hamburg, Arkansas, the daughter of Simpson and Madalena Powell. Our Grand-Daddy was a Preacher Man and The Powell girls were the prettiest girls in Ashley County.

After graduating from Hamburg High School, she attended Ouachita University, but returned home to help care for her family after her mother passed away. Mom, who retired from the Arkansas Department of Education, was a highly skilled secretary—we remember her typing away, machine-gun-style, at over 100-words a minute with no mistakes!

She was an active member of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and volunteered helping senior congregants via the Secret Pal program. Rumor has it she and her friend, Mo, were the only two in their entire Sunday School class who knew how to text on their cell phones.

Mamma knew football and she loved The Hogs—attended many Razorback games with our Dad.

Edie loved meeting people and greeting visitors while volunteering at the Heifer International Gift Shop.

Our Mom was fortunate to have two adoring husbands, who both served in the military. She is preceded in death by our Dad, Travis L. Higginbotham (1996), and Norman T. Watson, Jr (Trezzy) (2004). She is now reunited in heaven with her brothers Gale and Johnny Powell and her sisters Vadis Powers, Polly Riley, and Imogene Wells… and Travis’s wife, Nanci.

Mom is survived by her sons: Travis Higginbotham Jr., Mark Higginbotham and wife Tracye, and David Higginbotham; step sons: Terry Watson and wife Mojgan, Norman Watson and wife Karon; Grandchildren: Heather and husband Todd, Scott, Drew, Steven, and Jacob Higginbotham, Kathleen Shrum (husband Matt), Travis Higginbotham III, Armon and Hanna Watson, and Alan, Ryan, and Sara Watson; Great Grandchildren Molly Kate, Charlotte Tess, and Eliza Jane Rector, and Avery and Ella Shrum.

Our Mother will be buried with our father, Travis L. Higginbotham in the Little Rock National Cemetery.

A private family ceremony will be held in Mom’s honor.

Memorials may be made to: Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, Heifer International, American Heart Association, or your favorite charity.

Smith Little Rock Funeral Home

8801 Knoedl Ct, Little Rock, AR 72205 501-224-2200

www.SmithFamilyCares.com