Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Melba Higginbotham Obituary
1932 ~ 2017
Biloxi
Melba Ruth Higginbotham, age 85, entered her heavenly home in the loving arms of God on Thursday, June 22, 2017.
She arrived on her mother's birthday. What a joyful celebration must have taken place! Ruth was born in Biloxi to Nelson and Edna (Delcambre) Higginbotham on February 25, 1932. She was a lifelong resident of Biloxi and a member of Blessed Francis Seelos (St. John) Catholic Church. In 1949, she graduated from Biloxi High School, where she participated in various clubs and was a member of the band. Ruth graduated from Charity Hospital of Nursing in New Orleans, LA. After receiving her nursing degree, she dedicated 37 years of her professional life to the Veterans Administration Hospital. Because of her strong will to lead and her desire to serve, she was placed in a management position as a head nurse. She served her church as a lector and Eucharistic Minister for numerous years. Ruth was a C.Y.O. sponsor for St. John Catholic Church and led the youth of the Biloxi Diocese for 25 years to the mission of Saltillo, Mexico to serve the poorest of the poor. She was presented the Father Patrick Quinn Award for continuous years of service to the youth. She also donated her time to tutoring students at Gorenflo School and D'Iberville Middle School.
Melba is preceded in death by her parents, Nelson and Edna Higginbotham; sister, Shirley Parker; brothers, Percy, George, Curtis, Dennis, and Carey Higginbotham; nephews, Randy, David, Johnny, and Scott Higginbotham; and nieces, Brenda LaGrone and Mary Grace Higginbotham.
Survivors include a special sister, Rose Mary Tiblier; nephew, Eddie Parker; caregivers and friends, Nellie and John Cruso; and many nieces and nephews.
We would like to thank Bay Cove Memory Center for the care they provided in her later years.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul Pharmacy, 715 Division Street, Biloxi, MS 39530, (228) 374-9097, or Blessed Seelos Catholic Church, 360 Lameuse St, Biloxi, MS 39530, (228) 435-0007.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 26, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with a 12:00 Noon Mass of Christian Burial, all at Blessed Seelos Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery.
The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Melba Higginbotham
Sponsored by The Sun Herald.
4 Entries
Judy Carll- Golden
June 26, 2017
Miss Higginbotham was a great woman just an Angel sent by God. She tutored me over here in Gulfport Mississippi. I was a drop out and she tutored me and tested me on my GED and I passed all my subjects because she cared for me. She help shaped and molded me and play a epic role in my life and making me the woman I am today. Rest in God arms Miss Melba.
Steven Pluff
June 25, 2017
Rest in peace Ms. Ruth. Thank you for the love and support you showed my family during dad's illness. As a veteran I want to say thanks for the many, many years of service you put in at the VA. But, most of all, thanks for being a mentor and friend. No one showed more dedication to the youth of Back Bay and Biloxi than you did. You were ready to go anywhere and do anything at the drop of a hat with St John's kids. Your energy was never ending. You kept all of us in St John's CYO striving to be the best we could be, you always had time for us, kept us out of trouble, and showed us what caring and sharing was and we loved you for that. I'm going to miss you. You were an important part of my life and the lives of so many others.
The Staff and Management of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Homes
June 25, 2017
We extend our sincere sympathy and value your trust during this time of remembrance and reflection. We pledge our support now and in the future.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Melba Higginbotham's name
Memorial Events
for Melba Higginbotham
Funeral services provided by:
Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home - Howard Avenue - Biloxi675 Howard Avenue, Biloxi, MS 39530
How to support Melba's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Melba Higginbotham's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
