Sarah Barbara Higgins

      When Barbara Higgins walked into the room, those in her company felt energy, an enthusiastic spontaneity. This was just one example of who Sarah was and how she impacted those around her. Sarah was a clever and gregarious person who always sought out the finest attributes in other people. It was as if Sarah wanted to share all of their experiences, revel in their lives and celebrate their discoveries. Sarah was tireless and had boundless enthusiasm that would serve her well throughout her life.

       She was the daughter of Oliver and Joy Watson. Sarah was raised in Louisiana. Always ready with a good joke, she grew up to be quite a humorous person. While some who knew Sarah might describe her as an idealist, her friends and family understood well that Sarah was always in pursuit of life’s endless possibilities and opportunities available to her.

      Sarah was raised with one sibling, Charles. Sarah was very accepting and supportive of her family. She was perceived as the central person in her family in terms of keeping communication open between the family members. Whenever discord or tension arose within the home, Sarah was typically the member who brought about resolution and harmony. These traits served Sarah well in her adult life and, along with her wit, outgoing personality, and understanding of others, drew the admiration of many who knew her.

      Sarah was a natural and creative parent who was willing to provide her family with all sorts of new and interesting experiences. For Sarah, parenting was a particularly enjoyable and pleasurable part of her life. Every activity, from chores to bedtime routines, became a game in the Higgins home. Sarah's skill at understanding her children's feelings, her sensitivity to their needs, and her gift for gentle persuasion enabled her to find novel solutions to any problem or situation that might pop up. Sarah was blessed with one child: one son, Timothy A. Harris. They were also blessed with 6 grandchildren: Timothy, Sarah, Mathew, MaShell, Tori, McKinzi, and 4 great grandchildren: Jordan, Shane, Jalynn, and Timothy III.

      Sarah was uplifted by new ideas and was excited by life’s possibilities, traits that made her an exceptional worker. Her primary occupation was as a Restaurant Manager. She was employed for 24 years by Shoney's Restaurant. Sarah was enterprising, inventive and working against deadlines seemed to energize her. Sarah had the uncanny ability to identify a win/win solution to just about any problem, possibly because of her gift for insight. Sarah's fellow workers saw her as a supporter and a mentor.

       She adapted and, like everything in her life, made it satisfying. Because she was such a flexible person and able to adjust to any situation, retirement was just another enjoyable change of pace for Sarah to master. She found pleasure in helping the Miccosukee Indian Children and gave to many charitable children's organizations. Even in retirement, Sarah continued to stay in touch with her old friends and like always, made plenty of new ones.

      Sarah Higgins passed away on January 28, 2009 at Memorial Hospital Pembroke in Pembroke Pines, Florida. She is survived by her only child, Timothy (Kelli); her 6 grandchildren: Timothy, Sarah, Mathew, MaShell, Tori, McKinzi; and 4 great-grandchildren. Services will be held 2pm, Sunday, February 1st, 2009 at Forest Lawn South Funeral Home, 2401 SW 64th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317. Sarah will be laid to rest in the arms of God and hearts of those who love her.

      There was always a certain style and inventiveness to Sarah. She was a dynamic, self-expressive person who was forever looking to celebrate the endless possibilities life had to offer. She had a knack for being clever, creative and witty, and for others, was a joy to be around. While she was often fiercely independent, it seemed as if many others looked to Sarah Higgins for inspiration, leadership, wisdom and even courage. Sarah was always more than willing to share life’s experiences with her loved ones. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.