Barbara Joyce Higgins

Barbara Joyce Akens Higgins passed away on February 18th in Jacksonville, Florida, at 82. She was born to Ernest and Billie Akens in Portales, New Mexico. Barbara was the firstborn and had two younger brothers, Kenneth, and Keith Akens. Barbara is survived by her brother, Kenneth Akens of Clovis, New Mexico, and her daughters, Cindy and husband, Delbert Hendrickson of Amarillo, Texas. Kelly and her husband, Brian Mitchell, have one son, Tyler Mitchell, and one daughter Rylee Deskins. Tyler and his wife, Jessica, of St. Augustine, Florida, have three children, Dillon, Mason, and Colton. Rylee and Clint Deskins of Crawfordville, Florida, have one son, Finnley. Dawn and her husband, Brad Tracy of Jacksonville, Florida, have one daughter Olivia and one son, Nathan.

Barbara married Larry Higgins in 1960 in Tucumcari, New Mexico. They began living together in a small rental in Amarillo, Texas. One of the greatest joys of her life was the marriage of 55 years to Larry C. Higgins. They earned their college degrees together, each spending many evenings and weekends driving back and forth from West Texas College. Finally, Barbara's dream to become a teacher was made real. After being a stay-at-home mom for several years, she began teaching young children of different ages. Some years later, she began teaching 2nd grade at St. Andrews Episcopal School. Second grade was where she found her spot in education.

Very seldomly separated, the couple spent years together updating their Amarillo home. Their projects included everything from plumbing to hanging wallpaper and laying their flooring. In addition, Barbara spent hours in the flower beds, shaping and loving the sun and the outcome of her labor.

Over their 55 years of marriage, they traveled as a couple with friends all over the US, London, Paris, Greece, Italy, Spain, Mexico, and China. They also had a favorite mountain spot to spend family vacations or long weekends in Red River, New Mexico. Fishing was a wonderful pastime, but Barbara preferred to spend her time walking the town and relaxing in the view of the river and mountains.

After 40 years, Barbra and Larry moved to Fort Worth to be closer to their grandkids, Olivia and Nathan. Only two short years later, after the passing of her husband, Barbara and the Tracy family moved to Jacksonville. She spent the last years of her life with new and supportive friends at Fruit Cove Baptist Church. Loving all of her four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and one granddog.

All of her family misses her with their whole hearts. Each of us felt we had a unique relationship with her. However, she left us a high bar in creating our lives and dreams.

A memorial service for Barbara will be held Friday, March 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Hardage-Giddens St. Johns, 1285 St. Johns Parkway, St. Johns, FL 32259, with a reception to follow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Higgins family.