Symantha Jane Higgins

Symantha Higgins, treasured wife, daughter, sister, and aunt, died in the arms of her devoted husband during the night of May, 29, 2015 after fighting to overcome cancer and cancer-related illnesses throughout the last decade.

Symantha is survived by her husband of 45 years, Earl Higgins of Lakeway, Texas, stepson Earl Higgins, Jr. and his wife Cindy of Memphis, TN, brothers Joe M. Stevens and his wife Connie Stevens of Spring, Texas and Mike H. Stevens and his wife Darla Stevens of Montgomery, Texas. In addition, she leaves nieces Paige Holsapple of Katy, Texas, Megan Cardet of Houston, Texas, Juli Gesino of Flower Mound, Texas, nephews John Stevens of Conroe, Texas and Josh Spivey of Spring, Texas, as well as grandnieces Haley Holsapple, Hanna Holsapple and Allison Gesino, and grandnephews Jack and Michael Gesino, all of whom lovingly referred to her as "Aunt D." Lastly, she leaves behind a multitude of friends from all over the country known to her through her work, her travels, her community outreach, and her church, all of whom she adored. There are so many others whose lives she touched in ways she never fully comprehended, but who loved her all the same. Importantly, she treasured her friends from Lakeway, including Vickie and Dave Taylor, Pat and Russell Eitel, Maryleeann Bryan, and Martha Mohler, who, despite her illnesses and difficulties, always kept her in their prayers, friendship circles and cared for her until the end.

Born on July 26, 1939 in Overton, Texas to Kathryne and Joseph Marion Stevens, Symantha spent her early life in Houston, Texas where she graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in 1957. After high school, she worked in Houston prior to heading off to New York City to live and work in Manhattan. As a young adult, she relished life in NYC and learned a great deal about art, architecture and cultural events. While in New York, Symantha was introduced to her future husband, Earl, through a mutual friend. They married on April 30, 1970 and settled in Houston, Texas.

Together, Symantha and Earl spent most of their married life living in Dallas, Texas where they ran Higgins Marketing Associates, Inc. Symantha was instrumental in developing relationships primarily with toy manufacturers and their representatives. They had a showroom in the Dallas World Trade Center for over twenty years. Two of their most notable clients were Yamaha and German–based, Goetz dolls. Symantha was also interested in home design, real estate and horticulture. She was a real estate broker, an avid reader and was the most organized business woman you will ever meet. For fun, Earl and Symantha enjoyed traveling all over the world. Some of their most memorable trips include Egypt, Hong Kong, China and many destinations in Europe. She filled more than a dozen volumes of pictures of their world-wide travels.

Once the Higgins decided to downsize their business and semi-retire, they moved to Lakeway, Texas, which fulfilled a lifelong dream of Symantha's as she always wanted to live near a lake. They found the perfect home to remodel together and began their life of "retirement," which really meant that they ran the business from Lakeway and dove head first into community activities. Symantha was a member of the Women's Club of Greater Lakeway, where she displayed a special interest in the Antique Club. She was also a loyal member of the Arts & Beautification Committee, where she was part of the communications team. In addition, she was a volunteer for the Newcomer's Alumni Club. Lastly, she was a member of The Lakeway Church where she enjoyed being a volunteer on the Memorial Garden Planning Committee and participated in two Lakeway Church home teams.

Symantha's memory will be cherished for her selfless devotion to her husband, her family, her friends, and her graceful service to others. She will be remembered for being a true lady with a refined flair who also added a touch of whimsy to the lives of those she cherished. She was unwavering in her strength, and was a courageous and valiant warrior who fought to survive for so long for those she loved. Part of her lasting legacy will be that she and Earl were an example of true love, an enduring partnership and an abiding commitment. The fact that she was able to overcome so much illness over the years of her life is a testament of the love and devotion they had for each other.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home at 411 Ranch Road 620 South, Lakeway, Texas, with a reception to follow. Visitation with the family will be prior to the service at 12:00 pm. Interment will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6th, at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas.