Tana Alexandria Higginbotham

A true force of nature and the light in every room she entered, Tana dedicated her life to public education, serving for 41 years before retiring in 2015. She began her career at Collins High School and retired from Oak Hill High School, cultivating a love of English Language Arts and theatre in generations of students. Tana was the creative spirit behind countless plays, Lit Alive! productions, May Day celebrations, and other drama events that enriched her school community.

Outside of school, Tana’s life centered on her great love, Lawrence—affectionately known as “Higgy”—to whom she was married for 35 incredible years before his passing in 2001, and their two beloved daughters, Leslie Ann and Mandy Jo. The heart of her family, Tana’s love and steadiness were the foundation for Higgy and her girls — a safe place to return, their rock, their home base.

Those left to cherish Tana’s memory include her daughters, Leslie and Mandy Jo; six grandchildren, Taylor Buchanan, Craig (Kelsie) Buchanan, Jackson Smith, Alle Legg, Lauren Hammontree, and Lydia Hammontree; four great-grandchildren, Raelynn Buchanan, Bo Buchanan, Warner Buchanan, and Rhenon Buchanan; four siblings, Linda (Sam) Jasper, Cindy (Steve) Hysell, Jim (Kathy) McClaskey, and Crystal Ryan; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Tana was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lawrence “Higgy” Higginbotham; her mother, Alma Mae McClaskey (Rhodes); her father, James McClaskey; and her brother, Douglas McClaskey.

In accordance with Tana’s wishes, there will be no services. She will be cremated, with her final resting place at home with her girls, beside the love of her life. As you remember her, please think of the vibrant, stylish, and inspiring woman she was — one who made lasting memories with each of you. Raise a toast to the “heydays,” knowing she held onto those memories, and those she cherished, until the very end.

The family wishes to thank Hospice House and Blue Ridge Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Oak Hill Alumni Association Scholarship Fund in Tana’s memory, so that her legacy of education and excellence may continue for generations to come.