Katherine A. Higgins

Katherine was a teacher, mother, advocate, and deeply committed to making a difference in the world. She was a beloved member of both her family and community, leaving a lasting impact on the subsequent generations.

Born on February 1, 1934 in New Home, TX, Katherine Anne Roper was the oldest out of four children. During her life, she would share stories of her childhood with warmth and appreciation; she learned countless lessons on her west Texas family farm.

Katherine attended McMurray College from ’50-’54 and Texas Tech from ’54-’57, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Education, respectively. She went on to be an elementary school teacher in Lubbock, TX; Lake Charles, LA; and Round Rock, TX until her retirement in 1991. She took great joy in her role as a teacher and influencing the growth of young minds.

She was an active member in her community her entire life: While she was in college, she was a part of Sigma Tau Delta, was the Keeper of the Records for Wah Wahtaysee, and was Pledge Mistress of Kappa Phi.

After retirement, she was the Girls State Chairman for the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 447 in Round Rock, TX for over 15 years. Katherine conducted the interview process to select the participants that went on to the mock state government proceedings. Katherine said this was an extremely rewarding endeavor and she greatly appreciated being a part of it.

She was also a part of the Retired Teachers Association and formed a new unit in Cedar Park, TX; a unit where she was president for a number of years. After her experience at the unit level, she became the president of District XIII (inclusive of 15 local units). In this role, she was able to be a part of Texas State government hearings on issues affecting retired teachers. She also held the Vice President role in Future Teachers of America. In addition to this, she also played a key role in the planning and organization of USAF reunions.

Katherine met her life partner, Carlos, while she was pursuing her master’s education and they married in 1955. They were happily married for 69 years. Her husband was a pilot in the US Air Force and she faithfully fulfilled her role of the steadfast military wife for 20 years; keeping the household running smoothly so he could focus on getting home safe and sound. It was during this time that Katherine lived in England and France as well as getting the opportunity to travel and see many other countries. After this period, she was quite happy to settle in Austin, TX, where they purchased a newly built house; the place she called home until her passing.

She maintained an adventurous spirit and loved to travel. Along with her husband, she traveled extensively, visiting countless countries on almost all the world’s continents. In her writings, she spoke of the places they visited but the one place she spoke of most was Alaska. She listed AK trips as some of her best experiences, loving the abundant wildlife and stunning vistas. Katherine was also able to do a trip around the world that she was proud of.

When she was not volunteering or traveling, Katherine enjoyed card games with friends (bridge especially), piecing and quilting, and reading. She also golfed, a sport she enjoyed with her husband. Her cats were also dear to her; Pepper and Panda brought her joy, laughter, and comfort, especially in her later years.

Katherine summed up her attitude towards life with this piece of wisdom: “Be flexible. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Enjoy your families and cherish each and every day on this good earth.”

And that is exactly what she did.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Melba Sammie Roper (née Thompson) and Calvin Eugene Roper; her siblings, Bobbie June Kreger and Joe Wayne Roper; her husband, Carlos Watson Higgins; and her son, Calvin Scott Higgins.

She is survived by her daughters Marta (John) Wilson and Kay (Steve) Germiat; her six grandchildren: Sara (Ryan) Baer, Charles (Sarah) Higgins, Kayla (Kit) Wilson, Katherine (Nikolaus) Higgins, Hannah (Amal) Germiat, and Emily Germiat; and two great grandchildren: Anson and Gemma Baer. She is also survived by her sister Martha Jean Pritchett.

Katherine’s internment is taking place on Dec 4th, 11:00 AM

Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery

11463 TX-195, Killeen, TX 76542

She will be laid to rest beside her husband.

The family requests no flowers.

Donations can be made in Katherine’s honor to teacher or senior assistance organizations.