Jarrene Sue Higgins

Jarrene Sue Higgins, was born November 23, 1939, at the home of her paternal grandparents, in Waco, TX, to Walter J and Flora "Norine" Pearce. Jarrene was raised a Southern Baptist, and participated in mission education programs. Through many years of hard work, she achieved the most prestigious rank, Girls in Action, Queen in Service. A remarkable accomplishment! Jarrene graduated Waco High School, a semester early, in 1958, so she could marry her sweetheart, Milton Higgins, of Waco, TX. The couple soon moved to California, and started a family. The Higgins' welcomed their first child, Kathrine, in 1959, Milton Jr, in 1960, and Janneth, in 1964. Jarrene was an extraordinary wife and mother. She attended to the needs of the family, meticulously. Jarrene was the best homemaker, cook, and baker, you'd ever want to meet. She earned her teaching degree, from Sacramento State College, in 1966. Jarrene was a faithful follower of Christ. Always an active church member, she fulfilled the role of Pastor's Wife. Mrs Higgins graciously opened her house, to host weekly services, as a founding member, of Hillsdale Boulevard Baptist Church, Sacramento, CA. She went on to work in the Youth Department. Mrs Higgins used her spiritual gifts, and teaching experience, to interact with the Youth. She made learning fun, and incorporated: scripture, food, fun, games, State Youth Conferences, outings, and missions. If a youth member needed something, they knew they could count on Mrs Higgins. Working as an English Teacher, raising a family of three children, and working in the church; Jarrene's passion was reading. In 1985, she earned her Masters of Arts, Reading, from Washington State University. Jarrene was a member of a ladies book club, in Fresno, CA, which she enjoyed greatly. It was her adventurous spirit, and a missionary heart, that lead her to China, in 1997, to teach English as a Second Language. She also had the opportunity to serve, on the mission field, to Turkey, in 2000. There she distributed, "The Jesus Film". Other mission trips included, attending prayer walks in Ireland and England; and helping with Vacation Bible School, in England. Jarrene was a faithful servant, loyal to His church. Recently, Jarrene became an avid follower of the Baylor Lady Bears, basketball team. We have basketball great, Brittney Griner, to thank for that. Jarrene followed Brittney from her Baylor Days, to the Phoenix Mercury, and now the Euroleague.

The whole Higgins clan are now Baylor Lady Bear fans, and we will forever, "Cheer them to victory!" It goes without saying, Jarrene was a loving daughter to: Walter J and Flora "Norine" Pearce, a sister to: Linda (Howard) Geurin and Dennis (Wiruya) Pearce, a wife to: Dr Kenneth Milton Higgins, Sr, a mother to: (Larry) Kathrine Cruise, Milton (Lana) Higgins Jr, and (Dean) Janneth Russell, a grandmother to: Cruises: Tim and Kaitlin, to: Higgins Jr: Jason and Michelle (Tyler) Johnson, to: Russells: Janean and Emily, a great grandmother to: Johnsons: Owen and Iris.

She was preceded in death, by her parents, sister, and brother-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: The Cecil Pearson Endowment Fund, California Baptist Foundation, The BAT (Pastoral Student) Program, California Baptist University, Riverside. A Memorial Service will be hosted, at Trinity Southern Baptist Church, 4890 E Holland Ave, Fresno, CA, on April 1, 2017, at 11:00 am, with a light meal to follow.