Patricia "Pat" Downard Higdon, 88, transitioned from this life on May 21, 2026. She was a graduate of Shawnee High School, Georgetown College, and the University of Louisville. She had frequently requested that her epitaph read: "All things considered, she did pretty well." Most of us would change one thing: "She did very well."
Two of her pre-college accomplishments reflect the culture of a different time. She loved roller skating and participated in several shows for the benefit of the Polio Fund. This skating looked more like ice skating - what was accomplished on roller skates was astounding and masterful. As a result of one of the shows given for the soldiers at Fort Knox, her picture, in her skating costume, appeared on the front page of the Courier-Journal.
Her other accomplishment was participating with a personal friend, as solo performers in an accordion band. The concerts were held in different locations, including Louisville's Memorial Auditorium. The music was all classical. To the delight of the audience, Lady of Spain was usually included as an encore.
During her college days, to help with her expenses, she taught accordion at a studio in Lexington. Her first career was that of a remedial reading teacher in elementary schools. She developed creative ways to increase the reading skills of children who hardly knew their alphabet. She taught in such a way as to enhance self-confidence. At the end of each class, every student could point with pride at some star of achievement that helped erase the labels of inferiority that were often placed on them by other students. Pat loved the smiling faces that left her classroom each day.
She never allowed herself to be pushed into the then expected role of a minister's wife: an unpaid member of the church staff. She always maintained that she had her own calling to fulfill. When she moved to Louisville in 1980 with her husband who became pastor of Broadway Baptist Church, she had a calling she had not chosen. For 14 years she was the care supervisor for her mother who was bedfast in a nursing home.
When that task was completed, she fulfilled her dream by getting a Master's Degree from the University of Louisville in Marriage and Family Therapy. This resulted in a number of years of free counseling - she never charged for what she considered her ministry.
Pat was preceded in death by her older son Mark and, later, her brothers Kenneth and Buddy Downard. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Ronald Higdon, a son, Michael, and a sister, Mary June Fitzpatrick. Visitation will be June 4, 10:00 a.m. at Broadway Baptist Church, 4000 Brownsboro Road. The service is to follow at 11:00 a.m. A brief burial service will then take place at Cave Hill Cemetery.
Memorial gifts in Pat's name may be made to the mission fund of Broadway Baptist Church.
