Edith Arleane Higginbotham

Dr. Edith Arleane Higginbotham, daughter of Luther and Ruby Higginbotham, passed away at the age of sixty-nine on Saturday, January 23, 2016 in Henderson, NV following an acute illness. Dr. Edith Higginbotham was a beautiful and vibrant woman who led an inspiring life as an accomplished physician, talented pianist, and loving companion, daughter, sister, and aunt. Dr. Higginbotham was born and raised in New Orleans, LA where she graduated from McDonogh 35 High School. She subsequently received her undergraduate, graduate, and medical degrees from Howard University in Washington DC and postgraduate training at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center in New York City, becoming one of the first African-American female radiologists board-certified in nuclear medicine in the United States. Dr. Higginbotham served patients across the country including New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, Minnesota, South Dakota, and California. She was a member of the American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America, and the Society of Nuclear Medicine and received many honors and recognitions, including Who’s Who In America, Honorary Louisiana Deputy Attorney General, and Outstanding Working Woman in Glamour Magazine. After a successful decades-long career, she retired in Henderson, NV. Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include her long-time companion Harold Lutz of Henderson, NV; sisters Cecelia Higginbotham of Leesville, LA and Dr. Eve Higginbotham of Philadelphia, PA; brother-in-law Dr. Frank Williams, Jr. of Philadelphia, PA; niece Dr. Lenora Higginbotham of Baltimore, MD; and numerous friends and extended family. Those who wish to celebrate Edith’s life are invited to attend a Mass at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow in Lake Lawn Park & Mausoleum. Visitation on Sunday from 12:00 PM until service time. To honor her legacy as a radiologist, the family requests that donations be made in her name to the Commission for Women and General Diversity through the American College of Radiology Foundation, 1892 Preston White Drive, Reston, VA 20191-8900. Attn: Anne Hummer.

Arrangements under the direction of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, New Orleans, LA.