Ruby Clark Higginbotham

Ruby Clark Higginbotham, 98, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2014 in Stockbridge, GA, two days short of her 99th birthday on July 29. Mrs. Higginbotham was a loving mother and gifted educator, inspiring many generations of children including her own to excel beyond their dreams. She was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana where she graduated from McDonogh #35 High School and subsequently received a B.A. in Education from Xavier University of New Orleans. Mrs. Higginbotham then began an exceptional teaching career that spanned over 40 years, including 34 years with the New Orleans Public School System, most of those years at McDonogh #6 Elementary School. She completed her teaching career at Blessed Sacrament School in uptown New Orleans. In addition to her students, she also inspired her family as a devoted wife and mother of three daughters. She was an avid bridge player and a member of the TNT Bridge Club for over 50 years. Mrs. Higginbotham was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Luther Higginbotham of New Orleans, LA, formerly a Tuskegee Airman in World War II. Both were celebrated teachers in their careers. Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory are daughters, Dr. Edith Higginbotham of Henderson, Nevada, Cecelia Higginbotham of Leesville, LA, Dr. Eve Higginbotham-Williams and husband Dr. Frank Williams of McDonough, GA and Philadelphia, PA; cousin, Abner J. Claude, Jr. of Erwinville, LA; granddaughter, Dr. Lenora Ann Higginbotham of Baltimore, MD; and numerous friends and extended family. Visitation will begin on Tuesday, August 5, at noon until 1 PM followed by Mass at ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH in New Orleans. Interment will be at 3 PM at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum on Wednesday, August 6. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations should be sent in honor of Mrs. Ruby Higginbotham to either St. James Catholic Church, 1000 Decatur Road, McDonough, Georgia 30252 or St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, 1025 Napoleon Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana 70115.