Lu Higginbotham

Mary Lou Higginbotham, born December 19, 1938, in Harborcreek, PA, formerly of Louisville, KY, and Erie, PA, and a long-time resident of Charlotte County, FL, was called home by her Savior and Friend on Thursday morning, May 1, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Stephenson Dunlap; her mother, Mary Louisa Cummings Dunlap; her sister, Phyllis A. Dunlap; her son-in-law, Robert L. Aulbach; and the love of her life, Raymond L. Higginbotham, her husband of 55 years. She is survived by her brother, James S. Dunlap, Jr. of Louisville, KY (whom she affectionately called Bub); her daughter, Lea Aulbach of Punta Gorda. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Heather Ridley (Drew) and Robert L. Aulbach II, great-granddaughters: Marissa and Linnea Ridley, and countless friends who were blessed to know her.

Her life’s treasures were her husband, her daughter, her grandchildren, her great-granddaughters, the members of her church, and her wonderful friends. She enjoyed rock collecting, traveling, woodworking, driving antique cars, the University of Louisville men’s basketball, and playing cards, dice, and dominoes. Together, she and Ray spent their retirement years, first, building a log cabin in the hills of Edmonson County, KY; then, restoring and showcasing their antique cars including a 1930 Model A Ford, a 1976 Plymouth Fury, and a 1978 El Camino SS with the Vintage Motor Car Club of America, Charlotte County chapter.

Lu was known for her heart of gold, service to others, and compassionate heart and mindset. She served faithfully for decades at the churches she attended, most recently at Berean Baptist in Port Charlotte. She dedicated over sixty years of civic service, working as a poll worker in Jefferson County, KY, and Charlotte County, FL.

All of us who loved her are much poorer now that she is no longer in this world, but rejoice, knowing that Heaven and those who preceded her are richer for her homecoming. We all look forward to the day when all of us who have accepted Jesus will be reunited.

Services will be held at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home Punta Gorda Chapel on Friday, June 13, 2025 with a memorial from 11am to 1pm and memorial service starting at 1. Interment will follow the following Friday. Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home in Punta Gorda.