Joyce Higginbotham

Joyce Clark Higginbotham, 95, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Tyler, Texas, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Kerens, Texas, on June 7, 1931, to Dewey and Bessie Clark, Joyce was a woman whose life was defined by faith, love, hard work, and quiet strength. After graduating from high school in 1948, she moved to Tyler, Texas, where she met the love of her life, Roland Higginbotham. They married in 1951 while Roland proudly served in the United States Army, beginning a lifelong partnership built on unwavering love and commitment.

The army took them to Tillikum, Washington, where Joyce worked for the government at the Mt. Rainier Ordnance Department. Upon the completion of Roland's service during the Korean War, they returned home to Tyler, where Joyce continued building a life centered on family. She worked for Brookshire Grocery Company before moving to Tennessee Colony, Texas where she dedicated 26 years of service to Palestine Contractors, retiring in 1997.

Retirement allowed Joyce to devote herself to one of her greatest gifts—quilting. Every stitch was sewn with love, and every quilt told a story. She lovingly created quilts for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that have become treasured family heirlooms.

As a proud member of the Busy Bees Quilt Club, her beautiful work was displayed in quilt shows throughout East Texas.

She also found joy in reading, gardening, and antiquing, but her greatest happiness was simply being surrounded by those she loved. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel at home, and her laughter, gentle wisdom, and quiet strength will forever echo in the hearts of her family.

Above all else, Joyce loved the Lord. Her faith guided every season of her life and was evident in the kindness, grace, and unconditional love she showed to everyone around her. She leaves behind a legacy not measured by possessions, but by lives touched, prayers whispered, traditions passed down, and love freely given.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dewey and Bessie Clark; her beloved husband, Roland Higginbotham, Sr.; her brothers D. Hobbie, Frank, Chester, Otis Ray, and Roy Don; her sisters Dorotha, Bobbie, and Jo; and her granddaughters Courtney Higginbotham Boudreaux and Amy Nacole Higginbotham.

She leaves behind a family who adored her: her sons, Roland Higginbotham Jr. and wife Theresa, and Kenneth Higginbotham and wife Kristy; her grandchildren, Natalie Higginbotham Battles and husband Johnny, Ashley Higginbotham Kilsby, and Westin Higginbotham and wife Danielle; eleven great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

For her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was simply "MamMaw." She was a constant source of comfort, wisdom, and unconditional love. Her hugs made everything better, her prayers carried our family through life's storms, and the memories she created with us will remain treasured gifts for generations to come.

Though we will all miss her dearly, we find peace knowing she has been joyfully reunited in Heaven with those who went before her.

The family will receive friends at Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler on Saturday, July 25, beginning at 10:00 a.m. A celebration of Joyce's life will follow at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Jason Higginbotham, with interment immediately afterward at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Mike Higginbotham, Nolan Higginbotham, Johnny Battles, and Colton Smith.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff of Petal Hill Nursing Home for the exceptional love, compassion, and dignity they showed Joyce during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joyce's memory to Hospice of East Texas.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23