Betty Jo Higgins

Mrs. Betty Jo Higgins, age 74, of Northport, AL, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2026, at her residence.

Betty was born April 26, 1952, in Guin, AL, to the late George S. McGowan and Wylodine Franks McGowan. She enjoyed her career at the University Orthopedic Clinic for over thirty years.

Betty was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and cherished friend. Her family was always her top priority, and she loved them tremendously. She was always willing to do whatever she could to help those she loved. Betty will be remembered for her strong work ethic, resourcefulness, and the special way she made others feel welcome and cared for. Her love for others and the care she showed them shined so brightly, and family and friends always knew who to call in any time of need.

Betty and her husband, Ken, shared a lifelong partnership through 56 years of marriage. They enjoyed traveling together, and she was always excited about the opportunity to visit places she loved and explore somewhere new. Ken fondly remembers how cheerful she was when she came home from work each day, with her first thoughts always turning to how everyone was doing. Betty's love and concern for her family were evident in the everyday moments they shared. In her later days, one of her simple pleasures was spending time with her new chickens, which she loved sitting with and holding.

As a mother, Betty created a home that was always open and welcoming to family and friends. Her daughters, Melissa and Monica, remember growing up in a house where there was always room for one more person and where their mother found joy in cooking, baking cookies, and making sure everyone was well fed. Betty believed in being a gracious host and always having something on hand to serve anyone who came through the door.

Betty taught her daughters the importance of hard work, professionalism, respect, and graciousness. Through her own example, she demonstrated a strong work ethic and showed them how to be their best in every aspect of life. Whether through her career as a businesswoman or the way she cared for her family and welcomed others into her home, Betty set an example they will carry with them always.

Those who knew Betty will surely remember some of her familiar sayings, including, “You never know what you might see,” and “Put your lipstick on.” These words reflected her personality and became part of the memorable moments her family will treasure. Betty had a way of making ordinary days special and reminding those around her to embrace life’s experiences.

Being a grandmother and great-grandmother brought Betty countless treasured memories. Her grandchildren, Alexis, Averie, Alexis, and Logan, will remember time spent playing cards, baking cookies, camping, taking beach trips to enjoy seafood, and going antique shopping together. But to her grandchildren, Betty was so much more than a grandmother. She was a trusted listener, a comforting shoulder to cry on, a source of wise advice, and someone who always seemed to have an answer for everything. She encouraged them to chase new dreams, supported them through life’s challenges, and made sure they always knew how deeply they were loved. To them, she was not only their grandmother but also a best friend.

Some of their most cherished memories were made traveling together, including softball tournaments that turned into a family vacations. Betty was always ready for a good seafood boil and was often the one with her phone out, recording the moments she wanted everyone to remember. Whether it was a quick call asking for help with errands before coming home, a spontaneous invitation to get a fresh manicure or pedicure, a bargain-hunting adventure, or a late-night talk, she found countless ways to make time with her grandchildren meaningful. Betty delighted in shopping, discovering a good deal, and sharing the simple pleasures of being together. A lover of all things pink and sparkly, Betty brought her own special sparkle to the lives of those she loved.

Betty's love extended beyond her immediate family to her sisters, Jackie and Deborah, her nieces and nephews, and the many friends who were welcomed into her home and her life. She also shared a special bond with her beloved fur baby, Annie Bell.

Though Betty will be deeply missed, the memories she created through a lifetime of love, family gatherings, home-cooked meals, freshly baked cookies, travel adventures, late-night conversations, and everyday acts of kindness will remain with those who knew and loved her. Her example of hard work, generosity, and devotion to family will continue through her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The love and comfort she gave so freely will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to call her wife, mother, grandmother, sister, or friend.

In addition to her husband, Ken Higgins, of Northport, AL, survivors include her two daughters, Melissa Higgins of Alexandria, VA, and Monica (Shae) Harbin of Meridian, MS; her grandchildren, Alexis (Austin) Templeton, Averie Nix, Alexis (Matt) Boyette, and Logan Harbin; her great-grandchildren, Bo William Templeton and Addie Kate Boyette; her two sisters, Jackie (Scotty) Moore and Deborah Campbell; her beloved fur baby, Annie Bell; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Saturday, October 31, at 2:00 PM, in the chapel of Chandler Funeral Home, with Bro. Max Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow at the Liberty Free Will Baptist Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 prior to the service.