HIGGINBOTHAM, Lavina Fletcher - b. September 7, 1852 - d. February 7, 1937

[ddurbin]

(from THE MOLINE ADVANCE, Feb. 11, 1937)
                                           
                                             MRS. HIGGINBOTHAM PASSED AWAY SUNDAY
                                             After Thiry-Six Years residence in Moline, Kansas

Mrs. Lavina Higginbotham died quite suddenly last Sunday evening at her home in Moline, Kansas.  Though of frail health for several years, requiring constant care, she had not been unusually ill, but was siezed with a spell of coughing which seemed to entirely subdue her strength, and her life quickly passed away.

She was born and raised in Tennessee, and after the death of her husband in 1890, she shortly after moved her family to Bado, Missouri.  In 1901 they came to Moline, Kansas, where she had resided continuously since.

Since early in life she had been a member of the Baptist Church.  She was also a member of the Eastern Star lodge, three of her sons becoming 32nd degree Masons.

OBITUARY

Mrs. Lavina Fletcher Higginbotham was born at McMinnville, Tenn. on Sept. 7, 1852 and departed this life at Moline, Kansas on Feb 7, 1937, age, 84 years and five months.

In early life she united with the Baptist Church at Buck Springs, Tennessee.

She was united in marriage to John Higginbotham at McMinnville, Tennessee.  To this Union was born nine children.  Two died in infancy and a son Eben Higginbotham died about ten years ago.  The husband also passed away on April 6, 1890.  She is survived by three daughters: Mrs. Octa Melton of Moline, Kansas; Mrs. Arka Mann of Chanute; and Mrs. Burton Traughber of Moline; three sons; J. M. Higginbotham, Moline; H. C. Higginbotham of Saska, Oklahoma; and A. C. Higginbotham of Herington, Kansas; also seventeen grandchildren.  These with her friends will mourn her loss.

The funeral services were conducted by E. B. King, minister of the Moline Christain Church, Tuesday February 9th at 2:30 P. M. at the Rarick Mortuary.  Burian was in the Moline Cemetery.