Beverly Ann Brooks Higginbotham

Beverly was born August 13, 1937, in Algiers, LA, the daughter of the late Leslie P. and Mable E. Aucoin Brooks Sr. Beverly grew up in New Orleans and was a 1956 graduate of Martin Berman High School. Beverly met her husband, Fred Sr., on a blind date while he was on leave of absence from the Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. It was love at first sight! Fred was known to walk amd hitch hike 500 miles to New Orleans to be with his bride to be. Their love and courtship was unique. Fred would ask Beverly, “How much do you love me?” Her reply is and was always “Two-Cents.” 64 years later, they are a testament to the “Greatest value of Two-Cents.” While living in New Orleans, Beverly was employed by the State of Louisiana Court House, enjoyed outdoor activities such as, coaching girls’ softball, gardening and raising her three young children while being a housewife.

In 1975 they moved to Westfield, NY. 1976 the couple found their dream home on Chestnut St., one of the most beautiful homes on the Chautauqua Gorge. In 1979 Fred amd Beverly purchased the professional Cleaning Franchise & Disaster Restoration Company; “ServiceMaster by Higginbotham’s”, which they have owned and operated in their hometown of Westfield, NY servicing both Chautauqua County New York and Erie County Pennsylvania for the past 44 years. Over time, the Company became known as Two Cents Inc. dba ServiceMaster Clean by Higginbotham’s. The business had become a family affair and is currently managed by second generation family members.

Beverly was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Westfield where she participated in many activities, group leadership, choir, committees, and programs, until her disease took a tole, and she could no longer attend. The Puppet Ministry, “Rays of Sonshine” was created by Beverly and Gerry Hammond. Which through the Youth, this ministry shared the story of Jesus; bringing love, life, and laughter to both the young and elders fortunate enough to enjoy their performances. She had a spirit of Mercy and cared for elders that crossed her path. Beverly had a green garden thumb and talent with flowers and plants. She worked with Mr. Shelly Green in his greenhouses on Grove St., at The Westfield Nursery with Mrs. Bentley and Nancy Hanks, and at the Carriage House with Beverly Yeaney, where her joy of playing in the dirt was admired. Our Southern Bell was the fastest Grape tier that the Andy & Sara Wolff Grape Farm ever saw! The beauty of her home & gardens were the couple’s pride and joy.

Always took the time to sit on the Beautiful Front Porch and Swing. Beverly also had a secret talent; one that she claims she had to be “in the mood for” Acrylic & Oil painting. Beautiful Treasures that grace their home. Oh Momma, could she cook, Southern cooking at its best!

However during her golden years, she wanted the stove removed from the kitchen. She was Retired and did not have to cook any more.

God spelled backwards is Dog. No wonder Beverly loved dogs. Beverly shared her love for dogs of any breed, most fondly throughout her married life were Dachshunds. There was Max, Noah, Obadiah, and Rusty, all lovingly long lived and spoiled. Mr. Wiggles is here with us to Carry on.

Beverly is survived by her loving husband of 64 years; Fred Lloyd Higginbotham Sr., whom she married November 15, 1958, in Algiers, Louisiana. Three children; Debra Kaye (Carrie Shank) Higginbotham of Westfield, NY, Fred Lloyd (Ivelisse) Higginbotham Jr, of Westfield, NY, and Terry Lee (Jeffrey) Freeman of Westfield, NY, six grandchildren; Ivan L. Torres, Gregory M. (Jill Brockmeyer) Torres, Fred L. (Lynette) Higginbotham III, Cassidy B. Higginbotham, Nichole L. Freeman, and Bradley M. (Anna) Freeman, and eleven great grandchildren; Giovanni, Francisco, Kit, Madison, Fred IV, Charlotte, Will, Mylin, Parker, Vida, and Walker.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother; Leslie “Sonny” Percy Brooks.

At Beverly’s request, all services will be private and concluded by Freay’s Funeral Home in Mayville, NY, and burial will be in the Westfield Cemetery on Thursday, April 13th, 2023.

Beverly’s favorite No. 13.

Memorial donations can be made to the: Westfield Alzheimer’s Respite Support Group (c/o Westfield United Methodist Church, 101 Main St, Westfield, NY 14787). To leave a remembrance or post a condolence to the family, please visit freayfuneral home.com.