Helen Dobbins Higdon, age 91

Helen Dobbins Higdon, age 91 of Gainesville, Florida formerly of Forest City, passed away Friday, September 13, 2019.

Born on September 1, 1928, in Bostic, Helen was the daughter of the late Robert Bate Dobbins and Ethel Harrill Dobbins and widow of the late Milton Lee Higdon who passed in 2008. She was also preceded in death by her three sisters: Donnis Smart, Susie Digh, and Dot White.

Helen graduated from Ellenboro High School and afterwards attended classes at Gardner Webb College in Boiling Springs and received a business certificate from King's College in Charlotte. She worked at the old Ellenboro Mills Inc. and later at Smith's Drug Store where she met "that new good-looking and red-headed pharmacist in town." After raising her daughters, which she considered her life's most fulfilling vocation, Helen cherished the years she worked at Forest City Paint and Supply.

Helen's Christian faith guided how she lived her life. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Forest City and of her beloved Love Circle Sunday School class. Earlier in life, she was an accomplished golfer and loved watching the sport throughout life. In her last years, she was an avid Florida Gator football and softball fan. Helen had an engaging and easy sense of humor that drew people to her. Although an introvert at heart, her contagious wit created community wherever she went because she made everyone feel better about themselves when they were with her.

Survivors include three daughters: Tami Higdon of Gainesville, FL; Shawn Higdon of Seneca, SC; Shelley Watts (Bobby) of Hendersonville, NC; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, "grand pets", and devoted friends, including "Hel's Village" in Gainesville.

Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church in Forest City. Interment followed in the Eternal Hills Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 211 West Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043, or to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90^th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606.

The Padgett & King Mortuary is serving the family.