Kay Strickland Higginbotham

Kay Strickland Higginbotham

Kay Strickland Higginbotham

3/22/1937 – 12/21/2021

Mom was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and was the light in her parents’ eyes, especially being their only child. She had a flair for the dramatic and was considered a “Triple Crown” performer, loving singing, dancing, and acting, earning her the nickname Broadway Kay in later years. She also enjoyed horseback riding, baseball (serving as a coach on one of her son’s teams), basketball, and spending time with her many cousins. After graduating Ramsey High School, she briefly attended Auburn University and remained a lifetime fan. Amazingly, though, she fell in love with an Alabama fan from Vance, but it wasn’t a house divided but hearts united. He allowed her to focus on being a stay-at-home mom with six kids to raise. She enjoyed living on Lookout Mountain and Birmingham, but Lay Lake in Shelby was her dream home. With her children, it was almost like her having siblings herself, as her imagination made life fun – paper dolls, musical recordings on cassette tape, and trips across the Southeast both in campers and hotels. Mom was always supportive of each child and their unique desires and talents, with each of us having our own tales of how she was always there for us. When she was determined to do something, nothing could stop her, with her even earning a trip to New York and being a published “Face of Beauty.” She and Dad were an inspiration for how a marriage should be – never perfect but always loving. Mom will always be remembered for her love of people, sense of humor, intelligence, and strong spirit.

“In a field of roses, she was a WILDFLOWER!”

The family will have an intimate internment and celebration of life on New Year’s Eve at Riverchase United Methodist Church (RUMC). New Year’s Eve was always a special date night for Mom and Dad, so this was chosen for sentimental reasons. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks for donations to be made to RUMC for the charities that mattered most to her: HCC

Lucy’s Kids, Backpack Ministries, and Christian Place missions.

6 thoughts on “Kay Strickland Higginbotham”

  3. Your journey here is complete. Looking forward to joining you and dad in heaven with our Lord.

  5. I miss talking to you and laughing with you. Our talks always made my day. You were my not only my Mother, you were my best friend. I want one more look at you.

  6. I would like for the Higginbotham family to know how sorry I am to hear of the passing of their mother and grandmother. My deepest sympathies are with you during this time of your loss. My heart and thoughts are with you during your time of grieving. I remember Kay as a truly beautiful southern lady that meant so much to so many. We find comfort in knowing Kay’s kindness, compassion and loving spirit will live on through those that loved her. It was a privilege to have known Kay and hear her laugh, her smile would light up a room, and she was so fun to be around. I always enjoyed her company and had fun with her at family celebrations, Secret Santa and betting own the Kentucky Derby. Kay was an angel in everyone’s path, she was so giving to me, Katie and my mother, and always remembered us with special gifts at Christmas. Kay’s friendship was such a wonderful gift and a blessing to all that knew her so well. We don’t lose someone once, we lose them everyday, but we always hold them close in our hearts and memories. Kay is now singing so beautifully with the angels and I know that she lighted up heaven and is dancing with her loving husband Bill. I pray that the Lord gives the family peace of knowing that they were so blessed to have such a loving mother and best friend, and that you will reunite again together in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and praying for healing, comfort, peace and strength in this difficult time. Many blessings and love to each of you.
    Anna and Katie

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