Mary Louise Petchauer Higginbotham, 88, died peacefully Friday morning, September 8th, 2023, in her home in Apopka, FLA, surrounded by her family.
Mary was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on November 29th, 1935, to William and Betty Petchauer. Mary grew up on a dairy farm with her brothers Bill, Bob and Jack. Mary was a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Orlando Regional Medical Center. Mary worked with developmentally disabled children and established special education programs in churches across the country. With her husband Pastor Allen Higginbotham, Mary ran Best Christian Tours, a faith-based touring company, leading tours nationally and internationally.
Mary is preceded in death by her daughter Laura Grumney. She is survived by her husband Pastor Allen Higginbotham and three beloved daughters, Mary Beth McKinney, Melanie Geiger, and LouAnne Brickhouse, a stepson Al Higginbotham, Jr., and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Burial will be in Highland Memories Garden in Apopka.
A gathering of friends will be held on September 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Apopka, located at 441 S Highland Ave. in Apopka.
A funeral will be held on September 12, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Apopka, located at 441 S Highland Ave. in Apopka.
A graveside service will be held on September 12, at 12:30 p.m. at the Highland Memory Gardens, located at 3329 E Semoran Blvd. in Apopka.