Joyce Maxine Higgins, age 89, of Roxboro North Carolina died on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. Born in Greene County, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Hill and Faye Olive Florence.

Mrs. Higgins, who went by Maxine educated at University of Chicago, Friends University, and Southern Illinois University. She studied both education and public accounting. As an accountant she worked at several accounting firms both in Illinois and Georgia, while living in Illinois she established her own accounting office that specialized in small business and farm accounting.  Maxine’s love of teaching started at age ten as a Sunday School teacher of children. She always loved the opportunity to include music as part of each lesson. This led to her own love of music. As a Senior in High School, she was awarded First Place in Singing in the state of Illinois. Scholastically, Maxine was valedictorian of White Hall High School and was awarded scholarships for college. After her husband’s passing, she concentrated on teaching International Studies Sunday School. She also taught English as a second language to her students so that they might obtain their dream of citizenship. When asked what the most important thing was, she had the opportunity to do in her life she’d respond, “After the love of raising her children and grandchildren it was to bring immigrants to Christ and Citizenship.”

In addition to her parents, Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Lewis Higgins, Sr.

Surviving are her children, Charles Higgins, Jr. (Susan), Keevin Higgins and four grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family asks memorial contributions may be made to Long Memorial United Methodist Church or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Mrs. Higgins Visitation will be held at Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL on Sunday, August 6, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Funeral Services will begin at 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Union Cemetery in Sparta, IL.

Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Peggy Bradford says:

   08/06/2023 at 2:44 pm

   It was so wonderful Knowing Maxine she was a God fearing and. Love all her International Friends RIP Maxine🙏🏽

   Reply