Birmingham, Alabama, August 11, 2025
News Summary
Joy Higgenbotham, a cherished figure in Birmingham, passed away peacefully at the age of 97, leaving a legacy of love and community involvement. Known for her nurturing nature, Joy inspired family and friends alike. Her contributions and dedication to charitable causes will be fondly remembered as her loved ones celebrate her impactful life.
Birmingham, Alabama
Joy Higgenbotham, a beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 6th, 2025, at the age of 97. Her passing has left a profound impact on her family and friends in Birmingham, Alabama, where she spent many years nurturing her loved ones and actively contributing to her community.
Remembering Joy’s Legacy
Joy Higgenbotham touched many lives through her unwavering love and dedication to her family and friends. As a nurturing figure, she prioritized her children’s well-being and played a pivotal role in helping them adjust to numerous changes throughout their lives. Her family fondly remembers her continuous encouragement, warm-hearted cards, and shared scripture passages during family celebrations.
A Life of Resilience
Born Mary Joyce Crook in a small farmhouse near Erick, Oklahoma, Joy was the third of six children. She was born to Charles Brookover Crook and Ima Pearl Stevens Crook, eventually moving to a residence known as the “South Place.” From a young age, she took on significant responsibilities, caring for her younger siblings and cousins, which fostered a belief that growing up in a large family provided lasting security.
Impactful Childhood Experiences
Joy attended Sweetwater School near the South Place, reminiscing fondly about spirited Christmas celebrations filled with decorated evergreen trees. These memories included family traditions of cutting down and decorating Christmas trees together with cranberries and popcorn. Her childhood was marked by significant historical events, including the turmoil of the Great Depression, life on a farm, and enduring natural disasters like tornadoes and the Dust Bowl.
Professional Journey and Family Life
After high school, Joy moved to Oklahoma City to attend business school and briefly spent time in Dallas. She began her professional career as a secretary at an oil company that later transitioned to Tulsa. It was there that she met her future husband, John William Higgenbotham, through a mutual friend. Their love blossomed quickly, culminating in marriage just six weeks after their first encounter.
Building a Family and Community
Joy and John moved several times throughout John’s career, living in Tulsa, Dallas, and Atlanta, before finally establishing their home in Birmingham, Alabama. After their children graduated high school, they settled into a condo in Vestavia, which became their permanent residence. Following John’s passing in 2004, Joy continued to live there, cherishing the moments with her three great-grandchildren.
Involvement in the Community
Joy and John have long been known for their charitable spirit, contributing to the Multiple Sclerosis Association and volunteering at St. Vincent’s Hospital (now UAB St. Vincent’s). They also found a spiritual home at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Vestavia Hills, where they participated actively in community programs.
Family and Legacy
Joy is survived by her children: John, Jay (with wife Dawn), and Jamie, along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband John, her parents, and several siblings and relatives. The family expressed gratitude for the loving care from Matilda Reed, who ensured Joy’s comfort in her final days. Her family concluded that “her joy lives on in all of us,” highlighting the lasting impact she has had on their lives.
Conclusion
Joy Higgenbotham will be remembered as a matriarch who cherished family, nurtured relationships, and actively contributed to her community, her legacy continuing through those she loved.
FAQ
What was Joy Higgenbotham’s full name?
Joy Higgenbotham was born as Mary Joyce Crook.
Where did Joy Higgenbotham live?
Joy lived primarily in Birmingham, Alabama, after moving there with her family.
What charitable causes did Joy support?
Joy supported the Multiple Sclerosis Association and volunteered at UAB St. Vincent’s Hospital.
How many children did Joy Higgenbotham have?
Joy had three children: John, Jay, and Jamie.
Key Features of Joy Higgenbotham’s Life
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | August 6, 1928 |
| Death Date | August 6, 2025 |
| Place of Birth | Erick, Oklahoma |
| Family Size | Third of six children |
| Married to | John William Higgenbotham |
| Children | John, Jay, Jamie |
| Community Service | Multiple Sclerosis Association, UAB St. Vincent’s Hospital |
| Spiritual Home | Episcopal Church of the Ascension |
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Mary Joy Higgenbotham
- Obits: John Higginbotham
- Obits: Gwendolyn Hall
- Obits: Harriette Dunn
- Obits: Ginger Kemp
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- Google Search: Mary Joy Higgenbotham
- Google Scholar: Joy Higgenbotham
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham, Alabama
- Google News: Joy Higgenbotham
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
