Charlotte Lamanda Higginbotham

Charlotte Lamanda Higginbotham, 82, returned to her heavenly home on September 18, 2017 following a brief, acute illness. Lamanda was born to the late Charles Arthur and Hazel Faires in Little Rock, Arkansas on May 17, 1935. As a child, her family moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas, then to Texarkana, Texas. After meeting her future husband, Don, at a church hayride in 1951, Lamanda completed her Associate's Degree before marrying. On September 10, 1955, Don and Lamanda started their life together. They both worked for LTV Corporation in Grand Prairie, Texas. She was a chartist, and was often commended for her impeccable drafting skills. Don and Lamanda moved to Arlington and joined First Baptist Church, Arlington, in 1958 where they were lifelong members. Lamanda stopped working in 1959 to raise her children, and did not return to work until her youngest was in 4th grade. While the children were young, Lamanda was active in Progressive PTA, and Arlington City Council PTA where she served as President in 1971. In 1976, she ran for a position on the Arlington School Board and lost to the incumbent by just 12 votes. The following year, Lamanda accepted a position in the Arlington ISD as a teacher's aide in the special ed department, a position she would keep for the 17 years. Lamanda and Don were blessed with 4 wonderful children. Family vacations were often spent in Galveston. Lamanda's favorite hobby was following her children in all their activities—from Boy Scout events to soccer games, basketball games to Girl Scout events, musical programs to volleyball games. There was not a better cheerleader or supporter for her children than Lamanda. All that love and support trickled down to her grandkids as Lamanda would attend musical events, sporting events, and other school functions. She was so proud of her family and was definitely an “ultra” mother and grandmother. Having beaten breast cancer 31 years ago, Lamanda never let anything get her down. Her vivacious spirit and positive attitude helped her through any difficulty she faced. Lamanda loved to travel, and she had many adventures with her husband, family, and friends on trips to Hawaii, Vegas, Nassau, Canada, Boston, San Diego, D.C., Colorado, and more. Lamanda loved to cook. Nothing made her happier than preparing a meal for her family and enjoying it with them. Lamanda's family would tease her that her favorite meal was the last one she had. Lamanda enjoyed drawing, and she had beautiful penmanship skills. She would often lend those skills to schools in creating banners, posters, and t-shirt designs. Lamanda never met a stranger, and she was always willing to share with people about the lives of her children and grandchildren and listen to others about their lives as well. She made everyone around her feel like they were important to her, because they were. Lamanda is survived by her husband, Don; her sons David Higginbotham, Darrel Higginbotham, Duane Higginbotham and his wife Carla; her daughter Donna Cates; and her grandchildren Tevin Cates, Baylee Higginbotham, Dylan Higginbotham, Taryn Cates, and Allyson Higginbotham. Lamanda is preceded in death by her brother William Faires and her parents. Lamanda's celebration service will officiated by Dr. Charles Wade at Wade Funeral Home at 11 AM on Saturday, September 23, 2017. We can rejoice in knowing that Lamanda is now with Our Heavenly Father, and we will join her again someday in Heaven. Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233