Leanora E. Higgs Obituary (1923 - 2015)

Leanora Elizabeth Higgs was born in Miami, Florida on November 4, 1923. She was the oldest of seven living children born to the late William Edward Vassoy Dames and Beatrice Rolle Dames. William and Beatrice immigrated to Miami from the Bahamas in the early 1900's. Leanora and her siblings were the first generation in her family to become U.S. citizens. During her early years, Leanora was educated in the Dade County Public School System. She and her siblings were also baptized and confirmed at St. Agnes Episcopal Church and attended church faithfully. In 1941, she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. It was instilled in Leanora and her siblings, at an early age, that education was the key to a better life. Upon her graduation, she decided to enroll in the Dixie School of Nursing at Hampton Institute (now Hampton University). Leanora graduated in 1945 and relocated to Richmond Virginia. It was also during her college years that she met her husband, of 68 years, Floyd Higgs. To this union, two children were born. Floyd Leonard Higgs (who preceded her in death on November 1, 1972) and Tony Kenneth Higgs. During her career as a nurse, Leanora worked for over 30 years as a registered nurse at the McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center. Along with her career, she and her family faithfully attended St. Philip's Episcopal Church. Leanora was also an active member of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. and Hampton University's Alumni Nursing Association. Leanora Elizabeth Higgs is remembered as a loving and caring, wife, mother, grandmother and aunt. Her son describes her as "the greatest mother in the world." She leaves to cherish her legacy, a devoted and attentive husband, Floyd, devoted and loving son, Tony and a beautiful and loving granddaughter, Christina; along with several nieces and nephews.