Betty Foster Higman

Betty Higman, 84, longtime Pine Bluff resident, died Monday, May 4, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland, where she had resided for the past 3 years. Born as Mary Elizabeth Foster August 5, 1930 in Salem, Arkansas, Betty was the daughter of B. Bradley and Emma June Floyd Foster. She spent her childhood in Mt. Home, Arkansas, where she graduated from High School. She later attended Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway and graduated in 1952 with a degree in Home Economics. She was married to Scott Sloan Crabtree and had one daughter, Connie Louise Crabtree. Betty was later married to John Briscoe "Buddy" Higman, of Pine Bluff, on February 3, 1956. The Higmans made their home in Pine Bluff, where she taught home economics at Pine Bluff and Watson Chapel High Schools. The Higmans had two sons: Leslie Ross Higman and David Wayne Higman and were active in the community with their children. Betty was also very active in the First Baptist Church of Pine Bluff. She was a successful business woman. In 1962 she opened The MaRu Bridal and Ladies Ready to Wear in Pine Bluff, which she operated for 50 years. During that time, she designed children's clothing and was an exceptional seamstress. She became a bridal consultant, and would often design a veil, dress, or accessory just to please the bride. After her retirement in 2012, Betty moved to Baltimore. Buddy preceded Betty in death in 2009. Survivors include: her daughter and son-in-law: Connie (Harwood) Burritt, of Baltimore, Maryland, two sons: Leslie Ross (Kelly) Higman, of Gravette, Arkansas; and Wayne Higman, of Pine Bluff; daughters: Susan (Alan) Padgett, of Maumelle, Arkansas; and Linda A. Morgan, of Little Rock, Arkansas. Six grandchildren: John Foster Higman, of Kansas City, Kansas; Miles Briscoe and Ray Bob Higman, of Gravette, Arkansas, Lesley Morgan (Jeff) Miller, of Baltimore, Maryland, Allison Morgan Simmons, of Florida, and Chris Padgett, three great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. Funeral services for Betty will be 11:30 a.m., Saturday, May 9, 2015 at First Baptist Church of Pine Bluff with Reverend Kenneth Thornton and Reverend Gordon Topping officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Pine Bluff. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 8th from 5-7 p.m. at Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.