Obituaries

Okey L. Higginbotham went to be with the Lord at 4:02 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at Clarksburg Continuous Care and Rehabilitation Center in Clarksburg, WV.

He was born on March 17, 1939 in Mannington, WV, a son of the late Okey Louis Higginbotham and Sarah Stevens Higginbotham. Okey was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marie Monroe (Mrs. Jack), of Phoenix, Arizona.

Okey was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend of many. Okey is survived by his wife of 54 years, Diana Mason Higginbotham, daughter, Anne Marie Smith and husband, Edward K. Smith, and granddaughters, Juliana Marie Smith and Mackenzie L. Smith. In addition, he is survived by sisters, Katherine (Mrs. Clarence Dingus) of Erie, PA, Jessie Johnston of Baltimore, MD, Icie Efaw of Mannington, WV, Pearl Siberns of Rochelle, IL; brothers, Jerry J. Higginbotham (wife, Penny) of Phoenix, AZ, and Ralph Higginbotham of Montgomery, AL and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Higginbotham served in the US Army. He was a graduate of West Virginia Business College and earned a degree in Business from Salem University. He had an illustrious 33-year career in government service with the Department of Veterans Affairs, retiring as Chief Contracting Officer at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in 2000.

After retirement, Okey did not forget his humble roots, but actively looked for ways to help others. He volunteered at the Salvation Army, The Open Door and Health Access. Annually for 11 years, he and Diana made the trip to Burlington serving as United Methodist Volunteers-in -Mission working on the Burlington Campus of The United Methodist Family Services. He also served as a Volunteer in Mission for the House of the Shepherd in Wheeling repairing homes for low income families. Okey was an avid gardener, and was known for his famous rhubarb, which he shared with friends and neighbors. He was a certified master gardener and loved volunteering with this group. He genuinely liked people and could strike up a conversation with anyone. However, most of all, Okey loved spending time with his granddaughters, Juliana and Mackenzie, just goofing off playing the “Marriage Game”, Mother, May I, and Hide and Seek.

Okey was a member of Stealey United Methodist Church where he sang in the Adult Choir, and used his talents to serve the Lord as Church Treasurer, Trustee Chairman and Trustee Treasurer.

Friends and family will be received at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison Street on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Services will be conducted at the Funeral Home on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Michael Burge and Reverend JJ Roller presiding. Interment will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Burlington United Methodist Family Services, 120 Hope Lane, P.O. Box 69, Burlington, WV 26710 or Stealey United Methodist Church, 521 Milford Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.