Jacqueline "Jackie" Walters Higgins

Jacqueline “Jackie” Walters Higgins, age 86, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on September 9, 1938, in Frostburg, Maryland, Jackie was raised in Carlos as one of ten children to Clara Viola and John Walters. Growing up in a large family instilled in her the values of resilience, love, and deep loyalty—qualities that she carried throughout her life.

Her life was centered on family. She married the love of her life, Eugene Higgins, and together they raised two children, Kenneth Higgins and Tammy Higgins Street. Jackie’s world was rooted in love, devotion, and quiet strength. Her life took an unexpected turn when Eugene passed away, leaving her to face life and raise their daughter alone. She did so with courage and grace.

In her later years, Jackie found joy in travel, embracing new places and experiences with a spirit of adventure. She spent much of her time babysitting the little ones in the family, caring for elderly relatives, and spending weekends with family at her sister Barbara’s house. Jackie and Barbara shared an especially close bond—sisters, best friends, and partners in laughter and love. They were inseparable in spirit, and their time together brought joy to all those around them. Jackie was always on the go—full of energy and eager to lend a hand wherever needed.

She was devoted to helping her adult children in any way she could. Whether she was planting trees, mowing weeds, or tackling household projects with her daughter, Jackie never shied away from hard work. She was also a beloved fixture at her son Ken’s business, Honey Baked Ham—greeting customers, making deliveries, and doing whatever needed to be done. She truly did it all.

Jackie also loved to shop—for anything and everything—but especially clothes. A good shopping trip brought her joy and excitement, and she never passed up the chance to find something new.

An avid walker, Jackie found peace and purpose in being on her feet. At age 70, she even tackled a marathon—beating her son Ken and proudly placing first in her age group. It was a shining example of her determination, strength, and zest for life.

She also found happiness in the grand dogs that came into her life over the years, treating them with the same warmth and affection she gave to everyone she loved.

She shared many of her happiest moments with her best friend, Helen Maurey, whose friendship brought laughter, companionship, and unforgettable adventures.

Jackie touched countless lives with her gentle nature, warm smile, and unwavering dedication to those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clara Viola and John Walters; her beloved husband, Eugene Higgins; and her siblings Mary Elmira Drew, Joseph Walters, Phyllis Mackenzie, Mary Alice Walters, Mary Regina Walters, and John Walters.

She is survived by her children, Kenneth Higgins and his wife Debbie, and Tammy Higgins Street and her husband Jeff; her sister Barbara Huzinec and beloved brother-in-law John Huzinec; and her sisters Emma Duckworth and Deborah Walters. She is also survived by her nieces Elaine Spry and family, and Mary “Jeannie” Porter and family, as well as many other beloved family and friends. Elaine was always like a second sibling to Jackie’s children—growing up together and later years, sharing in travel adventures and love of the Steelers and being part of Jackie’s final journey with Alzheimer’s and her care. Jeannie called Mom “her hero” and they had a very special bond since she was a baby—being more than an aunt and like a second Mom. Jackie is also survived by her granddogs—Esther, Sam, and Chloe—whom she loved dearly.

We also want to mention Mom’s second family— the staff of the Acadia Unit at Autumn Lake Ruxton in Baltimore, where Mom spent her last year and a half of her life, They are so amazing and caring and truly loved my Mother. Especially Robin, Jasmine and Denise who truly loved my Mother and she loved them right back.

Despite the many challenges posed by Alzheimer’s disease, Jackie faced each day with grace and bravery. Even as her memories faded, her light continued to shine brightly in the hearts of those around her.

Jackie’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the love she gave. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered. There will be a hole in our hearts that we will never be able to fill…

Visitation will be held on Monday July 7 from 6-8 pm at Sowers Funeral Home in Frostburg, Maryland. There will be a sharing time beginning at 7:30 pm.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 8 at 11 am at St Michael’s Catholic Church with Father Ed Hendricks as celebrant. Burial will be at Vale Summit Cemetery.

Flowers preferred or donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. at her son’s home Kenneth Higgins at 10720 Lancewood Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030.