A memorial service for Mary Kay Higgins, Age 63 of Eminence, Missouri will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in the restaurant at Cross Country Trail Ride from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm (noon). Mary Kay’s family invites all who knew her to gather, share memories, and celebrate a life well lived. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. Arrangements were under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Eminence, Missouri
Mary Kay was raised in Eminence, Missouri, and spent much of her childhood playing with her cousins and close friends. She was actively involved in sports during her years at Eminence High School, graduating in 1980. She was an avid supporter of the Eminence Redwings in her adult years, spending many seasons as the high school cheerleading coach. It was in this role that she instilled a love of school spirit into so many of the students she worked with.
On August 6, 1992, Mary Kay married Michael Lane Higgins, whom she loved immeasurably. This union was blessed with three sons from a previous marriage, Joey Higgins, Charles Brandon Gregory, and James Paul Gregory, and one son together, Lane David Higgins. Mary Kay and Mike built a beautiful life and family together, filled with immense love and memories. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and was forever going above and beyond to give her family what she thought they would like or need.
Mary Kay was known for her warm spirit and gift of conversation; she never met a stranger and loved visiting with people wherever she went. In recent years, she and her son, Lane, opened Fox Pen Cabins. She was a wonderful host and made small details, such as finding activities for her guests on a rainy day, part of the charm of the stay. Her artistic touch lives on in the many homemade treasures she lovingly created for her family and friends. Over the years, Mary Kay dedicated her time and talents in many ways, working with special needs students at school, serving as an outstanding cheerleading sponsor, managing a western store for her family’s business, providing care as a devoted caregiver, and sharing her passion for decorating. She never hesitated to jump in and help anyone in need. Above all, Mary Kay loved Jesus Christ and lived her life in a way that reflected her faith. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Mary Kay was preceded in death by her sister, Sarah Jane Smith, and her grandparents, Calvin Eugene “Fuzz” and Wilma Elizabeth (Burrus) Smith, and Charles Leonard “Judge” and Willa Marjory (Bales) Orchard.
She is survived by her parents, James David and Jane Anne (Orchard) Smith of Eminence, MO; husband, Michael Lane Higgins of the home; sons, Joey Higgins and wife, Wendy of Lewisburg, KY, Charles Brandon Gregory of Eminence, MO, James Paul Gregory and wife, Amy of Mineral Springs, SC, and Lane David Higgins of Eminence, MO; grandchildren, Whitney Cheyenne Higgins of Lewisburg, KY, Waylon Charles Gregory, Harper Anne Gregory, and Hollis Bradford Gregory all of Essex, MO, Brayden Luke Gregory and Everly Mae Gregory of Mineral Springs, SC; sister, Carolyn Anne Dyer of Eminence, MO; brother, David Eugene Smith and partner, Gingee Adams of Eminence, MO; as well as, a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many cherished friends who loved her dearly.
