Mary Louise Petchauer Higginbotham, 88, died peacefully Friday morning, September 8 th , 2023, in her home in Apopka, FLA, surrounded by her family.
Mary was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on November 29 th , 1935, to William and Betty Petchauer. Mary grew up on a dairy farm with her brothers Bill, Bob and Jack. Mary was a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Orlando Regional Medical Center. Mary worked with developmentally disabled children and established special education programs in churches across the country. With her husband Pastor Allen Higginbotham, Mary ran Best Christian Tours, a faith-based touring company, leading tours nationally and internationally.
Mary is preceded in death by her daughter Laura Grumney. She is survived by her husband Pastor Allen Higginbotham and three beloved daughters, Mary Beth McKinney, Melanie Geiger, and LouAnne Brickhouse, a stepson Al Higginbotham, Jr., and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Burial will be in Highland Memories Garden in Apopka.