Irene E. Higginbotham

Irene (Cochenour) Higginbotham, age 62, of Frankfort, went home to be in eternal rest with her Savior, Jesus Christ, following a courageous and extended battle with cancer. Irene was a caring and generous mother who loved unconditionally. She was known as Grandma A"HiggyA" and was an unconditional friend to her children and granddaughters. Irene was also known as A"MomA" to so many that met her. Her motherly instinct was innate. She was a great sister throughout her lifetime. She gave to everyone, even if it meant she herself did without. She was a dedicated homemaker and a revered caregiver for the elderly and the sick. She enjoyed the company of everyone; and anyone who visited her was fed a home cooked meal. Her passion was people and she loved to talk on the telephone.

She was born in Knockemstiff, Ohio, and was the youngest child of Carl J. Cochenour and Anna G. (Chaney) Cochenour, who preceded her in death. She was the beloved and faithful wife of the late Emanuel L. Higginbotham (of 34 years) whom she mourned since his death in July, 2001. She was her husband's and motherA's loyal caregiver during their extended illness.

She is survived by her children, Glen (Beth) Higginbotham of Frankfort, Tonia (Tim) (Higginbotham) Nesser of Olive Hill, KY, and Emanuel C. Higginbotham of Columbus. She is survived by her constant and dedicated caregiver of the past two years, Francisco A"PacoA" Garcia, of Chillicothe, who she highly regarded as her son. She is survived by her grandchildren, Elizabeth and Alexis Nesser of Olive Hill, KY., Talli, Emily, Aubree, and Josie Higginbotham of Frankfort, and Daisey Mae of Columbus. She is survived by siblings, Melvin (Barbara) Cochenour of Chillicothe, Lauretta Watkins of Waverly, and Calvin (Gladys) Cochenour of Bartow, FL. Also surviving are extended family, Dixie Harvey, Susan Smith, Johnny Higginbotham, Dean Smith, Beverly Higginbotham, Robin (Higginbotham) Corey, all of Frankfort; Clara Thomas of Waverly, Sara Detty of Chillicothe, special friend Mike Abernathy, of Frankfort, as well as scores of cousins, nieces and nephews; and friends that she considered dear family in Mexico and Venezuela.

Irene was preceded in death by a brother, Carl A"JuniorA" Cochenour, of Chillicothe, and extended family, Fred Watkins, of Waverly, and Ted Higginbotham and Diane Smith, both formerly of Frankfort.

Calling hours for friends and family will be at IreneA's residence at 69 Anderson Avenue, Frankfort, from 4-8 pm on Friday. Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Saturday at THE EBRIGHT FUNERAL HOME, 55 West Springfield St., Frankfort, with Rev. Rick Hartley officiating. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Frankfort.

Due to her passion and need to give and provide for others, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Good Samaritan Food Pantry of 133 East 7th Street, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601. Irene would also wish for the reader to know that her Savior, Jesus Christ, is indeed real and gives eternal life. This is not the end for so it is written; A"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9)