Eunice Higgins

Eunice Higgins, a cherished educator and beloved member of her community, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the age of 95. Born on December 28, 1930, in Greene County, Arkansas, Eunice devoted her life to the betterment of others through education, impacting countless young lives throughout her distinguished career.

Eunice pursued her educational aspirations with unwavering dedication, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Harding University and her Master's degree from Arkansas State University. She further enhanced her expertise with an additional 30 hours of coursework at Arkansas State. A proud member of Phi Delta Kappa, Alpha Delta Kappa, the National Education Association, and the Arkansas Education Association, Eunice exemplified a lifelong commitment to learning and teaching.

Over the course of 41 years, Eunice imparted wisdom and knowledge to her students, primarily in kindergarten. Her teaching journey began at Stanford and extended to New Jersey, where she served the students of Rockaway Township and Dover. Ultimately, she returned to her roots in Paragould, where she concluded her illustrious career at Oak Grove Schools within the Paragould School District.

Eunice will be lovingly remembered by her brother, David Shewmaker; her special nephews, Scott Fitzgerald and Glenn Fitzgerald; and several beloved nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, A.T. and Elizabeth Shewmaker; husband, Jim Higgins; brothers, Ancil, Eddie, and Kenneth Shewmaker; and sisters, Gloria Shewmaker, Vivian Groves, and Mary Fitzgerald.

In honoring her life and legacy, services will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Heath Funeral Home. A visitation will be from 9-10 AM. A funeral service will take place at 10 AM with Art Smith and Evan Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Knot Cemetery.

Eunice Higgins leaves behind a lasting legacy of love for education and an indelible mark on the hearts of those she taught and those who loved her. She will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.