Barbara Ann Higgins, age 83, of Jonesboro, passed away on July 23, 2026. She was born on December 25, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late David Lee and Grace Mae Matthews. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Byron Franklin Higgins. Barbara lived a life centered on faith, family, and love. She was known for her warm heart, joyful spirit, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. Her smile, laughter, and positive outlook on life left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend who treasured every moment spent with her family. Whether celebrating holidays, birthdays, or simply enjoying each other's company, she found her greatest happiness in the people she loved. No birthday was ever complete without Barbara singing her famous "Cornbread Song." It didn't matter who you were or where you were—on the streets of Georgia or outside the Grand Ole Opry. It was just one of the many ways she shared her joy and made every moment a little more special. She is survived by her children, Shari Ann Borlie of Hilton Head, Joseph Anthony Borlie, Jr., of Morrow, and Julia Marie Kerce of Stockbridge; her son-in-law, Dennis Lee Kerce; her daughter-in-law, Vicki Whitaker; her brother, David Matthews of Maryland; her sister, Jeannie McCadden of Maryland; her grandchildren, Amanda Arriaga, John Gosdin, Nicole Reyes, Nicholas Borlie, and Jeremy Kerce; and her great-grandchildren, Caleb and Savannah Reyes, and Katie, Haylie, and Cami Kerce. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in the chapel of Ford Stewart Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Sherwood Memorial Park in Jonesboro.

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