Bette Higgins

Bette Higgins, age 97, died December 15, 2020 in Chattanooga.

Bette was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to Ethel Hunt and John D. Mitchell. She was raised in Cincinnati where she sharpened her singing skills participating in USO Shows and placed in the top five finalists of a local contest to sing with Tommy Dorsey or Shep Fields of the big band era.

On June 30, 1950 Bette married George Higgins. They moved to Chattanooga in 1953 where they raised their four daughters. Bette was a dedicated member of Jones Memorial United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir and attended the Adult Bible Class. During their retirement years Bette and George enjoyed many trips on the historic Delta Queen Paddlewheel Riverboat. Later in her life Bette found her niche painting detailed pictures of houses, barns, and country stores, from photographs. Bette moved to the Bridge at Ooltewah in 2018 where she enjoyed spending time with friends and welcoming new residents. While living there, she painted a picture of the Bridge that is displayed in their lobby and designed two prize winning Christmas cards for a contest. Her final work was her 2020 “Peace on Earth” themed Christmas card, a message that was close to her heart.

Bette was predeceased by her husband George Higgins, her parents and her brother John Mitchell.

Survivors include daughters Susan (Tom) Slater, Sally Towe, Nancy (Frank) Carpenter, and Barbara (Sonny) Legere; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, two nieces and a nephew.

The family extends special thanks to the staff of the Bridge at Ooltewah who made her life comfortable and enjoyable while she lived there.

Due to the current Covid pandemic, a celebration of Bette’s life will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jones Memorial United Methodist Church, 4131 Ringgold Road, Chattanooga, TN. 37412.

Arrangements entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin -Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37404, 423-265-4414. Please visit our website to share your memories: www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com