Karen Sue (Nickell) Higginbotham

Karen Sue Higginbotham, age 65, of Beaver, Ohio, died Sunday February 18, 2024 surrounded by her family at her residence. She was born August 19, 1958 in Portsmouth, Ohio, a daughter of the late Earl Steward Nickell and Norma Jean Risner Nickell. She was united in marriage December 15, 1979 to her husband, Rex Higginbotham, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Daniel (Lilah) Higginbotham of Lucasville, Ohio and Adam (Veronica) Higginbotham of Gahanna, Ohio, five grandchildren, Libbey and Laken Higginbotham of Lucasville, Ohio and Declan, Cohen, and Nora Higginbotham of Gahanna, Ohio, four brothers and sisters, Donna Jean Harris of Waverly, Ohio, Russ (Karen) Nickell of Beaver, Ohio, Rick (Diane) Nickell of Beaver, Ohio, and Rock Nickell of Snow Camp, North Carolina, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Michael Harris.

Karen loved her family dearly and lived her life going above and beyond to provide her grandchildren with anything they needed or asked for. She was employed as an aide in elementary education for 28 years and adored the children she assisted and came in contact with on a daily basis throughout her career.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Dr. Jerrad Nickell for the comfort, guidance, and trust he provided to the fullest extent without limitation or reserve.

Graveside services will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday February 21, 2024 at the Beaver Union Cemetery in Beaver, Ohio. Burial will follow at the conclusion of services. Cox Burkitt Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family is setting up an account for anyone to donate funds to support students that mom worked closest alongside. These funds will be specifically directed to Eastern Schools and will only be used to provide resources, equipment, or support to students with disability or otherwise special needs to support them in their educational experience. 100% of proceeds will only go to this cause and the account will close when funding is used entirely. Donations can be made at the Atomic Credit Union by referencing the "Mrs. Karen Fund" or at https://gofund.me/2b99894f

There will also be a space created immediately following the graveside service for folks to gather at Eastern School cafeteria to pay respects and show support. We know that mom’s biggest impact to the community occurred at the schools and believe this will be a most appropriate way to honor her work and life. We’re incredibly thankful for the support of Matt and his team at the school for their generosity.

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