Jeanette Hyde Higgins
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jeanette Hyde Higgins, 92, commonly known as Mawsie on December 22nd, 2023.
Born on May 24th 1931 in Knoxville TN, Jeanette was cherished by her family and is survived by her children Nancy McSpadden Burns (Tom Burns her Golden Boy), Ray Yates (Karin Baker), Tim Yates (Angie Yates), and step-daughter Jean McSpadden Hunter (Kathryn Hunter, deceased).
She was also blessed with grandchildren Jenise Greene Wade (James Wade), Justin Yates, Trevor Yates, and Rebekah Burns as well as eight great-grandchildren.
She is remembered with love by her many nieces and nephews, especially her devoted niece Carmen McCoy and nephew-in-law Wayne McCoy.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents George Clay Hyde and Elga Belle Johnson Hyde, her husband William (Buddy) Higgins, her infant daughter Peggy Yates, and siblings William (Bull) Hyde, Warren (Bud) Hyde, Eva Lea Hyde Filkins, Kathleen (Kacky) Hyde Wallace, Betty Hyde Lane, and Genevie (Gem) Hyde Mishalanie.
Jeanette’s life was marked by resilience, selflessness, and a profound commitment to making a difference in both her professional endeavors and within her beloved circle of family and friends.
She excelled at her job as office manager of Equitable Life Insurance in downtown Chattanooga, TN, a position not often given to women during that time. She was also a passionate public speaker and an esteemed member of Toast Mistresses of Chattanooga. Additionally, she served on the Chattanooga Counsel for Alcohol and Drug Dependence and Mental Health and with her husband Buddy, managed the Star House on Lookout Mountain, a rehabilitation center for recovering alcoholics.
As a lifelong member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Jeanette’s unwavering faith led her to triumph over life’s many hardships and was reflected in her endless compassion and commitment to helping others.
The family would like to give express recognition to Jeanette’s much admired longtime doctor, Annasofee Dubeck and the exceptional care provided by Dr. Mary Bean who astutely diagnosed and aggressively treated Jeanette for a suspicious virus during a hospital admission in January 2020 which was later recognized as the emerging Covid-19 virus. The family also extends special thanks to Dr. Rohini Alay, MD of the PACE program, for her support during Jeanette’s journey through Alzheimer’s Disease. The empathetic care provided by all of the staff at PACE was nothing short of exceptional, particularly social worker Tim Burton, whose tireless dedication, warmth, and humor was a great comfort to Jeanette and her caregivers.
And heartfelt gratitude is also due to Gracie Coulter, who was Jeanette’s personal guardian angel during her stay at Ascension Living Alexian Village.
Jeanette will be deeply missed by her loved ones, but her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her to emulate her kindness, strength, wit, and compassion.
Rest well, sweet Mawsie.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 AM Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church with Father Mike Nolan officiating. Burial will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens, East. The family will receive friends from 2-5 PM Saturday, December 30, 2023 at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road East Ridge, TN.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.
Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory & Florist 423-698-2541