Mariam Jackson Higginbotham, a pioneer in Alabama Baptist life, died Feb. 23. She was a sister-in-law to Lamar Jackson, who died Feb. 22 (see story, this page).
She was also a lifetime member of the board of trustees for Samford University (SU), her alma mater.
In 1972 she was the first woman to be elected second vice president of the Alabama Baptist State Convention (ABSC).
Higginbotham had been a member of Parker Memorial Baptist Church, Anniston, for 30 years. She also taught a Sunday School class.
She co-authorized “Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church,” a history of Parker Memorial, with her second husband, Ralph Higginbotham.
Born in Ashland in 1927 the avid educator was the first female dean at Jacksonville State University, where she had received her master’s degree. She retired in 1989.
She served churches in Alabama, Kentucky and Colorado with her first husband, J.B. Jackson, Jr. until his death in 1957.
Through the years Higginbotham received numerous honors, such as the Samford Univeristy Distinguished Service Trustee Award and Meritorious Service Award for the executive board for the ABSC.
Higginbotham is survived by her husband, Ralph Higginbotham, six children, 10 grandchildren, one great grandson and several nephews, nieces and great-nephews.
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