Marian Higginbotham Morgan

Nahunta – Marian Higginbotham Morgan, affectionately known as Mom Morgan and Miss Marian, 88, of Nahunta passed away surrounded by her children on Wednesday morning (October 31, 2018) at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville FL.

Born in Jesup, GA , to the late Everett F. Higginbotham and Mary Lovdia Dowling Higginbotham, she is also preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Irvin “Irv” Morgan of Cairo, GA; 3 sisters; and a brother.

Miss Marian graduated from Waycross High School, attended Valdosta State College and the University of Georgia. Forever a Bulldog’s fan, she recently cheered them on during the GA-FLA game.

Married on June 18, 1950 in Waycross, GA, the newlyweds established a home in Cairo, GA, before life moved them to Tifton and Atlanta, GA, Richmond, VA; and Memphis, TN. Determined to complete her college education, Miss Marian returned to school and received her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1977 from Memphis State University. 1980 offered the opportunity for both Irv’s retirement and a move to her adored father’s land on Buffalo Creek, which brought her the greatest joy. As a founding member of Southside Baptist Church, Miss Marian always gave an enthusiastic “Yes” to every opportunity for involvement. Her steadfast faith was guided by the following words of Reverend Wade H. Bryant: “Help us each day, O God, by the words we say, and by the acts we do, and above all, by the life we live, to speak a good word for Jesus.”

As dust never settled on her countertops or under her feet, Miss Marian began teaching children at Nahunta Elementary School in 1982 and was recognized in 2000 by the Brantley County Board of Education for her 18 years of loyal service. Every encounter with prior students involved big hugs and extension of praise.

She will always be remembered by her radiant smile, adorably mischievous wink, complete unselfishness, constant love, never ending kindness, waves farewell, need to be warm, and love of laughter, ice cream and multiple cups of coffee.

Excerpts from her favorite poem, “Our Family Chain”, are: “In life we loved you dearly. In death we do the same.” “Your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you, You are always by our side.”

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Thomas Irvin Morgan (Dianne) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; a daughter and son-in-law, Monica Morgan Seeger (Ken) of Charleston, SC; 4 grandchildren and their spouses, Ashley Morris (Michael) of Marietta, GA, Beth Anne Lazaro (Ralph) of Chagrin Falls, OH; Courtland Morgan Seeger (Rachel) of Stamford, CT, and Katharine Trubee Seeger (Ian Muir) of Redwood City, CA; 7 great grandchildren; a sister and brother-in-law, Pam McElroy (Clayton) of Trenton, FL; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The family will receive friends Friday afternoon (November 2, 2018) from 3:30pm – 4:00pm with funeral services following at 4PM at Southside Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Johns officiating. Burial will follow in New Hope Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Whit Courtney, Russ Elkins, Lamare Peace, Lance Spears, Bill Steed, and Jim Wheeler.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made In Memory of Marian Morgan, to Southside Baptist Church, 550 School St., Nahunta, GA 31553 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org.

Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.