Judy Horner Higgins, 78, of Forest City, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 22, 2026 after a brief illness. She was born December 20, 1947 in Herkimer, NY. She was the daughter of Neil Horner, and Ted and Elizabeth “Lib” Walker. Judy was a graduate of RS Central High School class of 1966. After graduation, she married her husband,  Jackie Ray Higgins. This July, they would have celebrated 60 years of marriage. They had three children: Sherry, Buddy, and Jason.

Judy was a great mother. She and Jackie gave their children the best childhood any child could ask for filled with love and laughter. There were card games, board games, cook outs, camping trips, fishing trips and amusement parks, as well as beach and mountain vacations. She was involved in every aspect of her children’s lives. Christmas was magical and it was because of her. She truly enjoyed being a mom and considered it one of her biggest accomplishments.

If being a mom was her greatest accomplishment, being a grandma was her biggest reward. She loved her grandchildren greatly and seeing them always put a smile on her face. She was proud of them and would gladly tell you all about them. They were truly the light of her life and it was her greatest joy to see them happy and healthy.

Judy believed in helping people. There were many times she assisted others financially and they never knew from whence it came. She had a heart for children and strongly believed that family was not just blood, but anyone you loved. Judy was predeceased by her parents and her son, Buddy Higgins.

She is survived by her husband Jackie Higgins, and son Jason Higgins of the home, her daughter Sherry Curtis and husband Gary of Green Creek, NC, and grandchildren Autumn and Cj Curtis, Isaiah Hunt, and Bella Bridges. She is also survived by her sister Frances Walker of Rutherfordton.

The funeral service will be held at 3 pm Thursday, February 26, 2026 in the Padgett & King Chapel.  Interment will follow in the Cool Springs Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm Wednesday at Padgett & King.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P O Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043 or Second Baptist Church, 191 Greene Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.  Online condolences may be made at www.padgettking.com.