LuWanda C. Higgins

“Lu” went home to be with the Lord at age 81 on August 7, 2025 at her home in Kent surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with dementia. The family is greatly inspired by her husband’s constant care and devotion for the last ten years in managing her illness.

Born January 31, 1944 in Joplin, Missouri to Floyd and Clara Williams, her family moved to Wadsworth, Ohio and then to Elyria, Ohio during her senior year of high school. This is where she met and fell in love with Gene and married on June 19, 1965. They had just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Lu started college after her marriage but put schooling on hold to support her husband’s ministry and her family. Lu was the biggest fan of her three sons’ athletic careers which ranged from Mogadore Football to Field & Track producing two champions in the shot put and discus. Lu witnessed all three sons receive their bachelor’s degrees at Kent State University.

Lu resumed her profession in the early 80’s by working as an executive assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs at Kent State University. Her career spanned 30 years at which point she resumed her dream of getting her undergraduate degree in general studies with honors and two master’s degrees with the focus on counseling, gerontology and educational administration. Lu volunteered with the Portage County NAMI, served on the board for the Portage County Mental Health and served as Sunday school director at Mogadore Christian Church.

Lu is preceded in death by her father and mother, Floyd and Clara Williams. Lu is survived by her husband of 60 years, Gene; sons Todd (Lisa), Kris (Carla), and Chad; grandchildren Tyler, Madison, Violet and Ridge (Todd), Joseph (Kris); great grandchildren Ivyrae and Lucas (Tyler); brothers Greg (Evelyn) Williams, Timothy (Nancy) Williams; and sister June Marie Williams along with several nieces and nephews.

A family Christian burial will take place at the convenience of the family. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 20th at 1pm at Community Life Church, 106 S. Cleveland Ave. Mogadore, OH 44260.