Elsie Jean (Bryant) Robertson Higginbotham

After a long, well-fought illness, Elsie Jean Bryant Robertson Higginbotham (E.J.), at age 87, peacefully passed away on August 17, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Elsie Jean was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on December 2, 1936, growing up in Louisville, Kentucky,

She attended Louisville Jr. Academy and graduated from Highland Academy (TN) in 1954. She then attended Andrews University (MI) and Jefferson Community College (KY).

Looking back on her life, Elsie Jean always said her family had been her “number one joy” and accomplishment. She enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking and baking for her family, traveling, and playing the violin, piano, and organ. She was a church organist and pianist for decades, playing for hundreds of weddings, graduations, and special events. Elsie Jean also shared her talent by being a piano teacher for many years.

Elsie Jean worked with the Federal Civil Service for 39 years, starting at the Louisville Naval Ordinance Station and the U.S. Department of Labor and retiring from the 100th Division Army Reserve, Command Section. While having a successful career, with awards and accolades, E.J. counted her most significant award in life as her four happy, healthy children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was an Honorary Kentucky Colonel and Honorary Captain of the Belle of Louisville. Elsie Jean was a proud supporter and frequent visitor to many National Parks. Elsie Jean loved to swim, boat, water ski, and do anything music-related, as well as do evening walks and walking for years in the annual Jeffersontown Gaslight Festival 5K Fun Run.

Elsie Jean was married to Tom Higginbotham for almost 31 years; they had a lot of fun together, staying active in their church and having fun with a wide circle of friends.

Tom and E.J. traveled to several US national parks and the Senior Olympic Games and always had fun together. All who knew Tom and EJ could see their deep love and commitment to each other and their blended family.

Besides her parents, Eugene & Elsie Bryant, Elsie Jean was predeceased by her first husband, Jacob Robertson I., her second husband, Thomas Higginbotham, Tillie and Guy Roberts, and her brother, Carl Bryant.

Elsie Jean is survived by her children, Jacob Robertson II (Marciann), Joseph Robertson, Jonathan Robertson (Jenise), Jeanna Robertson Seewer (Mark); stepchildren, Michael Higginbotham (Debbie), David Higginbotham (Marly); 12 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and siblings, Connie Hickman (Terry) and Michael Bryant (Kathy).

For over 25 years, E.J. and Tom participated in the University of Kentucky Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Sanders-Brown. As part of a large study group, they volunteered their time for regular evaluations, imaging, and medication studies. The work meant a lot to both, specifically to help future disease victims, including postmortem donations for study.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE & VISITATION

Service, Saturday, October 5, 2024, 3:30 p.m. With Reception to follow.

Middletown SDA Church, 125 Watterson Trail, Louisville, KY 40243.

As requested by E.J., A chocolate Reception will follow the service.

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations in memoriam to Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Alzheimer’s Association:  https://www.alz.org/kyin?set=1 , the UK Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center https://medicine.uky.edu/centers/sbcoa/alzheimers-disease-research-center

or the South Louisville SDA Church Pathfinder Club:  http://southlouisvillesda.org/ E

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