Dr. Nellie T. Higbee Obituary (1923 - 2005)

“Educator” Loving mom, caring sister and faithful friend, Dr. Nellie T. Higbee (Aunt Nell) responded to her new calling November 22, 2005. Born Jan. 12, 1923, in Cannonville, Garfield County, Utah, to Joseph W. Thompson and Rachel Wilson. Married Howard James Higbee September 5, 1942, in the St. George Temple; he preceded her in death by 60 years. Dr. Higbee graduated from Dixie High School and Dixie Jr. College in St. George, and was a young widow with a 2-yr. old daughter when she decided to return to college. She earned bachelor of science, master’s & doctor’s degrees at BYU. Dr. Higbee taught 3rd grade in Cedar City, Utah, from 1947-1951, then became elementary supervisor for the combined districts of Garfield & Piute Counties (Utah) 1951-1955. From 1955 until her retirement in 1983, she was supervisor of elementary education for Murray City Schools. During her professional career, Dr. Higbee served in the International Reading Association, the Association for International Childhood Education, Chairman of Utah State Kindergarten Committee, Pres. of Murray Business & Professional Women & served on several committees for the National Council of Teachers of English. She also served in the Utah Association of Supervisors and Curriculum Development and on the Utah Women’s Legislative Council. She cherished her membership in the LDS church. Her service included Pres. of Ward YW, various auxiliary teaching assignments, and ward & stake organist. In recent years she served a proselyting mission in Florida, in the Genealogy Name Extraction program, & as a worker in the Jordan River Temple. She is survived by her daughter, Joan Bean (Paul R., II) Las Vegas, Nevada, and step-grandson, Paul R. Bean, III, (Trey), Salt Lake City, Utah. She is also survived by her brother, George W. Thompson (Ada), Cannonville, Utah, and sisters, Marva Fletcher, Cannonville, Utah, Rayda Barton, Richmond Virginia, and Laurie Coon (Theron), St. George, Utah. Nell’s family express gratitude to Good Shepherd Hospice, Nurse Ann Lazenby, and to the folks at Residence Care Source. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, 2005, 10 a.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 South State, where family and friends may call from 9 – 9:45 a.m. Interment Cedar City, Utah, Cemetery.