Joan Higgins

Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Grove, OK (918)786-2261 ---Joan "Joanie" Bliss Higgins departed this life on Sunday, April 12, 2015 at 3 a.m. at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri, following a brief illness. She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Higgins and fiancé John Graves of Columbus, Mississippi; her sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Darryl Descourouez, and her mother, Gerry Bliss. She was predeceased by her father, Luther Bliss, and brother Jason. Joanie was born April 24, 1960, in Hammond, Indiana. She married Brian Higgins and moved to Monkey Island in 1986. Joanie was the manager of the Landings Marina and Restaurant, and had worked as a convenience store manager, caterer, and owner of a gift shop at Shangri-La. Joanie was a tireless community volunteer, serving on the Boards of the Monkey Island Association and the Monkey Island Fire Department. She was working to form a Monkey Island Chamber of Commerce at the time of her passing. Joanie had a great vision for her Island community, organizing the Mickey Mantle Charity Golf Tournament, the Bob Finley Memorial Golf Tournament, Halloween Boat Parade and Easter Egg Hunts. She was instrumental in raising funds for the Monkey Island emergency sirens, the Island 4th of July Fireworks, and pedestrian trail, continually working to promote economic development and community activities to enrich the quality of life on the Island. A Grove Schools booster and band supporter, Joanie loved children, and worked tirelessly to enhance their opportunities and encourage their talents. Among her many projects, Joanie was the coordinator and lead shopper for the Monkey Island Christmas Toy Fund, annually raising money and purchasing thousands of gifts for deserving boys and girls in Delaware County. But more importantly, Joanie was an extraordinary mother to Stephanie, devoted daughter to her parents, caring sister, and the best friend anyone could ever have. A talented chef and baker, Joanie was the first person to assist friends and neighbors in time of need, with comforting words, warm hugs and delicious food. She served her community selflessly for three decades without thought of personal recognition, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Services will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, April 16, 2015, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 1653 113th St NW, Grove, OK, followed by interment at Rolston Cemetery on Monkey Island. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 15 from 2-8 p.m. at Worley-Lugenbuel Funeral Home, 711 S Main St, Grove, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Monkey Island Toy Fund, c/o The Landings Marina, 56551 East Highway 125, Monkey Island, OK 74331.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, April 15th, 2015 2:00pm - 8:00pm, Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home - Grove

Service Details

Thursday, April 16th, 2015 3:00pm, St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Interment Details

Rolston Cemetery