Ashley Hamilton Higginbotham

Ashley Hamilton Higginbotham passed away peacefully in her home Saturday, November 18, 2017. She was born September 10, 1937 to Dr. Andros Scott and Charlotte Breard Hamilton. When she was three years old, her family moved to Camp Claiborne, where her father was stationed before and during World War II until he was sent to the Pacific Theater, becoming Chief of Orthopedic Surgery for the Eighth Army. Ashley graduated from Neville H.S.in 1955, where she was a proud Tigerette. She attended Newcomb College and Tulane University where she earned an M.F.A. in Plastic Arts (sculpture) and an M.A. in Art History.

After a brief period, teaching art at Lee Jr. High, Ashley married Thomas McVea Higginbotham, D.V.M. in 1964. Moving to Mer Rouge, LA, she raised a son and a daughter, and continued her teaching career as a teacher of Louisiana History at Prairie View Academy, retiring in 1988. One of her most rewarding pursuits was her work helping found the Kalorama Nature preserve in Collinston, LA. Following the death of her mother, she returned to Monroe, LA where she became active in many local organizations such as the Monroe Garden Club, the Monroe Beautification Board, and Friends of Black Bayou.

Ashley was a member of the Monroe Garden Study League, following her mother, and her grandmother who was a charter member. She served as president of both the Monroe Garden Study League and the Monroe Garden Club. She was a judge of both horticulture and photography for the Study League and the Garden Club of America, Zone IX, and she also competed in both categories, winning several awards. She received a club appreciation award in May 2016 for her horticultural and photographic pursuits as well as her considerable contributions through her hard work on the monthly newsletter “The Potting Shed.”

Anyone who knew Ashely knew of her passion for animals, especially cats. She actively rescued many cats over the years and contributed to numerous animal care agencies in both Morehouse and Ouachita Parishes.

Ashley was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. She is survived by her son, Scott McVea and his wife Amber; her daughter, Charlotte Ashley and her husband Christopher Wade Davis; and granddaughters, Charlotte Josephine Davis, Lucille Nichols Davis, and Molly Rose Higginbotham. The family offers its deepest appreciation to Terri and James Kelly, and Angelea and Terrance Parker for their years of love and devotion.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 21, 2017, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, November 22, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. in the Old Monroe City Cemetery on Desiard Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Monroe Garden Study League, the River City Humane Society for Cats, or to a conservancy or animal rescue of your choice.

Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com