Obituary of Debra C. Higgins

Elba - Mrs. Debra C. Higgins, age 64, longtime resident of Oakfield, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at her home in Elba.

Mrs. Higgins was born August 17, 1953 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Robert "Dutch" and Corrine Campbell Falker.

She was a lifetime member of Alabama Methodist Church.  She had been in fire service since 1976 and was a Past President of the Alabama Fire Department and first woman President of a volunteer fire department in New York State.  She was an active firefighter and EMT in Alabama and was a social member of the Elba Fire Department and Oakfield Fire Department where she served as the Financial Secretary. 

The top fundraiser in Genesee County for the past three years for the Walk to End Alzheimer's, she was an avid bowler and ran the Junior Bowling League in Oakfield. She enjoyed traveling and loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Her husband, E. LeRoy Higgins, passed away on November 11, 2016.

She is survived by her children, Jonathan (Jen) Higgins of Waterport, Trisha (Steven) Werth of Elba and Chad (Julie) Higgins of Batavia; eight grandchildren, Miah and Mason Werth, Rori and Shayla Higgins, Eric and Ethan DiLaura and Ava and Jenna Higgins; two sisters, Kay Ciurzynski of Alabama and Victoria Falker of Oakfield; her brothers-in-law, Charlie (Diane) Higgins of Florida and Al (Bev) Higgins of Oakfield; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Douglas Falker and sister-in-law of the late Ronald Higgins.  

Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, where members of the fire service community will meet at 7 p.m. for services. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Oakfield United Methodist Church, 2 South Main Street, Oakfield.  She will be laid to rest in Cary Cemetery.

To honor Debbie, please consider memorials for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the Alzheimer's Association, WNY Chapter, 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6, Williamsville, New York 14221-7380. In the memo, please specify to Debbie’s Dream Team.