Mother Arlena Higgins

Arlena Higgins, a loving and caring woman, was born on May 20th, 1954 to the late Allen Harvell and Ella Green Byrd, at Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

She lived in Benton Harbor, Michigan until later moving to Michigan City, Indiana at the age of 11. She grew up in Michigan City and attended Elston Junior and Senior High School where she graduated. After graduating high school, she married Dennis Gooch Sr. and to this union two children were born. Later in life in 1977 she fell in love with a young man by the name of Elder Larry Higgins. They were joined in holy matrimony on March 25th, 1980 and to this union two more children were born. 

She worked at Michigan City Plastics, and Boom Box Company for many years and then she began to work for the Michigan City Area Schools until retiring in 2019. Mother Arlena Higgins accepted the Lord as her personal savior when she was 26 years of age. She was a member of Zion Temple C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Elder Roger Kelly in Michigan City, IN for over 20 years. She then joined New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C. in Kingsford Heights, IN under the late Elder Henry Bush and currently under the leadership of Pastor Michael Bush. She enjoyed cooking, playing board games, going on road trips, and shopping at Wal-Mart! Arlena and Larry would sing duets together; “The Storm Is Over Now” and “We’re Gonna Make It”. When singing solo, one of her favorite songs to sing was “In Times Like These” by Albertina Walker. 

Mother Arlena Higgins went to be with the Lord on February 7th, 2021 at Franciscan Health in Michigan City, IN. She was preceded in death by her parents,  Allen Harvell and Ella Green Byrd, one sister, Alfreda Harvell, one nephew, Marvin Harvell.

A wake will take place on Thursday, February 18, 2021 from 4 to 7pm at Coleman and Hicks Chapel.

A Home going Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, February 19, 2021 at Life Temple COGIC 3709 W US HWY 20 Laporte, IN at 11am, with viewing at 10am until time of service at the Church. Pastor Michael Bush to do Eulogy. Burial to follow at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens.

She leaves to cherish a lifetime of fond memories to her loving husband, Elder Larry "Suga" Higgins, Michigan City, IN; three sons, Dennis Gooch, Derrick (Judy) Gooch, Daniel Higgins all of Michigan City, IN; one daughter, Deja’ Higgins of Michigan City, IN; one step-daughter Kosher (Curtis) Gillespie of Michigan City, IN; two step-sons,  Shawn Crume of St. Cloud, Minnesota; and James Lamar of Chicago, IL; nine siblings, Harry Harvell, Benton Harbor, MI;  Jacqueline Harvell, Louisville, Kentucky; Kevin Harvell and Michelle Harvell, both of Michigan City, IN; Tyrone Bolden of Meridian, Mississippi; Donald Culpepper Sr. and Patches Culpepper of Michigan City, IN; Ricky Crenshaw of Elgin, IL; and Brenda Stevens of Las Vegas, Nevada; 33 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, a special niece, Jherika Harvell, special god-daughter, Michelle Eckwood, special friends, Marlene Kirkwood, Chelsea Kelly, Mary Teague, Winnie Wilson, Tracey Williams, Euna Gooden, Ann Triplett along with a host of nephews, nieces, family and close friends.  

Mother Arlena Higgins had a heart of gold and will truly be missed.

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