Dr. Florence Ward-Higgins
Dr. Florence Lanette Ward-Higgins was born September 23, 1953, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Eddie Mae Scott and Napoleon Ward, both parents preceded her in death. She received her wings at 12:24 am on March 10, 2025. At the age of five her parents moved to Kansas City, Missouri. Florence married Everett Higgins in 1985, who preceded her in death.
Education: Attended elementary school in the Kansas City Public Schools and graduated from Manual High School in 1971. After graduation Florence went to the Job Corps in Bonner Springs and graduated from Dental School, as a Dental Assistant. She also attended beauty School and became a licensed Cosmetologist in Kansas & Missouri. Dr. Higgins finished her Associate Degree from Kansas City, Kansas Community College and she also graduated from the National Institute of Cosmetology with a Doctorate Degree. According, to First Cousin, John Anthony Jones, Florence was the first one in the family to finish high school. Florence was also, an excellent cheerleader at Manual High School.
Religion: Florence accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized at the Real Church of God in Kansas City, Kansas. Later she became a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. She attended Friendship Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio. After leaving Toledo, she became a faithful member of St. Andrew Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas, where she was actively involved in Sunday School, Choir and Women’s Mission Auxiliary.
Employment: Was employed at General Motors Leeds Plant August 8, 1977. She transferred to General Motors in Fairfax on July 6, 1983, until 1984. Then she returned to GM at the Leeds Plant until they closed and was transferred to Toledo, Ohio September 13, 1994. April 6, 1998, Florence transferred back to GM in Fairfax until her retirement on July 1, 2008. Florence opened her own Salon, “Floever Beauty Shop” from 1989 to 1992, at 17th Quindaro in Kansas City, Kansas. She was currently employed at the Kansas City, Kansas School District “Kid Zone”.
Organizations: She was an active member of the Manual Alumni Association; Chaplain for UAW Local 31 and UAW Chapter Retirees Executive Board; National Beauty Culturists’ League, Inc.; Associated Hairdressers & Cosmetologist of the State of Missouri; Local Member of Klassy Cosmetology Connections; St. Andrew Missionary Baptist Church Choir, and Women’s Mission Auxiliary.
Fun: Florence served others with love and kindness; spirit of hospitality for family and friends; Strong believe in God; she loved children, loved planning and attending family reunions; dressed to impress; never one to sit idle during retirement; love traveling; great encourager and supporter, avid learner to keep her mind sharp; participating in the UAW 31 and Manual High School Alumni activities; and making her favorite Banana Pudding and Peach Cobbler.
Surviving Family: Florence leaves to thank God for her presence, her Three Sisters; Kimberly A. Underwood (Joseph J. Jr) Toledo, Ohio; Robin D. Jones, Kansas City, Kansas; Detra D. Graham (Reginald L. Sr.) Toledo, Ohio. A host of nieces and nephews, play sisters Lois A. Woods and Ann Perkins, and many friends.