03/30/2026
Linda Faye Higginbotham, 76, of Livonia, Louisiana, passed away on March 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of the family she adored. Born on September 1, 1949, in New Roads to Viola Cline and Edwin Mix, Sr., Linda grew up with the kind of spirit that can’t be taught: sharp, funny, loyal, and always ready to make life a little lighter for everyone around her. A graduate of Poydras High School, Linda went on to build a long and dedicated career at Walmart in New Roads, where she worked as a manager for 28 years. After retiring, she and her husband, Donald “DJ” Higginbotham, kept busy running their lawn service together, proving that teamwork and a good zero-turn mower can carry a marriage through anything.
Linda lived life with a joyful simplicity that made ordinary days feel special. She loved cheering on LSU football and baseball, keeping up with her “stories,” notably The Young & The Restless, and never missed a good game show. But nothing lit her up more than time with her great grandbabies: her pride, joy, and favorite audience for hugs and snacks. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Donald “DJ” Higginbotham; her daughter, Shannon Chenevert; her granddaughters, Macie Spencer, Rayvin Chenevert, and Peyton Higginbotham; her grandson in law, Devin Spencer; and her great grandchildren, Kylie, Jaysa, and Stetson. She also leaves behind her sister, Margaret Ransome; her sisters in law, Dorothy Taylor and Brenda Higginbotham; her brother in law, Joseph Higginbotham; and her best friend, Sherry Marcotte. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edwin Mix, Sr. and Viola Mix; her brothers, Edwin “Jake” Mix, Jr. and Rodney Mix; and her brother in law, Darrel Higginbotham. Linda’s life will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Niland’s Funeral Services in Livonia, Louisiana, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by interment at St. Frances Cabrini Cemetery. A reception will be held afterward at the Higginbotham residence, where stories, laughter, and memories will be shared, exactly the way she would want it. Serving as pallbearers are Devin Spencer, Cole Schlatre, Jason Higginbotham, Bill Mormon, Scott Grezaffi, Alan Berry, and honorary pallbearer Joseph Higginbotham—a crew she would’ve kept in line with one raised eyebrow and a “don’t start.” Linda Faye Higginbotham lived a life full of love, humor, and heart. She leaves behind a family who will forever feel her presence in the small, sweet moments: a warm kitchen, a good laugh, Red Door perfume, a freshly cut yard, and a golf cart ride at sunset. Her legacy is simple and beautiful: love your people, enjoy your life, and never underestimate the power of a good driveway dance.
