Evelyn Elizabeth Higgins, 88, of Homosassa, Fla., passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2013, with family by her side. The Higgins family will be eternally grateful for the special care given by Dr. Brian Mullally of Crystal River during Evelyn's many years of illness, as well as for the caring hands of the Hospice of Citrus County staff during and after her transition. Evelyn was born Dec. 23, 1924, in Stratford, Conn., and was the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Holleran. On Sept. 6, 1944, she started her life with her husband and true love, John Joseph Higgins Jr. In almost 69 years of marriage, they remained in love and committed to each other. Evelyn and John and sons lived in Paris and many USA states during those years, including Connecticut, Virginia (Washington D.C.), Washington, California, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and finally settling in Homosassa for the last 17 years. Evelyn worked as a medical assistant in a doctor's office in D.C. In her years in Washington D.C. she taught Sunday school at the Air Force base and was a current member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Homosassa Springs. Over the years she was also a member of Eastern Star, Elks Club, Southern Woods Country Club and Sugar Mill Country Club, as well as various women's clubs. She loved to play pinochle, shop and join friends for dinner. Evelyn made friends wherever she went with her smile, her spirit, her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. Her home was always a warm and welcome place to visit for family and friends.In addition to her spouse, John Joseph Higgins Jr., she is survived by her sons, John "Jack" Joseph Higgins III of Inwood, W.Va., Ronald Charles Higgins (Marilyn) of Clearwater Beach; her grandchildren, Adam Higgins (Michelle) of Chesapeake, Va., Alyson Mangum of Bellevue, Wash., CJ Higgins (Paige) and Kayla Delgado (Tony) of W.Va.; and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Donald Holleran (Billie); and her nieces and nephews, Jackie Beaumont (Robert), Joan Faulke (Jimmy), Lee Lamond (Anita) and Donnie Holleran (Elissa). She loved her family and friends dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Bernice; and her brother, Charlie. Memorial services will be 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 5863 West Cardinal St., Homosassa Springs. A fellowship meal will follow the memorial service at the church. The family suggests that those who wish in lieu of flowers may make a memorial donation in Evelyn's name to Homosassa Seventh-Day Adventist Church Food Bank or Citrus River Food Bank. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, in charge of arrangements. www.wilderfuneral.com.