Ruth Janet Guest Higginbotham

Mrs. Ruth ‘Janet’ Guest Higginbotham, 83, of Anderson Highway, Elberton, wife of 45 years to the late William Ace “Bill” Higginbotham passed away peacefully, with her children at her side, on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at her residence.

Mrs. Higginbotham was born in Elberton on May 18, 1940, daughter of the late Lester Benjamin Guest and Mary Kelly Guest. She was a 1958 graduate of Elberton High School. Janet went to work at Elberton Manufacturing Company at the age of 18, and worked there until the plant closed in 2005, retiring as a seamstress.

Mrs. Higginbotham was a member of First Methodist Church of Elberton where she was a member of the Mary Freeman Sunday school class. She looked forward to helping organize the class’s monthly meals and working with the church’s blood drive and various activities. Never one to stay idle, Janet enjoyed her work as a pink lady with the Elbert Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and meeting with the Deep Creek Baptist Church’s Widow’s group.

Above all, “Grandmama” loved her family and never missed an opportunity to support them in any of their endeavors.

Surviving are her children and their spouses: Karen and Bill Cary of Royston, Gina and Rob Starrett of Elberton, and Alan “Pete” and Kim Higginbotham of Elberton; grandchildren and their spouses: Jeffrey and Lori Starrett, Reid and Courtney Higginbotham, Jennifer and Bryce Coble, Morgan and Kara Fry, Emily Cary, Lila Higginbotham, Leah Higginbotham, Greg and Kim Cary, and Leigh Ann and Rex Norton; several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Along with her husband and parents, Janet is preceded in death by her sister, Paula Bradford; and half-siblings: Maude, Essie, Nell, Mack, and Frank.

The family is at the residence and will receive friends on Tuesday, February 6, from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home.

Funeral services celebrating Janet’s life will be conducted on Wednesday, February 7, at 2:00p.m. at First Methodist Church of Elberton with Layman Dave Heydinger and Rev. Rick Cox officiating. Interment will follow in Elmhurst Cemetery with Jeffrey Starrett, Brady Starrett, Morgan Fry, Conner Holland, Randy Holland, and Austin Williams honored as pallbearers.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in her memory to First Methodist Church of Elberton, 132 E. Church Street, Elberton, GA 30635 or to T.J. & Friends Foundation, PO Box 6161, Elberton, GA 30635.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Ruth ‘Janet’ Guest Higginbotham.