Paula Miller Higgins

Paula Miller Higgins, 58 Business Owner of PH Solutions Lakeland " Paula Miller Higgins passed away on September 17, 2014 due to head trauma. Paula, a respected community leader and Certified Fund Raising Executive, was freed from her damaged body and went to be with her earthly father and Heavenly Father. She was surrounded by her family. She was 58 years young at the time of her passing. Paula Jean Miller was born on August 10, 1956 in Thomasville, GA to Patricia Keegan Miller and Wesley Leo Miller. Her parents wisely ignored her 5 year old sister""s insistence that she be named ""Rosie Pearl"" and went with ""Paula Jean"" instead. Paula was a cheerleader and member of numerous service clubs at Thomas County Central High School in Thomasville, GA where she graduated in 1974. She graduated from Georgia Southern University in 1978 with a degree in criminal justice and spent several years working with troubled youth. On February 26, 1988 Paula married her soul mate and best friend Alan Higgins in Atlanta, Georgia. Her family was overjoyed for her and welcomed Alan as a son and brother. Paula and Alan were residents of Winter Park, FL and Boca Raton, FL before moving to Lakeland. They have spent the last 8 years in Lakeland where they are members at First United Methodist Church. Following a lengthy stint at Lakeland Regional Medical Center Foundation, Paula recently became an owner and managing partner of PH Solutions, LLC along with her business partner, Holly Parish. Paula was noted for her community involvement and love for Lakeland. She was very fond of and an active member of the Citrus Center Kiwanis Club of Lakeland, a service club that focuses on serving children in Lakeland and communities throughout the world. Paula was instrumental in establishing ""Women in Philanthropy"" in Lakeland and ""Cooking Men"" while at Lakeland Regional. These programs benefitted and continue to benefit women and children. She was a proud member of Leadership Lakeland XXIX. She was also a ""Sixth Man Club"" member at Florida Southern College. Paula epitomized the model of a woman that loved Christ, her Lord. Paula was an integral part of mission trips to Mexico and Costa Rica while living in Winter Park, FL. She was Lay Director to ""Walk to Emmaus"", a short course in Christianity and God""s Grace, while living in Boca Raton. She""s supported ""adopted"" children in South America through World Vision for the last 20 years. Paula loved the Disciple Bible Study Program and completed multiple studies in the three Methodist churches she has been a member of while living in Florida. She gave tirelessly to those in need and demonstrated her understanding of Christ""s teaching by helping others without judging them. Her reward was the satisfaction of making others"" lives better. Paula""s passing has left a void that will not be easily filled. And her family, while mourning her loss, is rejoicing at her victory over death and homecoming to her Lord and Savior. Paula was predeceased by her father. Left to honor her beautiful memory are her husband Alan, her mother ""Pat-Pat"", three daughters; Melissa Higgins Walls (Brad), Julie Higgins Young (Aaron) and Rachel Higgins, five beautiful grandchildren; Haley Walls, Chase Walls, Madelyn Young, Mason Young and Maxwell Young, sister Pam Bucher (Tom) of Dunn Loring, VA; sister Sandy Hooks (Alex) of Moultrie, GA; brother Charles Miller (Melinda) of Columbus, Georgia, nine loving nieces and nephews and nine loving great nieces and nephews. A viewing will be held at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 South Ingraham Ave, on Friday September 19th at The Tribute Center from 5:00-7:00 PM. Services will be held at First United Methodist Church Sanctuary in Lakeland, FL at 11:00 AM, Saturday September 20th. Burial will follow at Serenity Gardens. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Citrus Center Kiwanis Club Foundation, Inc. Eliminate Project, a cause that saves babies lives by eliminating Maternal Neo-Natal Tetanus worldwide. P.O. Box 8954 Lakeland, FL 33806. Service: 09/20/2014 First United Methodist Church 72 Lake Mortin Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801 Heath Funeral Chapel/Tribute Center Visitation: 09/19/2014 Heath Funeral Chapel/Tribute Center