Barbara Allene (Simmons) Higgins

Barbara Allene Simmons Higgins, age 85, of Erwin, passed away on Saturday, July 04, 2026, at the Johnson City Medical Center while she was surrounded by her family. She was a lifelong resident of Erwin and daughter of the late Clarence Simmons and Cona Bell Vance Higgins.

Barbara was a member of Grace Methodist Church. For many years, she owned and operated Southside Furniture, Southside Recreation which later became Frank’s Furniture. Barbara made many friends while running her furniture store and she always enjoyed having a cup of coffee with them.

Barbara was a member of the Southside Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors.

She loved spending time with her family, going to yard sales, growing a vegetable garden, and eating sweet treats.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Higgins; her son, Kevin Higgins; three brothers: Walter “Buster” Simmons, Bill Simmons, and Buddie Simmons.

Barbara leaves behind to cherish her memory, her son, Terry Higgins and his wife, Valerie Sparks Higgins of Erwin; her beloved #1 granddaughter, Peyton Higgins; brother-in-law, Fred Horning (Stella); sister-in-law, Trish McKinney; her special neighbors and friends; several nieces and nephews also survive.

The Higgins family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 08, 2026, at the funeral home. Barbara’s funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. Committal will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday in the Evergreen Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be John Hilemon, Sr., John Hilemon, II, Fred Horning, Eddie Evans, Jr., Terry Higgins, Peyton Higgins, Draven Ricker, Munro Ricker, and Oziah Ricker. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Ayers, Gary Foster, and members of Southside Volunteer Fire Department. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home by 10:30 a.m. on Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in memory of Barbara to: Southside Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 943, Erwin, TN 37650 and/or Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Jericho Temple, 1100 Jericho Drive, Kingsport, TN 37663.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Higgins family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com 

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Higgins family. (423) 743-1380

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Allene (Simmons) Higgins, please visit our floral store.