Stephen (Steve) M. Higginbotham

Stephen (Steve) M. Higginbotham, age 71, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, surrounded by love at the VA Community Living Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Steve was raised with strong values of loyalty, humility, and dedication to others. He was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Robert and Alice Higginbotham, and his dear sister, Anne Nardi.

From a young age, Steve felt a calling to serve. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Oklahoma State University, determined to keep learning and growing. He proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. It was during those years that he developed the leadership, responsibility, and compassion that would guide him throughout the rest of his life. Steve continued his commitment to public service as a Police Officer with Biloxi Police Department. He continued his military service enlisting in the Army, where he worked as a Food Service Supervisor, caring for those who served alongside him. Finally, Steve went on to serve as a correctional officer for the Mississippi Department of Corrections, retiring at the rank of Sergeant.

Steve met the love of his life, Janet, and together they built a beautiful life over 44 years of marriage. He was the steady protector, the greatest supporter, and the heart of his family. Nothing brought him more joy than watching his stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow, succeed, and find happiness. His family was his proudest accomplishment.

Those who will miss him dearly include his loving wife, Janet Higginbotham, of Gulfport; his stepchildren, Donna Sands of Gulfport, MS, and Theron Sands (June Barth) of Champaign, IL; his grandchildren, Dustin (Suzi) King of Gulfport, MS, Tabitha Sands (Abhinav Prakash) of Ankeny, IA, Timothy (Mia) Sands of Urbana, IL, Jonathan Sands of Urbana, IL, and Florence Sands of Champaign, IL; and his great-grandchildren, Owen and Asha King of Gulfport, MS, and Agustya Sands Prakash of Ankeny, IA.

Steve never met a stranger. He loved a good laugh, appreciated simple kindness, and believed in showing up for others. Steve was a huge fan of the Oklahoma Sooners, St. Louis Cardinals and the New Orleans Saints. He was proud of his military roots and was a faithful member of The American Legion. To his family, he was the storyteller, the encourager, and the one who always made sure everyone was fed in every sense of the word.

His love continues in every life he touched, and his memory will forever remain a blessing.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. 

Following the service, a procession will depart at 12:30 p.m. to Biloxi National Cemetery, where Steve will be laid to rest with U.S. Army military honors at 1:30 p.m.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is humbled to care for the Higginbotham family during this time and honored to carry out the service of a man who dedicated so much of his own life in service to others.