Javan Higgins

Javan “Jay” as he was affectionately called, was born in Rockville Centre, NY on August 17, 1937 to Javan and Geneva (Lilly) Higgins, Sr. He was the second of three children. Jay was raised in Brooklyn, NY and received his education in the NYC Public School System. He was baptised at an early age at Bethany Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY. Jay served in both the U.S Air Force and U.S. Army at a young age. After military service, Jay pursued a career in Transportation working for Westbury Transport, Inc. He went on to marry Helen Strayhorn and together, bore a son, Javan III.

On December 1, 1962, he married the love of his life Flora Epps in Baltimore, Md. This union produced two children, Deborah and Dwayne and spanned over 52 years. Together, Jay and Flora settled in New York to raise their family living in Brooklyn and North Amityville, Long Island. In the late 1970’s, Jay and family transferred with his job to Miami, Florida. Upon retirement, Jay and family relocated to Orlando, FL. Jay missed working and embarked upon another career in Transportation working at both Hertz Car Rental and Thrifty Car Rental. Jay enjoyed working and meeting people from all over the world. He worked until health issues prevented him from working and filled his days enjoying his hobbies. Hobbies were model trains, traveling to visit family and friends, reading, gardening, cooking melt-in-your mouth steak and fried potatoes that few can replicate.

Jay passed away peacefully at home in Orlando, Florida on Friday, October 30, 2015. Preceding him in death, his parents: Javan and Geneva and two brothers: Rudolph and Robert Higgins.
He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Flora Higgins (Orlando, FL); his daughter Deborah (Higgins) Holston (Madison, AL); his sons Javan Higgins, III (Orange, NJ), and Dwayne Higgins, Sr. (Orlando, FL); Nine grandchildren: Javon, Javonni, Cailah, William, Victoria, Anthony, Antwain, Briana, and Dwayne, Jr.; Two great grandchildren; Avery and Layla; Stepmother: Fannie (Jacobs) Higgins; Sister-in-law: Martha Wall, and a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Jay was passionate about spending time with family and friends. He loved us dearly, lived a good life, and will be greatly missed ~ may he rest in peace!

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