Eleanor Faye Mangum Higginbottom, 58, died Thursday, August 23, 2012, of natural causes at her home in Florence. Known as “Snookie” since birth, Eleanor was proceeded in death by her mother Annie Blanche Oliver, father, Alfred Henry Mangum II, her oldest son Joseph Kevin Walden, and her husband Robert Neal Higginbottom. Eleanor was a fun-loving child at heart who loved everyone unconditionally and forgave as commanded. She spent her career helping others as an EMT, Paramedic and an RN. Compassion and empathy poured out of her. She spent her retirement loving with abundance her surviving family which includes: daughter, Angel Michelle Hancock and son-in-spirit, Richard Allen Weaver, both of Florence; son, Bryan Cody Smith and daughter-in-law Courtney Elaine Smith, both of Huntsville; daughter-in-law, Paula Dawn Holifield of Sheffield; her beloved grandsons, Christopher Lynyrd Walden , James Austin Walden, both of Sheffield , Bryan Cameron Smith of Huntsville and great-grandsons, Carson and Tyson Walden and her most adored dog Dixie Belle. As a woman who loved and treated everyone as family, her friends and relatives are too numerous to mention. Pallbearers will be Cody Smith, Allen Weaver, Lynyrd Walden, Austin Walden, Junior Holifield and Joshua Haley. Eleanor bore no pretense, so come as you are. Additionally, the family would like to thank the Zip City Fire Department and Lauderdale County EMS volunteers and personnel for their professionalism, compassion and grace. Services are being provided by Spry Williams Funeral home where visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 28 from 3-5 pm. A graveside service will follow immediately at Mt. Zion Church of Christ on Butler Creek Road with Brother Richard Kelley presiding. “The thing I find most amazing in amazing grace is the chance to give it out. Maybe that’s what love is all about.”–Brandon Heath.
