Patricia "Pat" Gail (McDugle) Higgins

Patricia Gail “Pat” Higgins, 82, went to her heavenly home while surrounded by her family on Friday, April 7, 2023 at SSM St. Anthony Hospital in Shawnee, OK.  She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend.  To know Pat was to love her.

Pat was born to Charles and Margaret McDugle on October 1, 1940 in Skedee, Oklahoma.  In 1952, as a young girl, Pat accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.  She accepted Him the same evening as her younger brother, Norman at the Skedee Assembly of God Church.  She was baptized along with Norman at the local Crystal Creek.  Pat attended school in Skedee, then went to high school in nearby Pawnee where she had a great group of friends and was Valedictorian, football queen, and Bruin Queen.  Growing up, Pat’s family owned the local telephone company and the switchboard was located in their home so naturally after graduation she went on to work for Bell Telephone Company (now AT&T).  Shortly after, she married Jim Brown in 1959.  Of their marriage came four children:  Chris, Jimmie, Billy and Cindy.  During this time, they lived in Lindsay, OK where so many fond memories were made, many of them with her friends at Calvary Baptist Church.  Later, Pat continued her career with C.R. Anthony’s Co. beginning in Lindsay, OK next Duncan, OK then transferring to Wewoka, OK in 1979, where she became the first female manager in Oklahoma for the company.  Pat then transferred to Okmulgee, OK to be with the love of her life, John Higgins.  Pat and John were married in Wewoka, OK on November 5, 1983 and made their home in Okmulgee, OK where they experienced so much happiness and many adventures including their yearly firecracker stand.  While in Okmulgee she became the director of the First National Bank Priority Club.  Pat enjoyed luncheons, excursions and activities but mostly she enjoyed the people she came in contact with.  These activities included traveling to many places by bus, plane and ship.  She loved to travel and experience all the wonders and beauty God created.  Pat was also an active member of the Lion’s International Organization participating in many civic activities.  Pat could be found spending “girl days” with her friends until very recently.  They had good food, fellowship and always an “activity” planned.

Pat was a star in her children’s eyes. She loved to go to all the athletic events, recently traveling to Colorado to watch a huge win for her football “team”.  Her “team” being whichever her grandkids were a part of.  Simply spending precious time with her family was most important to her.  Her joy of life and indomitable spirit was what kept her going.  Pat was known for her beautiful smile and contagious laughter.  After a visit with her you were always left feeling better.  We sure will miss that smile.  Go rest high on that mountain.

Pat is survived by children Chris (Dondi) Hunter-Brown of Oklahoma City, OK, Billy (Suzanne) Brown of Shawnee, OK, Cindy Brown of Wylie, TX and Christy Hall of Muskogee, OK; grandchildren, Tyson and Haleigh Brown, Tucker Brown and Emily Heck, Blair Brown and O’Sung Kim, Brayle Brown, Krystal Cunningham, Amanda Freeze, Sylvia Brown, Kenny Brown, Joseph Brown; great grandchildren, Olivia Brown, Ella Brown, Noah Brown, Archie Kim; brother, Norman (Nova) McDugle; special cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Oliver McDugle and Margaret Speers McDugle; the love of her life, John Higgins; precious son, Jimmie Brown; ex-husband/best friend, Jim Brown.

All of those who loved Pat and were blessed to be a part of her life are asked to join us to celebrate at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 214 West Main Street in Shawnee, OK.  Interment will follow at 4:00 p.m. at Highland Cemetery, located at 44900 S 348 RD, Pawnee, OK 74058.  At Pat’s request, we will end the day at Click’s at 409 South Harrison in Pawnee, OK.

The family would like to thank Tabitha, Sheila and Jennifer at Heartland Home Health for the kindness and compassion they showed over the past few months.

Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.