RED BAY, AL – Janice Lee Winchester Higginbottom, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2026 peacefully at her home. She was born on December 26, 1952 to Fred Winchester and Rachel Lee Epps Winchester. She was a graduate of Red Bay High School. She married Jimmy Higginbottom on June 25, 1971. She worked at the Belmont Journal for Wayne and Catherine Mitchell for seventeen years. She then began working for Deaton Funeral Home thirty-five years ago where she was still employed. Jan was a faithful and trusted member of our business who will be greatly missed as an employee and our friend. We cherished her work ethic and kindness shown to all the families we have served over the years. Jan loved taking trips with her family and making lots of pictures. She and Jimmy kept their yard immaculate always making sure it was always in top shape. Jan was known for her thrifty shopping and enjoyed doing thrifty Santa every year for her family. She was a member of Second Street Church of Christ.
Funeral services will be Sunday, March 1, 2 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel, Red Bay, AL with Bro. Chris Higginbottom and Bro. Josh McCrary officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, February 28, 5-8 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home. Burial will be in Pleasant Site Cemetery. Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL will be in charge of arrangements.
She is survived by two children, Jeffrey Higginbottom (LaSha) and Janine Dunlap (Justin); grandchildren, Stella, Millie and Jacob; brother, Larry Winchester (Linda); uncle, Thurman Epps; aunt, Geraldine Stevens; niece, Lisa; nephews, Jason, Bradley, Jonathan, Terry, Chris and Jason and two sisters-in-law, Joann Johnson and Reggie Higginbottom.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Higginbottom on September 7, 2022; her parents and brothers-in-law, Johnny Higginbottom and Dwight Johnson.
Pallbearers will be Jacob Dunlap, Terry Johnson, Jeremy Higginbottom, Chandler Higginbottom, Jason Higginbottom, Jonathan Winchester, Bradley Winchester and Jason Winchester.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pleasant Site Cemetery Fund, c/o Dale Hester, 20697 Highway 23, Red Bay, AL 35582.
