Anita Higginbotham

Anita Marie Higginbotham 55, of Hilliard, Florida was received into the loving arms of  Jesus on September 2, 2021, at Shands Hospital Jacksonville, FL.   Anita was born the second of three children to William and Rita Chiovatero on January 28th, 1966 at Morris Hospital in Morris Illinois.  After Graduating High School, Anita moved to Jacksonville, FL, and started a family with her previous husband Michael Ciccone who was stationed at Naval Station Mayport. Together they were blessed with four children who were the greatest joy of her life. After 13 years of marriage, Anita and Mike parted ways and she relocated to Hilliard, FL accepting a position as Leasing Manager at Eastwood Oaks apartments.

There she met and married Leland (Scooter) Higginbotham. Together they built a wonderful life and just celebrated 15 years of marriage in April. Together they would spend time on the St Marys river fishing as Anita LOVED to fish. Often saying she wasn't leaving till she caught "One more fish".   She was a fierce cook with the skills of an amateur chef unafraid to try new things for her family and friends. They would all gather around and fully enjoy the fruits of her labor.   As her children grew so did her family. Each of her children finishing school and starting families of their own, Anita became a grandmother (nana) of 14 starting in 2007. Anita loved being a nana, she would often express how proud she was of her children and grandchildren. Anita often joked that she had enough grandchildren to start her own baseball team.

She is survived by her parents William and Rita Chiovatero. Sister Jenette and Paul Rochnowski (nephew, Paul) Brother, William (Bill)  Chiovatero JR (Nieces Stephanie, Tabitha).  Husband Leland (Scooter) Higginbotham (57). Daughter, Brittany (34), and Shaun Sullivan (grandchildren, Logan, Noah, Nicolai, Angelo. Son, Christopher Ciccone (33) ( grandchildren, Carter, Crystal, Ella). Daughter, Lasea (31) and Joshua Rodriguez (grandchildren Cooper, Lennyn Kate, Sophia, Isaiah). Son, Michael (27), and Rachael Ciccone ( grandchildren, Aubree, Raegan). Step Daughter, Brandi (29) ( and Tyler O'Hara ( grandchild, Lilith). Along with many other family and friends.

Anita had a laugh and smile that could lift your spirits and light the darkest room. If you heard her laugh you knew without a doubt Anita was close by. She was the best Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Nana, Friend anyone could ever have.  We will all forever miss and love her.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Anita Higginbotham at the St. Marys River in Hilliard FL at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home, 526 Oakwood Street, Folkston, Georgia 31537.