Gwendolyn Higgin

The Life and Legacy of Mother Gwendolyn Higgin

THE DAUGHTER & SISTER

Gwendolyn (Anderson) Higgin is affectionately known as “Mama Gwen” and “Grandma” to her children,

grandchildren, and the people of her community. Mama Gwen made her entrance into this world on March 15, 1930. She was the oldest of two children to her parents, the late Miriam Adasa (Henry) Fowler and Stanley Anderson, in the District of Bensonton, St.Ann.

EDUCATION

Mama Gwen received her education at Stepney Primary School. Mama could only complete the fifth grade

before leaving school permanently to run the family-owned store. With Mama Gwen's help, her mother became a flourishing community businesswoman.

THE WIFE & MOTHER

In 1959, she was later joined in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life Sylvester Lester Higgin who preceded

her in death. The union produced nine children.

THE CHURCH SISTER

Mama Gwen was baptized in the Shiloh Apostolic Church in Rhoden Hall, St Ann, Jamaica, where she served as an active church member. In America, she faithfully worshipped at the Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic in Wilmington, Delaware. She was lovingly known as "Mother Gwen” and her favorite song was, “I Recommend Jesus to Everybody.” Mother Gwen & Ministry of caring, helping, and serving was evident throughout her life, in and out of the church walls, in her home, community, and abroad.

THE COMMUNITY

Mama Gwen's doors were always open to relatives, friends, and strangers. She was often known for sending meals to anyone in the community who she thought may need a meal. After most of her children left home, Mama started to support children from the community whose families needed help. Mama would take them as her own, paying for their schooling, transportation, feeding, and clothing them with help from her children abroad.

FROM JAMAICA TO AMERICA

On April 21, 1985, Mama Gwen immigrated to the United States to join up with her eldest son Derrick Higgin his beloved wife, and their family. Although Mama was glad to be where Derrick and his family were, she was saddened that she had to leave the rest of her family, friends, and community back home in Jamaica. Consequently, Mama and Derrick agreed that she would return to Jamaica after six months, but not empty-handed. Mama would have more than enough to return home with for her family, friends, community, and even strangers passing by. With barrels, boxes, and packages, Mama soon owned a permanent seat on Air Jamaica as she often made 2-3 trips per year.

HER LATER YEARS

Mama Gwen was always concerned about the well-being of the loved ones in Jamaica and wanted to put a smile on their face, food in their bellies, and clothes on their back anytime she could. She was always concerned with the families whose lives she touched and wanted to make sure they ate or had what they needed to cook a meal. Never stingy, she always stretched her hands with rice, sugar, flour and even shared the increase of her “ground” with the community. Whether in front of them or making a call when she was away, she made sure to call each person by name, ensuring all was well. Everyone felt Mama's outpouring of love and devotion. She encouraged her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As she met new faces, that would be added to the family, she would give them the encouragement they needed on life’s ups and downs. Mama loved her big family and welcomed each baby born: Mama loved the kids. She was full of wisdom, love, and days.

HER LEGACY

Mama Gwen will be missed by many families and friends from America, Jamaica, England, and everywhere in between. Mama Gwen leaves children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren behind to carry on her legacy. Leaving behind to cherish her memories are her brother Everald James “Jim” Fowler (children Marlene, Junior, and Delisa), Sister-in-law Melvina Fowler, adopted sister Ulalee Lawes and husband Ishmael, her beloved son Pastor Overseer Derrick Higgin and his wife, First Lady Evangelist Evelyn, Nezelyn Higgin of UK, Wesley Higgin, and wife Joyce of UK; Mother Vernie Boswell and her husband Deacon Twedley; Elder Errol Higgin and his wife Evangelist Sylene, predeceased daughter Patricia “Pearl” Higgins, Ohio Higgins, Deacon Desmond Higgin, and wife Evangelist Vivia, Andrew Higgin and his wife Pamela, Deacon Kenbourne Higgin and his wife Evangelist Stephanie Wilson. 53 grandchildren, 73 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.