Helen Rackley Browning Higgins

Helen Rackley Browning Higgins Began her life's journey on March 27, 1918 And ended the journey on December 12, 2014 Helen was received by her Lord, her parents, Laurie B. and Agnes Rackley, her brothers James and Harold Rackley, her daughter Terry and her beloved Gilbert Higgins on December 12, 2014 due to natural causes. For ninety six years her life was defined by living it to the fullest and with flare. she was always ready for the next party and martini. She never accepted the title of "being bossy", she just knew what everyone should be doing. She was fondly referred to as "Charlie in Charge." Helen was ahead of her time. She graduated from Haines city High School in 1936 and immediately entered Florida Southern College. Helen completed her studies with a degree in journalism and education in 1938. She began her teaching career in Plant City. Romance struck in 1941 when she met and married Edward H. Browning of Haines City, Florida. Perseverance was required after a hurricane struck and destroyed the business they began in Belle Glade, Florida. But persevere they did and opened Case Rate Grocery in 1945. They continued to operate their independent grocery store until 1972. In 1956, Helen was diagnosed with breast cancer and again in 1961. She was a survivor. Ed and Helen had two daughters, Terry and Linda. Sadly, their daughter Terry Browning Ford died in 1996 from cancer. Daughter, Linda continues to live in Albuquerque, NM. Ed and Helen ended their marriage in 1982. It was then that Helen moved to Lake Wales and lived on Lake Pierce until her death. Helen would describe herself as "taking care of business" but " always ready to have fun." After moving to Lake Wales, she once again called upon her business skills successfully operating several businesses in citrus, residential real estate and her furniture store "Off the Wall." As for the fun, she enjoyed politics and attended the Republican National Convention as a delegate in 1980. She would pile anyone who wanted to go with her into her RV and off they would go. By the time she sold the RV she had traveled through most of Canada and the United States. To make the fun continue, she rounded up several of her friends and formed the Royal Rubies of the Ridge, a chapter of the Red Hats Society. She was their fun-loving Queen Mother for many years attending her last meeting as Queen in December 2013. In 1995, she met her match: Gilbert A. Higgins, a widower from Mt. Carmel, Illinois. These two youngsters (he 91 and she 78) married in 1996 and had the time of their lives for the next 12 years until Gilbert died in 2008. They were always ready for the "next" party and celebrated every holiday on the calendar. Beside her daughter Linda, Helen is survived by her loving niece and caregiver, Deborah (Bunny) Rackley of Dundee, her grandsons, Jason and Regan Ford and her adopted family of caregivers who have tenderly and lovingly cared for Helen since Gilbert's death: Joan, Mary, Betty, Sandy, Maria, Tammi, Bill and Carol. Words cannot express the gratitude. She is also survived by her former assistant and loyal friend, Becky and special friend, Denise whose laughter and wisdom cannot be measured. She will remain in our hearts always. Private burial has taken place. A memorial service will take place Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 1:00 pm at the Lake Hamilton Presbyterian Church on Main Street in Lake Hamilton. A celebration will follow at the family home. Please consider a contribution to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers. Condolences may be sent to www.oakridgefuneralcare.com