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- Brenda Carol Higgins, age 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Baptist East Hospital in Louisville, KY.
- She was born in New Albany, IN on July 20, 1943, the daughter of James McKinley Burris and Lena (Waggener) Burris.
- Brenda was a graduate of Shawnee High School class of 1961 and continued her education at the University of Kentucky.
- She started her career as a Flight Attendant for Eastern Airlines in Miami, FL and later lived in Atlanta, GA. After several years she moved back to Louisville to marry her high school sweetheart, Bob. A marriage that would last nearly 60 years.
- She joined Hilliard Lyons, a prominent New York Stock Exchange member firm headquartered in Louisville as a brokerage sales assistant in 1979 and became the first woman in the history of the company to become a Series 7 licensed securities broker. In 1986 she was elected Vice-President by the Board of Directors and led their national team as head of the Retirement Services Department.
2025
In Memory
July 20,1943 - April 09,2025
- Brenda later accepted a position with PNC Bank and spent the rest of her professional career as a member of their Institutional Wealth Management Group. Throughout her career she was known for her natural ability to build relationships and enjoyed mentoring and advocating for women in business.
- She was a member of the Louisville Business and Professional Women’s Club and won their Woman of the Year award in 2001. She was also a member of the Louisville Employee Benefits Council and a member of Westport Road Baptist Church.
- Above all else, Brenda’s greatest love was her family. Her happiest days were spent at home with them. She hosted Thanksgiving dinners and loved spending time with her extended family members from Lexington.
- Brenda was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Ralph Burris.
- Survivors include her husband, Robert D. Higgins; two sons, Robert Kevin Higgins and Kyle McKinley Higgins; a sister-in-law, Judith Burris, niece, Kimberly Burris with her husband Steve Cody and son, Walker Cody; nephews, James C. Burris and his wife JoAnne, and their daughter, Ada Marie and son, Boone; Todd W. Burris with his wife Lindsey and their daughters, Elanor and Adelyn
- A Memorial Service will be conducted at 3:00 PM on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Westport Road Baptist Church, 9705 Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40241. Visitation will be prior to the service from 1 – 3 PM at the church.
- In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to the Westport Road Baptist Church Building Fund, The American Cancer Society or The Healing Place.
- Please visit www.archlheadywestport.com to view her online tribute or leave a condolence for the family.
2025