Virginia "Ginny" Higgins

Virginia (Ginny) Helen Higgins passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, Monday, September 9, 2024, at the age of 84.Ginny was born February 26,1940 to Vivian Ansel and Mary Helen (Nee Rhodes) Bundy in Kansas City, Kansas. After graduating from Emporia State University, Ginny taught debate at Topeka High school for one year before being recruited to Emporia State University to teach communication, debate and speech. She received her 40-year retirement pin from Governor Kathleen Sebelius, May 3, 2005. Her awards for excellence in service were many. During the height of the AIDS crisis, she was a co-founder of H.E.A.R.T., "Helping Emporians With Aids Resource Team,” formed to educate the public and college and support persons with Aids. In addition, she brought a large segment of the Aids Quilt to ESU and the Emporia community. Fishing, playing golf, bowling and playing softball were her sports of choice. Watching KU basketball was the highlight of her year. She found great joy in watching the Olympics this summer as she tried to recover from a heart attack. At McCrite Plaza, for a few last months, she received much love, outstanding care and challenged a few people. The last few years of her life she lived with many medical challenges and met them with her Christian faith, hope and strong determination to regain her strength and active life. She did all this with a positive and “never give up attitude.” May 25, 1992, Ginny and Nancy Goddard received God’s blessing on their relationship through the Rite of Holy Union from the Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka. They made their home in Topeka in 2013 after moving from Emporia, Kansas. Ginny served in many leadership roles in MCC of Topeka and played drums for worship. She had a passion for justice and equality for all people and gave generously to help the hungry and hurt. She believed that following Jesus meant being a force to make God’s beautiful world better and peaceful for all. She planted gardens, trees and flowers wherever she lived and worshipped. She was a generous friend and quick to offer her help when needs arose. Ginny was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Ann Bogard earlier in 2024; nephew, Kerry Roberts in 2015; Mother, Helen Bundy in 2008; and Father, Vivian Bundy in 1952. She is survived by her partner, Nancy Goddard of the home; her niece, Melinda (Steve) Luthye of Shawnee, KS; nephew Bill Roberts of Kansas City, MO; great nephew, Michael (Shannan) Booth of Lee’s Summit, MO; great niece, Jennifer Booth of Lee’s Summit, MO; and two great-great nieces, Sophie Booth and Avery Booth of Lee’s Summit, MO. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. September 21, 2024, followed by the memorial service at 11 a.m. at Metropolitan Community Church, 4425 SW 19th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66604. The service will be live streamed on the Facebook page for MCC of Topeka. Later the recording will be uploaded on YouTube. Memorial contributions may be made to Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka (to upgrade the sanctuary sound system for the hearing impaired and online congregation) or to Helping Hands Humane Society in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Virginia "Ginny" Higgins

February 26, 1940 - September 9, 2024