Obituary: Beverley Jean Higgins

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On Dec. 3, 2013, after a battle with cancer, Beverley Jean Higgins passed away at her home surrounded by family.

On Dec. 3, 2013, after a battle with cancer, Beverley Jean Higgins passed away at her home surrounded by family.

Beverley was born in Portland, Ore. on Sept. 8, 1932. Growing up, her interests were singing and songwriting. For six years, starting at age 15, she worked at Portland radio station KEX where duties included singing, doing commercials and freelancing whenever a female voice was required. It was here that she met her first husband, Bob Amsberry.

Beverley and Bob had two sons: Kelly and Kevin. Within a few years, they moved to California where Bob became one of the adult Mouseketeers on Disney’s “Mickey Mouse Club.” Beverley also wrote the lyrics to a song for Disney, “Smile and Face the Music.”

A few years later, Bob passed away in a car accident.

Beverley later met her second husband, Ed Higgins, who was involved in the development of real property. They moved to Malibu in 1957 where she was actively working with Ed in real estate in Malibu, Topanga and the Valley. They had two sons, Eddie and Matthew, and lived on Broad Beach Road.

Beverley became a licensed Realtor in 1978 and worked for Fred Sands, Merrill Lynch, Jon Douglas, Pritchett Rapf and Coldwell Banker. Family members said, “Beverley had a natural instinct and expertise for both buying and selling real estate and truly enjoyed working with both her colleagues and her clients, most of whom she befriended and represented for years.”

Beverley also enjoyed her daily morning swim, rarely missing a day for decades. She was a painter and longtime member of the Malibu Art Association. She worked in oils and often painted boats and seascapes.

Beverley’s love extended far beyond her own children, and she embraced so many who grew up considering her their “other mom.” She maintained those relationships for decades, up until the day she died.

Beverley is survived by her sister Diane; sons Kelly Higgins, Kevin Amsberry Higgins, Ed Higgins and Matt Higgins; eight grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.