Michelle E. “Shellie” Higgins passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2020 after a brief illness while living in Western NC, primarily in Haywood County.  She was born Feb 25, 1956 in New Martinsville WV to Howard & Lelia Higgins.  She graduated Magnolia High School in 1974 as an active athlete, attended Salem University, then finishing her BS from Catawba University.  She worked in Miami FL as a Recreational Therapist before returning to Eastern Carolina University for her MS degree in Rehab Counseling.   She worked as a Counselor in NC and became a Licensed Private Counselor for her own practice in Waynesville, NC.

Shellie was a loving owner of many Golden Retrievers, including Mistic, Bailey, and Reilly.   She enjoyed photography, all animals, laughing and her family.  She was a sister to Robert (Karen) Michael, Diana DeMarco, Terry (Patricia) Higgins and an aunt to Robbie Michael, Kimberly (Michael) Brookover,     Tammy DeMarco (Greg) Arman. Aaron DeMarco, Christy DeMarco, Suzanne Higgins, Ryan (Kerah) Higgins, and 11 great nieces and nephews.

She will lovingly be missed and remembered.  Her remains will be scattered toward Heaven in the Appalachian Mountains.