Obituary of Leonard Higgins

Leonard Higgins devoted father, loving husband, was born in Taylorville Maryland on May 10, 1934, to Marion Higgins and raised by his aunt Mildred Dean. During Leonard’s childhood he lived in Selbyville, Delaware located in Sussex County. Most African American students during this time attended one-room county schoolhouses scattered throughout Sussex County. In 1952 Leonard ‘s class was the first to graduate from William C. Jason Comprehensive High School, the first Sussex County high school for black students. It is now the home of Delaware Technical and Community College. Upon graduating from Jason High School Leonard attended Delaware State College now known as Delaware State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics. In 1956 Leonard ‘s first position was teaching mathematics in Dover, Delaware public school system. In September of 1958 until retirement Leonard worked as a Mathematics Teacher and a Mathematics Educational Program Specialist in the Camden City Public School District. Most of his teaching career was at Hatch Junior High School which later became Hatch Middle. School. Leonard was dedicated to the teaching profession and continued his educational journey. He received a Master of Science in Education and Certification in Supervision from Rutgers University. He participated in the National Science Institute in Mathematics at: Boston College, Rutgers University, Temple University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Leonard enjoyed working with students, and teachers, however in 1993 he was elected to serve as the full-time President of the Camden Education Association (CEA) As president of the CEA he was responsible for representing more than four thousand members both certified and non-certified. After serving his tenure as the President of the Association Leonard worked parttime as a New Jersey Educational Association Consultant. He held this position until retiring in June of 2005. Leonard was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Psi Epsilon Chapter at Delaware State College. While working in Camden he became an active member of Chi Upsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in Camden New Jersey. Leonard served as treasurer and a long-time member of the scholarship committee. He was a proud brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity for over 65 years who promoted the fraternity’s mission. Leonard trusted and believed in Jesus Christ, he was a faithful member of St. Matthews Church located in Williamstown N.J. Reverend Raymond Gordon, Pastor. Leonard also enjoyed visiting his wife’s church, First Nazarene Baptist Church, he would often speak of his understanding of the message and what specifically resonated with him. At St. Matthews he worked with the Education Ministry tutoring students in math, and servicing in the Culinary Ministry. He continued to serve in the Culinary Ministry until his health began to fail. During his retirement Leonard became Mr. Fixed-It. He enjoyed working on projects and fixing things in the homes of family and close friends. Leonard held several titles in his life, but his favorite role was being a father to his children Robin, Craig, Kimberly, Jabbar, and a loving husband to his wife Deborah. There was nothing that meant more to him than the love for his family. Leonard was a gentleman that will be forever remembered for his honesty, kindness, helpfulness, guidance, true friendship, giving spirit, and the love for his family. Leonard is remembered by his wife, Deborah Moore, sons, Craig Higgins, Jabbar Moore, (Jerrice) daughters Robin James, Kimberly Higgins, his grandchildren, Satish James (Felicia) Jameel Addison, Aisha Addison, Simran James, Salihah James, Dimitri Higgins, Hajee Moore, Jacaiah Moore, great grandchildren, London Irving, Raphael Tucker his sisters Oneida Purnell (Leon) Margaret Savage (deceased) brother-in-law James Carrington ( Dawn) host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends.