Annie Higginbotham Sanford

Annie Higginbotham Sanford, 89, passed away in Baton Rouge on August 10, 2026. Annie grew up in Gueydan and Church Point, Louisiana. She was the daughter of the late Iram and Mabel (Lyons) Higginbotham. After graduating as co-valedictorian of Church Point High School, she moved to Baton Rouge to attend Louisiana State University (LSU).

While studying accounting at LSU, she met her first husband, the late George Edward Sanford Jr. Together, they had two sons, John Edward Sanford and James Lee Sanford.

Annie was a devoted Catholic throughout her life, and her faith guided the way she lived each day. Her love for God could be seen in the kindness, generosity, and compassion she showed to others. More than anything, Annie lived her faith by example. She taught her family through her actions to trust in God, care for one another, and extend that same love and compassion to others.

In addition to her devotion to the Lord and her family, Annie had a special place in her heart for those in need. Throughout her life, wherever she lived, she served the homeless and helpless in her community, offering kindness, compassion, and help to those who needed it most.

Annie loved to travel and visited most of the National Parks across the United States. Wherever her travels took her, she would always stop to admire a waterfall and pick up a rock to add to her collection. These adventures brought her great joy and created many treasured memories along the way.

Annie is survived by her two sons, John and James Sanford; daughter-in-law, Melinda Sanford; grandchildren, Taylor, Connor, and Gabrielle; two sisters, Evelina Smith, and Mary Richard; and one brother, Mark “Bootsy” Higginbotham.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Clara Mae Burke and Benny Vautrot; and two brothers, Linton J. Higginbotham and Donald P. Higginbotham.

Her family would like to express their sincere gratitude to her caregivers, Nancy Keller; Nancy’s daughter, Fredricka; Kendricka Johnson; and all of Annie’s “Caring Angels” for the incredible care, kindness, and compassion they gave her throughout the years.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at St. George Catholic Church, 7808 St. George Drive in Baton Rouge, followed by the Funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. Inurnment will follow at St. George Catholic Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Caring Angels LLC, 6422 Red Rose Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70817.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.