Bernice H. Arinder

Bernice Higdon Arinder, age 83, born on February 16, 1940 in Louisville, KY, and lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, died Tuesday, April 11, 2023.

Although she was born in Louisville, Bernice traveled the country with her sister, living in places like Chicago and Memphis, before settling in Baton Rouge where she met her husband of 59 years, Walter, and they married on July 21, 1961.

She was a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a big fan of Elvis Presley.  She loved spending time with her family, cooking and baking, singing and dancing, and sharing stories about growing up with her 10 brothers and sisters. Bernice was a competitive bowler, and would travel around the country competing in tournaments. She also loved nature and would often be found sitting outside on her porch swing.

Bernice is predeceased by her husband Walter R. Arinder, Sr., her father Lawrence E. Higdon, her mother Leona Goins Higdon, and her siblings Basil Lee Higdon, Marie Burt, Bill Higdon, Roy Higdon, Terry Higdon, Patricia Cook, and Kenny Ray Higdon.

Bernice is survived by her sisters Judy Knight and Wanda Martin Stayner, her children Walter R. Arinder, Jr. (Julie) and Kim Arinder Vidrine (Curtiss), her grandchildren Adam Arinder, Alexa Arinder Kinnaird, and Lacey Little Cunningham, her great-grandchild Bowden Wayne Cunningham, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Bernice’s kindness, joy, and love for her family will never be forgotten.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home located at 11817 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70816. Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 18 from 5-7pm as well as Wednesday, April 19 at 12 noon. Services will be on Wednesday, April 19 at 1pm in the chapel with interment to immediately follow.

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