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Stephen Lafate Higgins, lovingly known to most as Steve, age 67, passed away peacefully at his home on January 21, 2026, in Monticello, Arkansas. Stephen was born on February 3, 1958, in Inglewood, California, to Retta Ann Kellum-Higgins and James Lafate Higgins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Elizabeth Ann Higgins-King and Brenda Carol Higgins-Young.
He is survived by his brother, James William Higgins; his two sons, Steven A. Higgins of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Jason Arron Higgins of Blacksburg, Virginia; and his four grandchildren-two grandsons and two granddaughters. He is also survived by four nieces and one nephew.
Steve proudly served in the United States Army and later worked as a prison guard, careers that reflected his sense of duty and responsibility. He was a faithful member of Friendship Pentecostal Church for 45 years. Steve was a caregiver by nature, lovingly caring for his mother and his sisters when they were in need. He had a gentle, friendly spirit and truly never met a stranger. People were naturally drawn to him, and he had a way of making others feel seen and comfortable.
Steve made his home at the Ridgeway Apartments in Monticello, Arkansas, where he was surrounded by many friends who became like family to him. He was deeply cared for and watched over by those around him, especially Shelly Smith, who managed the apartments and looked after Steve with kindness and concern. Ridgeway was truly his home, and it is where he passed away peacefully.
Steve had a deep love for writing poetry and took great pride in his poems. Writing was one of the primary ways he expressed care and compassion for others. Whenever someone was grieving, struggling, or facing a hard time, Steve would write a poem specifically for them and hand it to them as a personal gift. His poetry was his way of offering comfort, understanding, and connection.
He enjoyed reading books and watching westerns, a genre he especially loved. Steve also enjoyed cooking simply for the pleasure of it, especially making sweet foods. He had a strong fascination with guns and took a personal interest in them throughout his life.
Steve will be remembered for his kindness, his servant’s heart, his handwritten poems that brought comfort to many, and his quiet devotion to caring for others. His life reflected compassion, faith, and sincerity. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved him.
Funeral arrangements will be announced soon by Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home.
He is survived by his brother, James William Higgins; his two sons, Steven A. Higgins of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Jason Arron Higgins of Blacksburg, Virginia; and his four grandchildren-two grandsons and two granddaughters. He is also survived by four nieces and one nephew.
Steve proudly served in the United States Army and later worked as a prison guard, careers that reflected his sense of duty and responsibility. He was a faithful member of Friendship Pentecostal Church for 45 years. Steve was a caregiver by nature, lovingly caring for his mother and his sisters when they were in need. He had a gentle, friendly spirit and truly never met a stranger. People were naturally drawn to him, and he had a way of making others feel seen and comfortable.
Steve made his home at the Ridgeway Apartments in Monticello, Arkansas, where he was surrounded by many friends who became like family to him. He was deeply cared for and watched over by those around him, especially Shelly Smith, who managed the apartments and looked after Steve with kindness and concern. Ridgeway was truly his home, and it is where he passed away peacefully.
Steve had a deep love for writing poetry and took great pride in his poems. Writing was one of the primary ways he expressed care and compassion for others. Whenever someone was grieving, struggling, or facing a hard time, Steve would write a poem specifically for them and hand it to them as a personal gift. His poetry was his way of offering comfort, understanding, and connection.
He enjoyed reading books and watching westerns, a genre he especially loved. Steve also enjoyed cooking simply for the pleasure of it, especially making sweet foods. He had a strong fascination with guns and took a personal interest in them throughout his life.
Steve will be remembered for his kindness, his servant’s heart, his handwritten poems that brought comfort to many, and his quiet devotion to caring for others. His life reflected compassion, faith, and sincerity. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved him.
Funeral arrangements will be announced soon by Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home.