Edna Mae (Sullivan) Huggins

Edna Mae (Gigi) Sullivan Huggins, 84, returned home peacefully to her heavenly father on July 12, 2020 in her Hollister, Missouri home of 38 years, surrounded by her loved ones. Born in a back woods shack, in Benton, Arkansas on August 24, 1935 to William Thomas Sullivan and Flora Elsie Shell; Edna was the youngest of 9 children. Edna was a devoted wife, loving mother and best grandmother. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Edna knew her door was always open, never locked. The fridge stocked for hungry stomachs and something cooking on the stove filling her home with wonderful aroma. Edna had an open seat at her table for anyone that needed, along with a listening ear. Her smile reached the hearts of many and her warm embrace took any worry away. She showed unconditional love to everyone and had touched so many lives with her selflessness and kind soul.

She could often be found sitting at the table with a child on her lap signing the itsy-bitsy spider using the most entertaining hand motions. At any given moment, Edna might burst into a gospel song filling the room with a beautiful melody. Edna found comfort rocking on her front porch swing as she listened to her windchimes sing in the breeze.

Edna took pride in all she did down to teaching anyone to fold a mean fitted sheet.  Working in Branson, Missouri “The Show- Me State” for 38 years she had acquired one of the finest autographed picture collections of the stars this side of the Mississippi. 

Edna was a strong matriarch of her family always leading by example. She was a strong, determined, fiercely independent woman who will be missed by many. Family was a pivotal essence in Edna’s life. We will forever remember her beautiful smile, gentle eyes, caring heart, loving embrace and a voice of an angel. She has left a permanent mark etched on our hearts and will be deeply missed not only by family, but all who knew her. When you think of Edna, celebrate the good memories you have of her. Remember that life is fragile and short and should be lived to the fullest. To quote Michael Landon, 

“Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I will remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears, then don't remember me at all.”

Edna is survived by her four children David Huggins, Robin (Bill) Snyder, Terresa (Tom) White and Brian Huggins. Proud grandmother of twelve grandchildren Tracey Fletcher, Jeremy Lee, Kit Snyder, Tommy White, Christina Hensley, Bobby Huggins, Dustin White, Brandy Drew, Reese Snyder, Nikki Huggins, Joshua Huggins and Cory White. 24 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband Valton Alvin Huggins, two sons Jeff Huggins and Greg Huggins.

The family would like to thank all the health care professionals at Cox Hospital. A Special thanks to Cox Hospice and Snapp-Bearden Funeral Directors.

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