Lynne Higgins

Normal - Lynne P. Higgins, 81, of Normal, passed away at 4:51 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at Heritage Health of Normal.

Lynne was born on May 22, 1938 in Chicago, a daughter to Frank and Emelyn (Mackin) Higgins, Sr.

Lynne attended Marycrest College in Iowa and then later attended Iowa State University where she received her Master's and PhD in philosophy. She was a professor in physical education and athletics at Illinois State University. Here she enjoyed a successful coaching career in women's volleyball and swimming from 1964-1974, taking the volleyball team to it's first national championship in 1974.

She served at countless volleyball clinics, officiating conferences, workshops, and evaluation committees for women's volleyball. She authored various articles on the sport and was inducted into the Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame in 1982.

Surviving are her nephews and nieces, Patty Blaise of Nashville, Tennessee, Michael (Susan) Higgins of Chandler, Arizona, Thomas Higgins of Phoenix, Arizona, Robert (Kim) Higgins of Mesa, Arizona, and Maureen (Jim) Hynes of Johnson City, Texas; six great-nephews, three great-nieces, and one great-great-nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Frank Higgins, Jr.

There will be no public services in accordance to Lynne's wishes. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Inurnment will be at a later date in Morris Hill Cemetery in Boise, Idaho. Memorial contributions may be left to the Intercollegiate Athletics Illinois State University or the Kinesiology and Recreation Department at Illinois State University.

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