Roll Call Tribute

Tammy Ann Orth-Higgins 

October 10, 1955 - March 28, 2025 

John 11:25-26 NIV

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Tam Ann Orth-Higgins of Houston, Texas passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025 surrounded by her family members and loved ones in Southlake, Texas.

Tammy was born on October 10th, 1955 in Houston, Texas. She was the oldest of five children and a wonderful daughter and big sister. Tammy’s parents were Thomas Milton Orth (1927-1985) and Jacqueline Ann Orth (1934-2011).

Tammy graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Texas A&M University. She also earned her Masters of Education in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University. Tammy met her future husband, John David Higgins, in 1975 at Texas A&M University in College Station. John and Tammy were married 12 years later on June 27, 1987 at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Houston. Tammy and John were married for 37 wonderful years and knew each other for almost 50 years.

Tammy and John have three beautiful children and seven grandchildren. Tammy adored all her grandchildren and was lovingly referred to as “Oma.” She was known for spoiling her grandchildren, feeding them delicious cookies from Trader Joe’s, taking them on outings to the park, and watching them swim for hours at her pool in Southlake. Tammy also took her grandchildren to the library, helping them with their school work, and encouraging them to read on their own. Tammy loved children and was passionate about education.

Tammy worked as an elementary school counselor at Major Cheney Elementary school for over 15 years. Her wealth of experience, her intelligence, and her natural aptitude for teaching made her a valuable resource on campus. However, it was her unconditional love and her compassionate heart that made her such a wonderful counselor. Tammy was proud of her profession, and she strongly believed in the power of relationships.

Tammy loved to travel with her husband John, and they spent extended time on the West Coast of Canada and on Vancouver Island in Victoria. Tammy and John also sailed the Caribbean along the US and British Virgin Islands and traveled to Europe. Tammy visited family all over the United States, and enjoyed taking trips to Scottsdale with her sister Karey. Tammy also loved good food and enjoyed spending brunch and happy hour with her family members and friends.

Tammy loved her alma mater, Texas A&M University, wearing her Aggie ring proudly and always rooting for the Aggies in every sport, regardless of their record. She loved watching professional hockey with her Canadian husband and taking advantage of their season tickets to watch the Dallas Stars.

Tammy was known for her hospitality. Tammy was an extremely gracious host and always opened up her home to family members and friends. Tammy’s siblings and their children spent countless holidays at her home in Southlake for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. All her nieces and nephews have beautiful memories of opening presents, hiding Easter eggs, watching football games, and eating Uncle John’s famous fried turkey. The cousins grew up at Aunt Tammy’s house, swimming in the pool, building forts in the backyard, and playing “Jailbreak.” Tammy was so full of life and loved to talk with her family, who remember her “Tammyisms,” including “golly gumdrops” and “golly Moses.” Tammy was a joy to be around, and she loved her family dearly.

Tammy is survived by her husband, John David Higgins and her children Kallie Ann Higgins, Paige Elizabeth Overstreet, and John David Higgins II. She is survived by her grandchildren: Kinley (10), Ronin (7), Madison (8), Wesley (8), Parker (3), Luka (9), and Adam (1). She is also survived by her younger siblings Scott Thomas Orth, Karey Lynn Lyle, Kristi Vivian Orth, and Chad Andrew Orth.

Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our beloved Tammy, who touched every single person she encountered. She was a beautiful wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and aunt with an amazing heart.

Nothing could have prepared us for this loss, but we take comfort knowing that she is in heaven with the Lord and with her mother and father.

IN THE CARE OF
Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home & Memorial Park