Mary Louise Higginbotham Trahan

Mary Louise Higginbotham Trahan, 90 years old, passed away Sunday, January 8, 2023.  She was born on April 1, 1932 to Berchman and Palymre Rogers Higginbotham in Bell City, LA.

Mary owned Earl’s Super Service Grocery, where she worked alongside her husband Earl for many years. Known by her family as “MawMaw,” but by so many locals as “Mrs. Earl,” she was a staple in the community where she was always ready for conversation and coffee.  Raised a child of a cotton and watermelon farmer, she would later become the owner of Travis’ Drive-in on Broad Street.  After this she would transition into the grocery business with Earl’s Super Service Grocery on Kirkman Street.  Because of her hard-working nature, she was a pioneer woman in the grocery store business.

Mary’s true love was her family.  She was the mother of five boys and a multitude of grandchildren.  She loved raising animals, as well as gardening, where she would produce vegetables for her family.  In her final years here on earth, she was treated like a queen by her grandson and caregiver, Aaron.  She spent her time making sure we all had enough stories to make us smile in years to come.  She taught her family to work hard for what you want in life and to give back and help along the way.  While there is no doubt, she will be deeply missed by many, we are overjoyed by the reunions taking place in heaven.

Those left to cherish her memory are her two sons, Darrell L. Trahan and Edward P. Trahan; her grandchildren, Eric, Rick, Terra Nicole, Todd, Aaron, Danielle, Amanda, Jamie and Jackie Trahan, Kresha Easton, Cynthia G. Cox, Kristine N. Vasquez, Cortney Perez and Sarah Burney; many great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of over 40 years, Earl Joseph Trahan, Sr.; and three sons, Earl Joseph Trahan, Jr., Larry James Trahan, and Dennis Ray Trahan.

Her funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 12, 2023 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel.  Msgr. Daniel Torres will preside.  Burial will follow in Graceland/Orange Grove Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday morning from 9:00 AM until the start of the service at 2:00 PM.