Mavis Marie (Stafford) Higgins, age 80, of Owatonna, MN, passed away on July 9, 2025, of natural causes.

As a child, she was found abandoned in western Nebraska and thought to be about age 5 at the time. In 1950, she was adopted by Vern Peter and Loretta Mellissa (Stillman) Stafford of Decatur, Nebraska and was given the birthdate of May 5th, 1945. She would now also have an older brother, Michael Duane Stafford.

Mavis grew up in the small town of Decatur, NE and graduated from Decatur Public School in 1964. She was a member of Job's Daughters in the United Methodist Church and served as an Honored Queen for a season. She grew up surrounded by many aunts, uncles, and cousins and her childhood was one she recalled fondly.

Following graduation she attended vocational school in Lincoln, NE and worked as a care giver. It was during this time that she met Jake Abernathey, her husband, and father to their children, David and Beverly. After Jake's passing Mavis was left to raise her children alone. She later married Grant Higgins but the marriage failed and she moved to Owatonna, MN to be closer to her son, David.

Mavis is remembered for her kind heart and gentle nature. She cherished her children and grandchildren and loved her cat, Samantha. She enjoyed sewing and made quilts that she gave to her friends.

Mavis is survived by her son, David Abernathey of Mount Sterling, KY; her daughter, Beverly Nelson of Ashland, MO; her brother, Michael Stafford of Palm Coast, FL; and grandchildren, Nick, Melinda and Faith.

She was preceded in death by husbands Jake Abernathy, Grant Higgins; parents, Vern Stafford (1905 – 1984) and Loretta Stafford (1915 – 1962).