The Life and Legacy of Dr. Nancy Higgins
“She spent much of her adult life building sanctuary for others,” recalled Rev. Katie Trinter, “both in her practice as a psychologist and therapist, and through her passion for music and theology.” Rev. Trinter is describing Dr. Nancy C. Higgins at the memorial service held in 2023 to celebrate her life.
“I am delighted to report that Dr. Higgins’ life’s work continues,” relates David Atkins, President of the Missouri United Methodist Foundation. With an estate gift of over $2.3 million, The Nancy C. Higgins Charitable Endowment Fund made its first charitable distributions in January of this year to eight charities that embody Nancy’s passions.
“Of course, many of her interests have a United Methodist connection,” states Atkins. “Her church, Kirkwood UMC and its related charity LifeBridge Ministries each receive a percentage of the annual income. She also included Salem UMC in Ladue, the Mozambique Initiative of the Missouri Conference, the General Board of Global Ministries of the UMC, and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) for its US disaster response.”
“The non-Methodist charities benefited include World Vision for its Child Legacy Fund and the Missouri Botanical Garden,” continues Atkins. “Again, that theme of sanctuary sums it up – sanctuary for the vulnerable and the sanctuary found in the natural world of God’s creation.”
Nancy worked with the Foundation to create her endowment document and ensure her wishes were clearly stated. Following her death, the Foundation worked with her attorney and personal representatives to complete her gift plans.
“The idea of an endowment is that the gift is invested so that it can then generate a growing annual income for charitable purposes forever,” explains Atkins. “Nancy has created an engine of generous sustaining support for years to come.”
As Rev. Trinter recounted in her eulogy, Nancy enjoyed performing as a musician in several worship bands and “believed music could change people and create sanctuary… Throughout her long battle with cancer, she continued to support others in prayer and worked to embody God’s peace and justice on earth.”
We join in giving thanks for the life and legacy of Dr. Nancy C. Higgins. If you would like to learn more or talk about how the Foundation might assist you in leaving a lasting legacy, call us at 800-332-8238 or visit www.mumf.org.