Felica M. Higginbotham, a vibrant and beloved soul, left this world tragically on Monday morning, April 17, 2024, at the tender age of 20, in a heartbreaking automobile accident.

Born on October 8, 2003, in Lima, Ohio, Felica brought joy and laughter wherever she went.

Felica is survived by her grieving parents, Andrea S. Mullins and Sabastion Dietz of Delphos. She leaves behind her devoted fiancée, Chevy Van Gundy, of Delphos, who shares in the pain of her loss. Felica is also survived by her siblings; Jazzmin (Mikey Flemings) Higginbotham of Delphos; Karter Hudnall of Delphos; Jaxson Dietz of Delphos, Jaycee Dietz of Delphos, Rashel Higginbotham of Kentucky, and Isiah Higginbotham of Tennessee.

In addition to her immediate family, Felica is remembered by her cherished maternal grandparents, Kelly and Bob Zeigler of Lakeview, and Jimmie Mullins of Uniopolis. She is also survived by her maternal aunt and uncle, Ashley and Scotty Bellman of Wapakoneta, along with her cousins Aiden, Taylor, and Colton Bellman, all of Wapakoneta. Felica will be dearly missed by her maternal great-uncles and aunts, Leonard Mullins of Wapakoneta, Gaye (Brian) Winget of Lima, Shelly (Dan) McPheron of Shawnee, and Darla (Melvin) Boroff of Shawnee. Her memories will be cherished by maternal uncles Dillon Liles and Zach Liles of Lima, maternal grandmother Stacey Liles of Florida, and maternal great-grandfather Thomas Dietz of Wapakoneta. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Goose.

On her paternal side, Felica is remembered by her paternal grandmother, Wilma Armer of Lima, and great-uncle Jimmy Christian of Wapakoneta, along with her aunts Marcy Christian of Wapakoneta, Doug and Steph Miller of Waynesfield; uncles Eric Garey and John Higginbotham of Lima; and cousins Abigail and Micha Miller.

Felica touched the lives of many through her work as a server at Buffalo Wild Wings in St. Marys and The Grill on Main in Coldwater. She had a special bond with children, and her infectious laughter and vibrant personality made her a joy to be around. Felica's spirit was as radiant as her smile, earning her the affectionate nickname "brunette with a blonde personality." She was outgoing, loud, and dramatic, a one-of-a-kind individual who lit up any room she entered. Felica had a passion for makeup and photography. She was a loving person, always ready to lend a helping hand and spread positivity wherever she went. Felica cherished her role as a big sister and took pride in nurturing those around her. In addition to her many accomplishments and cherished memories, it brings profound sadness to announce that Felica had recently discovered she was expecting. Though her time as a mother was tragically cut short, there is no doubt she would have embraced this new chapter with the same boundless love, enthusiasm, and warmth that she brought to every aspect of her life. Felica's nurturing spirit and capacity for love were evident to all who knew her, and there is no doubt she would have been a remarkable mother. While we mourn the loss of the future, she would have had with her child, we find comfort in knowing that her legacy of love will endure through the lives she touched and the memories she leaves behind.

Funeral services will begin 11 a.m., Monday, April 22, 2024 at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Inc., Cridersville. Rev. Judy Baker will officiate. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville and from 10-11 a.m., Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may go to the family to help or to Dayton's Children's Hospital.

Condolences and memories can be shared at BayliffAndSon.com.