Carolyn Higginbotham Atkins

Carolyn Higginbotham Atkins, age 81 of Grand Junction, Colorado passed away peacefully surrounded by love and family on July 15, 2024.

Carolyn was born in Lafayette, Louisiana to the late Clinton J. “Hick” Higginbotham and Georgia Higginbotham. She is survived by her two sons Winn Atkins and wife, Sara Atkins of Austin, Texas and Mitch Atkins and wife Tracy Atkins of Grand Junction, CO; six grandchildren, Reed Atkins, Hayes Atkins, Talmadge Atkins, Campbell Atkins, Vanson Atkins and Mickey Atkins; and one brother, Don Higginbotham and wife Sandi Higginbotham, both of Lafayette, LA. 

Growing up in Lafayette, Carolyn was known by her family and friends as “Connie,” and later in life by her grandkids, family and friends as “Cha Cha.” She loved with all her heart her two boys, her family and friends and most of all, her six grandchildren. She was fiercely proud of her Cajun heritage, she loved to cook, was funny and feisty, a “rascal” to her older brother, always full of surprises and had an infectious spirit. But more than anything, she had a huge heart and spent much of her life working to help others. 

After graduation from Lafayette High, she attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana and later earned her degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. She worked for many years in Fort Worth, TX as a licensed clinical oncology social worker, counseling patients and their families who were facing cancer, and helping them to access much needed services, resources, support groups, and medical care. Carolyn herself was a two-time cancer survivor, so her work was deeply personal to her. 

“Cha Cha” was loved by many and will be fondly remembered and greatly missed, but her spirit will continue to live on through her family whom she truly loved with all her heart. 

A celebration of life will be held in Lafayette, Louisiana at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in Carolyn’s name to either: 

Cancer Care: https://www.cancercare.org

HopeWest: https://www.hopewestco.org