Denise Erin Higdon

Denise E. Higdon, 63, of Grapevine, Texas, entered into eternal rest on June 27, 2026. Throughout her life, Denise was known for her unwavering faith, gentle spirit, kind heart, and deep love for her family and friends. She embraced life with joy, found beauty in everyday moments, and left a lasting impression on everyone blessed to know her.

Denise was born on May 13, 1963, at the Presidio in San Francisco, California, to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Eugene McCormick, U.S. Army (Retired), and Mary Ellen (Zulz) McCormick. As the daughter of a career Army officer, she grew up with a strong appreciation for faith, family, service, and resilience.

She attended St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Grade School and graduated from Incarnate Word High School in San Antonio, Texas, with the Class of 1981. She later earned an Associate Degree in Accounting from San Antonio College.

Denise began her career with Dillard’s in San Antonio before transferring to Arlington, Texas. Soon afterward, a blind date in Arlington introduced Denise to Michael Higdon, changing both of their lives forever. What began as a simple introduction in 1991 blossomed into a remarkable love story that would span more than three decades. They became not only husband and wife but also each other’s best friend, greatest supporter, and constant companion. Through every season of life, the joyful celebrations, the unexpected challenges, the countless adventures, and the quiet everyday moments, they walked hand in hand with unwavering love, laughter, faith, and devotion.

Denise and Michael were married on April 26, 1997, and moved into their first home together the very next day, beginning nearly 29 years of marriage built on unconditional love, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to one another. Together they built a home filled with warmth, hospitality, treasured memories, and unconditional love. Whether traveling to new places, sharing a cup of coffee on the patio each morning, caring for their beloved pets, working side by side in the yard, or simply enjoying each other’s company, they found joy in life’s simplest moments. Friends often admired the way they cared for one another, and those who knew them best recognized a love rooted in friendship, laughter, unwavering loyalty, and faith. Denise’s love for Michael was evident in everything she did, and Michael’s unwavering devotion to Denise never faltered, especially throughout her courageous battle with cancer. Together, they created a life rich in faith, laughter, adventure, and love that will continue to inspire everyone who knew them.

In April 1997, Denise began her career with Southwest Airlines, where she enjoyed a rewarding career and formed lifelong friendships. She embraced Southwest’s unique culture and especially loved the Southwest Spirit Parties and the camaraderie of her Southwest family. Denise also loved the music of Janis Joplin, whose songs became the soundtrack to many joyful moments in her life and reflected her spirited appreciation for living life to the fullest.

Denise embraced life with an adventurous spirit and a joyful heart. She loved traveling, especially to Fort Walton Beach, France, riverboat cruises, exploring new destinations, attending Grapevine festivals and wine trails, participating in wine clubs and tastings, camping, girls' pool parties, shopping, watching true crime shows, discovering restaurants featuring cuisines from around the world, and trying coffees from different countries. She also loved to dance, and her smile always seemed to shine brightest when family and friends surrounded her.

The American Legion Post 379 became one of Denise's favorite places to gather. She loved the friendships she found there and often said the people at the Post felt like family. Whether she was enjoying conversation, sharing laughs, listening to music, dancing, or relaxing with one of the Post's famous Bloody Mary’s—which she insisted were the best anywhere—Denise cherished the time she spent with those who welcomed her with open arms. The friendships she built there became a treasured part of her life.

Each morning, Denise cherished sitting on the patio with a fresh cup of coffee while listening to Catholic devotionals on EWTN. Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life and guided her with hope, grace, and compassion. She was a faithful member of St. Michael Catholic Church.

One of Denise’s greatest joys was caring for the many pets she and Michael welcomed into their family over the years. Their beloved cats—Hannah, Sebastian, and Lucy—and dogs—Max, Lucky, Tux, Abby, Warren, and Bailey—were cherished companions who brought endless happiness to their home.

Denise also found great peace working in her yard. Whether tending flowers, caring for plants, or simply enjoying God’s creation, her garden became one of her favorite places of quiet reflection.

Whether she was tending flowers in the yard, discovering a new coffee from another country, laughing with friends at a pool party, planning the next trip, or simply enjoying a quiet morning on the patio, Denise had a gift for finding joy in ordinary moments. She never needed extravagant things to be happy; being with the people she loved was enough. That ability to appreciate life’s simple blessings became one of the many reasons she was so deeply loved.

Throughout her courageous battle with cancer, Denise demonstrated extraordinary faith, grace, and resilience. She met every challenge with hope, courage, and an unwavering trust in God, inspiring everyone around her. Even in difficult moments, she continued to put others before herself and remained grateful for each day she was given.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Eugene McCormick, U.S. Army (Retired), and Mary Ellen (Zulz) McCormick; her brother, Timothy Joseph McCormick; and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband, Michael Higdon; her brothers, Kevin McCormick (Ellen) and Patrick McCormick; her sisters, Mary (Steve) McLaughlin and Teresa Hayden; her niece, Erin (Matthew Garger) Hayden; her nephew, Robert James McCormick, and numerous extended family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers whose lives were enriched by her kindness, generosity, and love.

Denise’s greatest legacy was not measured by titles or accomplishments but by the countless lives she touched through her compassion, generosity, quiet strength, and steadfast faith. Her beautiful smile, gentle spirit, and caring heart will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and find comfort in knowing Denise is at peace in the loving arms of her Heavenly Father. While we grieve her absence, we celebrate a life beautifully lived—a life defined by faith, love, courage, kindness, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. Her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her to live with compassion, gratitude, and joy. Until we meet again, her love will remain the quiet strength that continues to guide those she held so dear.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

Funeral Services

Visitation Tuesday, July 28, 2026 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Lucas Funeral Home

Rosary Wednesday, July 29, 2026 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lucas Funeral Home

Funeral Mass Wednesday, July 29, 2026 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Lucas Funeral Home

Reception Wednesday, July 29, 2026 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. American Legion Post 379

Committal Service Friday, July 31, 2026 Guests are asked to arrive by 1:45 p.m. Lane 2. Service begins at 2:15 p.m. Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery