Sharon Kay (Higdon) Gawlak

Sharon Kay (Higdon) Gawlak, 79, of Battle Creek died at home on Saturday, October 9, 2021. Sharon Kay Higdon was born October 3, 1942 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Harold and Maude (Wright) Higdon.

She was a 1960 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. The Higdon Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Sharon Gawlak in honor of her parents, Maude and Harold Higdon. Sharon's parents were life-long residents of Battle Creek who exemplified a strong work ethic. Sharon continued the family value by obtaining her Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University and serving as a teacher at Northwestern Middle School for 30 years.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents.

Sharon was a member of First United Methodist Church in Battle Creek since 1996. She was the head of the Missions Committee. She oversaw the Post Franklin Food Pantry at the Church. She organized many projects through her work on the First United Methodist Church Missions Team: backpacks and school supplies for the Post-Franklin Elementary School, Christmas parties for The Haven, Super Bowl party for the Haven, Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas Baskets for Santa's Helper families, Salvation Army Christmas Bell Ringing and volunteers for the breakfast program at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. She also coordinated the FUMC Book Club. Sharon was on the board of The Haven for over 12 years. Sharon loved to read books and travel. She treasured all of her Fur Kids throughout her life. Sharon was generous, kind, and loving. She was at her best and her happiest when she was helping others.

A funeral service to celebrate Sharon's life will be officiated by Pastor Larry French at First United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 6th, 2021.

Memorial contributions may be made for the Post-Franklin Food Pantry (Please indicate on check) at the Food Bank of South Michigan, 5451 Wayne Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49037; or the Higdon Memorial Scholarship. Make check payable to: BCCF/HIGAW and mail to Battle Creek Community Foundation, 32 W. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1, Battle Creek, MI 49017; Or to give directly online visit: https://bccfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=2335
Recipients of the Higdon Memorial Scholarship need to exemplify the same commitment the Higdon family did to their profession. Eligible candidates are Battle Creek area high school graduating seniors or graduates who attended Northwestern Middle School for three years, or Northwestern for one year and Springfield Middle School for two years. Selection criteria includes: academic performance, community involvement, written recommendations, achievement and/or aptitude test performance.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.