Oneida (Neida) Gaskins Higgins (88) of Daytona Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, following a brief illness. Neida was born on April 19, 1937, in Lakeland, Georgia, to Rosie Lee McCullers (née Brack) and Bullock Gordon Gaskins.

Neida left Lakeland for business college in Jacksonville, Florida, and soon met the love of her life, Winfred Earl “Bob” Higgins, on the Jacksonville pier. He was a sailor, and strictly off-limits, according to her mother. They danced the night away, her in a swimsuit and him in his Navy uniform. They married in 1956 after Bob won over his future mother-in-law, and they moved around the country until Bob’s retirement in 1967. Their happy, loving marriage lasted 42 wonderful years until Bob’s passing in 1998.Neida served as a contracting civilian for the U.S. government in many locations, including NAS Key West, Florida, and Moody AFB, Georgia. She finally retired as a Supervisory Contract Specialist in 1996 from Homestead AFB, Florida.

Neida was full of life and lit up any room she entered. Warm-hearted, friendly, and spirited, she had a gift for making people feel welcome and at ease. She was the life of every gathering, always ready with a smile, a laugh, or a perfectly timed joke. Her warm smile and sparkling eyes were unforgettable, and her joy for life was contagious. Above all else, she loved her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and her love was constant, generous, and unwavering. Those who knew her will remember her laughter, her kindness, and the way she made ordinary moments feel special simply by being herself.

Neida was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her son, Winfred “Win” Higgins II. She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Szathmary of Daytona Beach, grandson Luke Szathmary of Melbourne, Florida, granddaughter Adriana Higgins of Miami, Florida, granddaughter Brandy Higgins of Key Largo, Florida, granddaughter Angela Szathmary Woodlee (Jeffrey) of Martinsville, Indiana, great-grandsons Abraham and Elias Szathmary, also of Martinsville, and grandson Scott Szathmary of Spring Hill, Florida.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit — joyful, loving, and full of life — will never be forgotten.

The Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 PM, with guests being received starting at 2:30 PM, Saturday, February 21, 2026 at The Blake on LPGA, 1635 N Williamson Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32117. A Reception will follow.

A Graveside service for family and close friends will be held March 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Palms Woodlawn Cemetery in Naranja, Florida.

*Please have any flowers ordered be delivered to The Blake on LPGA, 1635 North Williamson Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32117.