Mr. Keith Bernell Higgs

Passed 06/09/2023

A homegoing celebration in honor of Keith Bernell Higgs will be held Wednesday June 21, 2023 at 12pm at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave. in Youngstown, OH.

Keith Bernell Higgs, 61, of Youngstown, Ohio, transitioned to eternal life on Friday June 9, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Hospital following a brief illness. Keith was born October 24, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York. Keith was the youngest of 2 sons of the late Robert Higgs and Bradie Higgs.

Keith matriculated through the New York school system and was a 1979 graduate of Benjamin N. Cardozo High School, In Queens, New York. In his spare time, he was a DJ, known as “DJ Blast”. Keith enlisted in the United States Navy in November of 1982, and served his country with honor for over 24 years. Keith was a highly decorated Gulf War Veteran who received numerous awards and commendations for outstanding service. Keith received the Navy/Marine Corp Achievement Medal, the USCG Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the National Defense Service Medal, just to name a few. Keith served as an Advocate for Veterans and was passionate about educating veterans of all programs available to them after their service to this country.

Keith loved collecting antiques and repairing and selling his collection of cars. He was a true businessman, owning several companies. Keith was a once in a lifetime friend to all who had a close relationship with him. He was charismatic, ambitious, and very intelligent. Keith held a bachelor’s, and master’s degree. Keith was a loving son, devoted husband, caring father who loved his children dearly, and dear a friend, who will truly be missed.

Mr. Keith B. Higgs leaves to cherish his memory and rejoice in his peace, his beloved wife Sharon Higgs, of Youngstown; his mother, Mrs. Bradie Higgs of Youngstown, his children Jamila Higgs of San Diego, California; Mai Higgs of Jacksonville, Florida, and Robert Higgs, of Youngstown. His brother Kevin (Janesca) of Youngstown; his sister Debra (Anthony) Williams of North, Virginia. His extended FAMILY: brothers Emanuel and Adam Mallard of New York; James, Jermaine, Jerome, Jamal and Eric Higgs; Marcus, and Marquis Higgs; Shawn and Tyshawn Higgs; Roger, Jermaine, and David Phipps and sister Shannon Phipps; special cousins Terry (Gwen) Graves of Orlando, Florida, Maxine (Ernest) Jones, and good friend James Jordan and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, loved ones, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Higgs, his sister Denise Higgs, his brothers Andrew Mallard and Michael Phipps, his uncle Paul Graves and cousins Jesse “Butch” Graves, Dr. Boyd E. Graves, and Rev. David Graves.

The family will receive friends Wednesday June 21, 2023 from 11-12pm at the Jaylex Event Center.