Gay Higley

Gay Higley, a woman of tireless work ethic and unwavering devotion to her family, passed away on March 7, 2026. Born in Dallas, Texas, on September 22, 1959, she graduated from Duncanville High School. In June 1982, while working at the Dallas Times Herald, she met Dave Higley. They married on May 27, 1983, beginning a loving partnership that spanned more than four decades, both in life and in business.

Together, Gay and Dave worked at the newspaper and later at Deluxe Check Printing. Gay then followed her passion for cosmetology, cutting hair for 27 years. In January 2005, she and Dave opened Hair Villa, where her dedication to her clients and pride in the business they built together were evident to all who knew her. Away from the salon, she found deep joy in decorating her home, gardening, landscaping, and watching the hummingbirds she cherished.

Above all, Gay centered her life on her fierce love for family. She was a devoted mother to her sons, Russ and Casey, and took great pride in the men they became. Her role as “Nana” brought her the greatest happiness; she adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and delighted in spoiling them whenever she could. She remained the heart of her family, offering constant strength and love.

Gay is survived by her husband, Dave; her sons and daughters-in-law, Russ and Jonie McCabe, and Casey and Scarlett McCabe; her granddaughters and their fiancés, Katie McCabe and Cody Singleton, and Hannah McCabe and Garrett Tims; her grandsons, Bentley and Jett; her great-granddaughters, Ava Jo and Maddox; and her great-grandson, Paxton.