Johnelle Arceneaux

Johnelle Higgins Arceneaux 91, departed from this life on August 11, 2026 at Hermann Memorial Hospital in Pearland, Texas. She was born on February 7, 1935 to Ellis (Scrap) Higgins and Minnie Higgins in Brazoria, Texas. She was the third born of their five children.

Upon her graduation from college, Johnelle married Augustus Williams, Sr. and a son, Augustus Williams, Jr. was born from this union. In 1968, she married Harrison Joseph Arceneaux, the love of her life. They remained married for forty years, until Harrison’s death in 2008.

She graduated from George Washington Carver High School in Sweeny, Texas in 1953. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Prairie View A&M in 1957, and her Master of Arts Degree from Texas Southern University. She also received advanced studies at the University of Houston.

She began her educational career in 1958 at Charlie Brown High School in West Columbia, Texas as a music and history teacher. She later continued her educational career in HISD as an elementary and middle school teacher and retired with 30 years of service.

She was a member of numerous organizations. These included; but were not limited to, Top Ladies of Distinction, National Women of Achievement, Inc. and Les Charmantes Social Club. In addition, she received many awards for her volunteer service to senior citizens and Top Teens of America.

Johnelle was a devoted Christian and a dedicated mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She also loved to read. Her favorite things to read were the daily newspaper and medical journals.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ellis and Minnie Higgins, and her siblings: Hazel Austin (TJ), Minerva “Tweed” Swindle (Earl, Sr.), Ellis Higgins Jr., and Dr. Joyce Holley (Dannye).

She is survived by her son, Augustus Williams, Jr., Houston, Texas; grandson, Brandon Williams of Stafford, Texas; great-granddaughter, Sofia Williams, Houston, Texas; nephews, Gregory Higgins, Earl Swindle, Jr., (Rebecca), Rodney Swindle (Kathleen) all of Houston, Texas, Quentin Holley of Seattle, Washington, and Kenan Holley (Erica) of Prarieville, Louisiana; niece Danielle Holley of Silver Spring, Maryland, and brother-in-law, Dannye Holley of The Woodlands, Texas; great nephews; great nieces; and many other relatives and friends.