Lounell Higgs Murray Smirnoff passed away June 7, 2019 after a long battle with cancer.  She was 70. Born June 20, 1948 to the late Olzie and Lucille Higgs, she was the youngest of 4 children.

Lounell is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Smirnoff; brother, James Higgs; 2 sisters, Darlice Brown and Olzilene O'Berry; and son-in-law, Randy Ricks.

She leaves behind her daughter, Bonnie Lee Ricks of Jacksonville, FL; son, Thomas William Murray, Jr & Tammy Mckinney of Meban of NC; and grandson, Cory Ricks & Celeste Williams of Jacksonville, FL. Lounell is also survived by her niece Ebby Parker; nephews, Bernie Brown & Colos Powell, Sr; 6 great-nieces, Melody Greenbaum, Jesse Brannon, Elizabeth McLaughlin, Jackie Henz, Cierra Powell and Emily Powell; 4 great nephews Marlin Parker, Christopher Brown, Matthew Brown and Colos Powell Jr, along with several great great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many lifelong friends that she considered to be family.  Lounell was very excited and looking forward to being a great-grandmother in October to Aurora Rose.

Lounell worked for Dixie Automatic Cleaners for more than 25 years and made lots of friends along the way.  She was the type of person that always wanted to help someone, whether it be planning a party or just being someone's shoulder to lean on. Even when she was so sick she thought and prayed for others. Lounell enjoyed going to church when she was able, and would say she was ready for her battle to be over so she could go home.

A Celebration of Lounell's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday June 22, 2019 at "Old Country Church," 37299 Oxford St., Hilliard FL, 32046. Rev. Steve Martin will be officiating. A reception will follow after the service.