She was the daughter of the late James Harvey and Ava Wilhelm Higgins, Sr.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Woody Van Ness; children: Woodrow, Jr. (Stevie), Brenda Pursley and Gary (Hippie) Van Ness.

She is survived by her daughter, Sandra and son-in-law, Delmas Deacon, Lexington; sons: Darrell and daughter-in-law, Debbie Van Ness, Boones Mill; and Reid Y. Van Ness, Nashville, Tennessee; son-in-law, Randall Pursley; ten grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; one sister, Lorene and brother-in-law, Wilmer Watkins, Natural Bridge Station; a number of other family members.

Visitation with the fmaily will be held Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the Lomax Funeral Home.

Mrs. Van Ness will also lie in state at Rapps Mill Church on Saturday, February 24, 2007 from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Pastor Gary Short and Calvin Griffin will officiate.

Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers. Interment will follow in Oxford Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Effinger Volunteer Fire Department or The Building Fund of Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church.

The Lomax Funeral Home, Buena Vista, is in charge of arrangements (261-6585).