Alice “Alou” Hightower
Alice “Alou” Hightower, 95, blessed the earth with her presence on April 15, 1929, and said goodbye on June 28, 2024.
Mrs. Hightower was born to the late Mr. Horace Strickland, Sr., and Mrs. Addie Strickland in Shepherd, Tennessee where she was the only daughter of eight children. She attended Booker T. Washington High School and also was a licensed cosmetologist. Alice married her husband the late Mr. James Hightower and was the mother of two sons, Ronnie Hightower and Thaddeus Hightower, Sr.
Mrs. Hightower was a proud housewife and homemaker; however she opened her house to many and took care of numerous children like they were her own. Mrs. Hightower's love for children carried over in all that she did. She was employed at the Chambliss Home, GPS, Riverside High School, Engel Stadium, and the Election Commission.
Mrs. Hightower was born and raised at Saint James AME Church where her grandfather was pastor. She later moved her membership and became a faithful and active member of Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church for 60 plus years where she worked in the Kitchen Committee, Usher Board #2, sung in the choir, and with the youth.
Mrs. Hightower never met a stranger and never left them without a hug and her heartwarming smile.
She was also a part of the Good Neighbors Association in Chattanooga.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Hightower; parents, Horace Strickland, Sr., and Mrs. Addie Strickland; sons, Thaddeus Hightower, Sr., and Ronnie Hightower; her seven brothers, Horace, Jr., William, Ralph, Thaddeus, Herman, Harry, and Samuel Strickland.
All who knew Mrs. Hightower will remember the sweet, caring, nurturing, and silly woman she was.
She leaves to cherish her memories, granddaughter and caregiver, Juhwonna Kelly of Chattanooga; grandson, Thaddeus Hightower, Jr., of Phoenix, AZ; granddaughters Shenika Hightower, Gina Reviere, Dayna Hightower all of Chattanooga, and Kiah Hightower of Belvidere TN; daughters-in-law, Bornetta Hightower of Belvidere, TN and Erma Hightower of Chattanooga 17 great-grandchildren, including great-granddaughter and caregiver Rauelle (Warren) Bonner; 9 great-great grandchildren. She also leaves two sisters-in-law, Velma Strickland and Rosetta Strickland; devoted nieces, Ivy Strickland and Belinda Waldrop; godson, Johnny Parker; god-grandson, Jermaine Goines; god-granddaughter; LeShun Garrett. She also leaves memories to here dear friends, Mrs. Billy White and Mrs. Laretta Harrison; a host of other nieces, nephews, and friends.
Public viewing will be held from 2-6 p.m., with the family receiving friends 4:30-6 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, at the funeral home.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 7, at Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, 1115 North Moore Road, Chattanooga.
Interment will take place on Monday, July 8, at Chattanooga National Cemetery, with gate time at 10:30 a.m.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.