Erma Jean Gates Hightower
Erma Jean Gates Hightower passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025. Born on Nov. 18, 1948 in Chattanooga, TN, Erma was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, whose warmth and kindness touched all who knew her.
Erma was a retired teacher from the Hamilton County Schools. She graduated from Riverside High School class of 1967. She was a proud "Mighty Trojan." She also attended Chattanooga City College and Cleveland State. She was a faithful member of Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church, which she joined on Mother’s Day in 1979, serving on the Someone To Care Ministry and as a Church Announcement Clerk. Erma was a member of the Glenwood Neighborhood Association, Widows Harvest, Foster and Adoption Association and Hamilton County Area Child Abuse Commission.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alford Gates and Johnnie Bell Pickens; love of her life, Ronnie Hightower; brothers, James Pickens, Robert Earl Pickens, Reginald Pickens and Ronnie Pickens; and sister, Wanda Pickens.
Erma's life was marked by love for her family and dedication to those around her. Her memory will remain a source of strength and inspiration to all who had the honor of knowing her.
She is survived by her devoted daughters, Shenika Hightower and Gina Reviere, and her bonus daughter, Juhwonna Kelly, and many others that she has raised. Erma's love and guidance will be forever cherished by her seven grandchildren, Rauelle (Warren) Bonner, Giovanni (Selina) Hightower, Devin Reviere, J'Yniah Reviere, Xavier Reviere, Juhnyla Hightower and Willow Hightower. She was also blessed with four adored great-grandchildren, Raelyn Bonner, Daylin Reviere, Rayne Bonner and Sa'Riyah Reviere; sisters, Betty (David) Miree and Linda Pickens; brother, Michael Pickens; god-daughter, Lisa Bledsoe and god-granddaughters, Jalesa and Markita Madden; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; and close friends, Jennifer Brooks and Brenda Phillips.
Public viewing will begin at 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 31 at the funeral home.
A celebration of Erma’s remarkable life will be held at noon on Friday, Aug. 1 at Union Hill Baptist Church, 1800 North Chamberlain Ave.
Arrangements have been entrusted to John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave. in Chattanooga, 423-622-9995.