of Marion, AR

September 25, 1937 - November 10, 2023

Careita Marie Hightower passed away peacefully at home in Marion, Arkansas on November 10, 2023, after a brief illness. Careita was born in Ravenden, Arkansas on September 25, 1937, to Lois and Leonard Murphy. In 1955 she graduated from Pocahontas High School and pursued a career as a legal secretary for Randolph County.

In 1959 she met Loyd D. Hightower, and after a brief courtship they married on January 1, 1960. They moved to eastern Arkansas where they have lived since.

They welcomed their only daughter Pam in 1965.

Careita became a business owner in 1970 when she opened Careita's Shoes and Fabrics where she would showcase her sewing and crafting abilities. After which she ran West Memphis Plumbing and Heating with Loyd until 2019.

She loved her family, many friends, and her church. She was charter member of Cypress Avenue Baptist Church in Marion, Arkansas where she enjoyed serving her famous pecan pie and coconut cake. She enjoyed fishing, bowling, sewing and lunch with her "lunch bunch".

Careita was preceded in death by her parents Lois and Leonard Murphy, her brother Bill Reeves, and brother Vernon Murphy. She is survived by her husband of 63 years Loyd Hightower of Marion, Arkansas, daughter Pam Pankey (Barry) of Marion, Arkansas, her brother George Murphy of Cabot, Arkansas, a grandson Zachary Pankey of Springdale, Arkansas, grandson Jacob Pankey (Abby) of Hagerstown, Indiana and so many friends that she loved dearly.

Visitation will be November 15, 2023, at 10 A.M. followed by her Celebration of Life at 11 A.M. both being held at Cypress Avenue Baptist Church in Marion, Arkansas. Burial to follow at Crittenden Memorial Park.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
201 North Pine Street
West Memphis, AR  72303
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com