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.
Sign Guestbook
9 Condolence(s)
Dennis Holloway
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Love your Family. Prayers and thinking of all during your celebration of Life.
Dennis
Janell Zeug
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Pam,
I am so sorry to hear the news of your beautiful mother passing. I have to smile when I think of all the angst we gave her in our teens. Sending much love and prayers to you and your family.
Warm regards,
Janell
Katina Tyler
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
I so loved Mrs. Careita!! I know she will be extremely missed. Please know Pam and Mr. Lloyd that you are in my prayers. I love you!!!
Bo McElya
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Loyd,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I know that words won't take away your pain, but you are in my thoughts and prayers. Look to God for comfort and he will provide it.
Sabrina Usrey
Monday, November 13, 2023
i will forever miss her. she served as a family member for everyone around her. prayers to your family.
Cindy Edwards
Monday, November 13, 2023
I stood where you are now a few months ago. I am praying peace for you and family and especially strength for you. This is a hard season of life, but knowing she’s in heaven eases some of the pain. She was a wonderful woman- as Greyson remembers her as the doughnut lady to this day. She made an impact on a lot of lives. Love, prayers and hugs
Jane Hawley
Monday, November 13, 2023
Mr. Loyd, Pam and family, I am so sorry to learn of Careita's passing. We attended Trinity Baptist Church (1977-1983) together; she was such a sweet Christian woman and friend. I loved bowling with Careita many moons ago at the bowling alley in West Memphis. We had a great team of ladies and had lots of fun! Praying for the family and that all the good memories you all have of Careita to flood your thoughts during this difficult time.
Marci Greenwood
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Pam and family I am so sorry for y’all’s loss may god grant y’all piece and comfort during this time.
Bonnie Harrison
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! CAREITA was not only a friend but a good neighbor also! I know that she is with our Heavenly Father and will be waiting for us to come join her! Rest in peace CAREITA and know that your family will miss you big time! Prayers for all of you.