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Billie F. Hightower of Midland, TX and formerly of Fort Worth passed away on December 14, 2014. Memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, December 20, 2014 at First Christian Church in Midland. It would please Billie if you wore TCU purple to her service. The flag at TCU will be flown at half-mast in Billie's honor. Billie was born April 2, 1928 in Westbrook, TX to Robert and Hazel Smith Hightower. She spent most of her formative years in Longview, TX and graduated from Pine Tree High School in 1945. She entered Parkland Hospital School of Nursing in Dallas in 1946 and graduated in 1949. During her professional career as a nurse she was employed at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas; Medical Center Hospital in Odessa; Carlsbad Memorial Hospital in Carlsbad, NM; Sequoia District Hospital in Redwood City, CA; Midland Memorial Hospital where she was chosen Nurse of the Year by her colleagues; and at All Saints Episcopal Hospital in Fort Worth where she was also chosen Nurse of the Year. She was the House Supervisor at Midland Memorial Hospital in Midland and she was on the teaching faculty at All Saints Vocational Nursing and the Obstetrics Supervisor at All Saints Episcopal Hospital in Fort Worth. Billie entered Texas Christian University's Harris College of Nursing in 1968 and completed her Bachelor of Nursing degree in December 1972. She was hired immediately by Dean Jarrett to join the faculty for the next year. Then Billie returned to school to complete her Masters of Maternal Child Health. Following the completion of her Master's Degree at Texas Woman's University in Denton and Houston, she returned to the nursing faculty at TCU for the next twenty-four years. She truly loved teaching the students and the people at the clinical sites in Fort Worth's major hospitals where she practiced during her tenure at TCU. She retired as an Emeritus Professor from TCU in 1993. She served on the TCU Athletic Committee, which was one of her passions. Her retirement party was held in the TCU Letterman's Lounge. GO FROGS! Billie was a member of the following organizations: Texas Nurses Association, NAACOG, AAUW, Sigma Theta Tau (Nurses Honor Society) and the TCU Frog Club. She is survived by lifetime friend Patsy Hill. Additional special and supportive friends are Celia Harris of Midland; Ann and Charles Richards of La Junta, CO; Jerry Beth Layton of Southlake, TX; and Judy Malloy of Florida. Family survivors include sister, Robbie Fellows of Marfa, TX; brother, William Hightower and wife Beth of Tulsa, OK; nieces, Frances Fellows of Marfa, TX and Kim Groves of Florida; nephews, Robert Fellows Jr. and wife Marlene of Del Rio, TX; Samuel Fellows and wife Rhonda of Prosper, TX; William Fellows and wife Robin of Marfa, TX; Bret V. Hightower and wife Theresa of Oklahoma; Thomas and John Robert Hightower of Tulsa, OK; Bob Burleson and wife Nancy of New Braunfels, TX; Don Burleson and wife Rose of Florida and Vaughn Burleson of Jasper, TX. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law Bob Fellows of Marfa. Billie was known as the caregiver of the family. Her quick smile and kind ways will be greatly missed by those who love her. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to University Advancement, Harris College of Nursing (Nursing Program) TCU, Box 297044 Fort Worth, TX; Juliet Fowler Communities (Tammy Vines, Director of Community Relations), 1234 Abram Rd, Dallas, TX 75214; or Hospice of Midland 911 W Texas Ave, Midland, TX 79701. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made to www.npwelch.com.
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Billie Hightower how you influenced not only my nursing care but my life as well. You were second to none. And you made each of your students feel as if they were the best. I am profoundly grateful for your nurturing direction and your kind spirit.
Megan
January 7, 2015
Riff Ram Wah Zoo, Let Er Go TCU !!!
What a wonderful Frog - Billie will be missed. Sincerely, Kristi Davis, TCU class of 65 and a Midland native
December 27, 2014
It was an honor an privilege to care for Billie. Her ready smile and optimistic attitude would always brighten my day. The Frogs have an angel cheering them on from heaven forever.
Carolyn Rhode
December 23, 2014
Upbeat,faithful,and loving with a gentle touch,Billie shared her knowledge and left her mark on this world.
Mary Jo Hightower Coffield
December 20, 2014
Your spirit of encouragement, passion, and dedication lives on in everyone who was lucky enough to know and love you, Aunt Billie. I hope you knew how loved you were; you will be missed so much. The sky is a little brighter with your star shining now. God bless you, sweet soul.
Jackie Fellows
December 20, 2014
Thinking of you and the times with you as a child. You were always so silly and treated us kids well. With you in spirit. God rest your soul.
Sarah Martinez
December 20, 2014
Billie's friendship, love and support was a treasure to me and my husband. She will make Heaven a brighter place with her joyful laugh and smile.
Teresa Latzel
December 20, 2014
Billie's smile and vivacious personality always lit up the room. A special light has gone out on earth but heaven is brighter with Billie there.
Janet Garrett
December 19, 2014
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Funeral services provided by:
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory - Midland3800 N. Big Spring St., Midland, TX 79705
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