Barbara Jean Hightower

Barbara Jean Reed Hightower. was born April 20, 1941. She passed on to her next phrase of life on April 5, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband Hubert Hightower Jr., parents Samuel Reed and Myrtle Howard Reed, daughter in law Lillian Hightower, brother Edward LeRoy Reed and sisters Queen Esther Reed and Charlotte Reed Austin.
She graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School and attended Ivy Tech Community College. She worked at Gary Community School Corporation as a paraprofessional for over 20 years until her retirement. She was a member of New Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church for over thirty years under Pastors C.B. Curtis, James Montgomery and Chet J. Johnson, Sr.
Barbara excelled at being an excellent seamstress creating custom designer fashions for family and friends. Pastor Curtis entrusted her to serve as the church youth choir ministry supervisor which she continued under Pastor Montgomery leadership as well as serving on the church usher board. She also supervised a food program under Pastor Johnson leadership for the local neighborhood. Through her job and church service, Barbara developed friendships with many students, parents, and co-workers that continued throughout her life.
She leaves to cherish her memory, children Brian L., Dawn Y., Bradley L., Stephanie L., Stephen L. (Shanell), and Alexandria L. (Antoine) Gary; sister Jennifer Jenkins of Gary; ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends.
Visitation Tuesday April 14, 2026 from 9:30 a.m.- 10:00 a.m. with funeral service to follow
at 10:00 a.m. at New Tabernacle Baptist Church 2416 Pierce Street Gary, Indiana 46407. Pastor Chet Johnson -officiating. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood IL.