Dr. Annie Mae "Ann" Hightower

Early Wednesday morning, July 30, 2025, while the dew was yet still on the roses, God called our beloved Dr. Annie Mae Hightower, affectionately called "Ann," from labor to rest. She was born on July 27, 1936, to the late Joe Hill and Augusta Willis of Birmingham, Alabama.

At an early age, Ann accepted Christ and joined Pilgrim Home Baptist Church in Hooper City. She received her formal educational experiences in Birmingham City Schools System, Craven Community College School of Cosmetology in North Carolina, and the Cordelia Green Johnson Beauty Forum of the National Beauty Culture League. She received numerous certificates, awards, and plaques for her work in the church and community.

Ann was happily married to Cleveland Hightower for 47 years prior to his demise in October 2002. It was during his time in the United States Navy that this couple relocated to Chesapeake, VA. To this union, two children were born, Derrick, Sr. and Denise.

Ann was a very kind, loving, and caring individual. She was very active in a number of ministries at First Baptist Church – West Munden after establishing membership: Trustee Emeritus, Past President of the Samaritan Club (Pastor's Aide), Former member of the New Gospel Choir, attended Sunday School, served on the Deaconess Board, By-laws Committee, and the Executive Board. After her retirement as owner and operator of Ann's Beauty Salon, Ann volunteered with the Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, Chesapeake Health Care Center, President of Cordelia Green Johnson Beauty Forum (served 10 years), Fourth Vice President for the State of Virginia Beauticians Association, and was honored for outstanding leadership, and Chief Examiner of Cosmetology for the State of Virginia.

Ann freely gave of her time, talent, and treasure to several organizations of which she was deeply committed to the Silver Strands Senior Club, Estherine J. Harding Endowed Scholarship for Norfolk State University students, Salvation Army, Red Hats (Ladies Social Society), Senior Services of Virginia, Theta Nu Sigma National Honor Society and Dean Pledgees, NAACP, Broadlawn Seniors, Eva Gardens Civic League, Alamata Chapter #93 Order of the Eastern Star, Chesapeake Democratic Party, and the Virginia State Beauticians Association.

Dr. Hightower was preceded in death by her loving husband, Cleveland; parents; sisters: Bessie Huckabee, JoMary Goldsby, Maggie Hall, Freddie Moore, Ruby Boykins; brothers: Hugo Lee Hill, John Jackson, and Willie James Jackson; grandson Derrick W. Hightower, II; son-in-law Keith Lacey.

Dr. Hightower leaves to cherish her memory, her son Derrick Hightower, Sr. (Faith), her daughter Denise H. Lacey, sisters: Joyce Bogan and Delores Jackson (Kenny) William of Birmingham, AL; brothers: George Hill (Raleigh), and Charles Jackson of San Antonio,Texas: great-grandsons: Jurni and Sabri Hightower and great-granddaughter Kori Hall; cousin Johnathan Nichols, Veleria Story and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.