Doris Raye Hightower

Our hearts are saddened by the passing of a loving and caring lady, Doris Raye Fowler Hightower. She peacefully entered into her glorious heavenly home on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. We give thanks for her 90 years of a full and wonderful life.

Born on June 10, 1935, to the late Jesse Melvin Fowler and the late Azalia Rogers Fowler, Doris entered this world as one half of a joyful pair of twins- a life beginning that set the tone for a life of laughter, love, and many blessings. From the earliest of days, Doris and her twin sister delighted in the playful mischief of switching places, a twin bond that brought joy to everyone who knew them. Doris grew up in a large family where kindness and love were always taught and shared. That spirit has followed her all the rest of her life.

Doris was a devoted wife to her loving husband, J.T. Hightower, who together have shared 72 wonderful years of marriage. She was a nurturing and loving mother, a proud grandmother, and she has been a blessing to her family and loved ones throughout her life. A devoted homemaker, her home was always a place where everyone was made feel welcome and loved. Even the neighborhood children found a second Mom in Doris, and they will never forget her kind and generous heart.

Her faithful dedication extended beyond her family. She had been a loyal employee with American Enka Corporation for several years, and she later worked at the Haywood County Hospital, where her compassion touched many. Doris had a great love for children, and this led her to volunteer at Clyde Elementary School, where she became cherished by the children and teachers alike.

Following the retirement of her husband, they together embraced the joy of camping and forming new friendships with people from all across the country. Doris never met a stranger, always greeting people with a smile. She so loved and treasured all her family and especially her nieces and nephews and their children, who brought her much joy. When their visits ended and they told her goodbye with " I Love You"- Doris always answered with " I Love You More".

Doris's strong faith was an important part of her life, and she was a member of Clyde Wesleyan Church. Her love for her Lord and Savior was evident in every act of kindness and every moment of her life. Her life has been a blessing, and we shall treasure the memories that we have shared with her. We shall miss her deeply.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters and a brother, Valrea Chambers, Lucille Rathbone, Laura Jean Jones, Mable Alello, Ruth Hawkins ,Rufus Fowler. and her twin sister Joyce Henderson

Surviving are her loving husband, John "J.T." Hightower of Clyde; her son, John Daryl Hightower and wife Tracy of Clyde; a grandson, John Robert Hightower and wife, Juliet; many nieces and nephews.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Clyde. Pastor Barry Clark will be officiating. Mrs. Hightower will lie in state from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm at Crawford / Ray Funeral Home prior to the graveside service.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is deeply honored to be caring for the Hightower family.