Irene Hightower

Irene Hightower was born on August 5, 1926, to Johnny Haire and Ruth Groves Haire in Sulphur Springs, Texas.
She attended Sulphur Springs High School and went on to work at Dr. Lingio Hospital. She worked as a telephone operator. Irene had a friend she would call and talk to before connecting him to his mom. One day, he did not answer and a man named Norman picked up the phone instead. Despite the accidental meeting, Irene and Norman continued to talk. This began their friendship, which then blossomed into a relationship, and eventually led to them getting married. Together they had three children: Ray, Brenda, and Paula. They say Irene was a wonderful, loving, and caring mother, as well as an excellent cook. Their children were raised to be good people who showed love, care, and respect to everyone. There's a plaque that reminds them of Irene that says, "Love God Love Others It's That Simple".
While raising her children, Irene worked at Jack Kreck Meat Factory, Mr. Gatti's Pizza, and went on to retire from Eckerd Drug Warehouse. From there, Norman and Irene moved to Myrtle Springs, Texas to live out their retirement. During this time, they had cows, pigs, a horse, and even a short-lived experience with a troublesome goat. They had a big garden and many friends in the country. They were members of Myrtle Springs Baptist Church.
On November 26, 2003, Norman passed away and soon after Irene moved to Garland to be closer to her children. She always loved for her children to come visit so she could cook for them. Paula remembers the first time Jerry met her parents, he said her mom was very gracious and kind and man could she cook! She later moved into a nursing home in Mesquite, where she had many resident and employee friends and loved to play Bingo!
In April of 2024, she moved from Town East Rehab in Mesquite to live at home with her daughter Paula. They spent many days shopping, working on their flowers, and going back to the nursing home to visit with friends and play Bingo.
Irene lived a long and happy life of 98 years. She passed away on July 16, 2025 peacefully at home surrounded by love and her family. She would be so honored to have everyone here for her. She passed away on Norman's birthday. What a special reunion she will have!
She is preceded in death by her parents Ruth and Johnny Haire; sisters, Ida Woodard, Hazel Moor, and Margaret Potts; husband, Norman Eugene Hightower; daughter, Brenda Patterson; daughter-in-law, Karen Hightower; and grandchildren, Chris and Shelly Pickle and Shelby Hightower.
Irene is survived by son, Ray Hightower; daughter, Paula Pickle and boyfriend Jerry Wright; grandchildren, David Hightower and wife Lisa, Kim Patterson, Ashley Rion and husband Chris, and Ray Jr. Hightower; great-grandchildren, Justin Russell and wife Mika, Cadence and Kennedy Turner, Audrey and Wess Hightower; and great-great grandchildren, Brantle and Emma Russell.