Sara Nell Dark Hightower, 96, of Sylacauga, Alabama passed peacefully on September 1, 2025, at Coosa Valley Medical Center. Sara Nell Dark was born on the 15th day of September in 1928 and at the time of her passing, was just 14 days shy of celebrating her 97th birthday. Sara Nell was the only child of her parents Maggie and Joe Dark. Mr. Dark was an esteemed local businessman and served the City of Sylacauga as Mayor for many years. In 1946, Sara Nell graduated from Sylacauga High School and then went on to study for two years at Vanderbilt University. Before completing her studies there, Sara Nell met and fell in love with her husband of 60 years, Morris Clement ‘Doc’ Hightower (1916-2008) of Sylacauga. Together they raised three daughters Sara ‘Jo’ Lowe (Lewis), ‘Amy’ Eloise Foreman (Bob), and Margaret ‘Meg’ Dark Pettey (Rick). Mr. and Mrs. Hightower were members of the First Baptist Church of Sylacauga, where she was a longtime member of the Sarah Faith Sunday School Class. Mrs. Hightower was a Member of the Matrons Study Club and an avid bridge player. Mrs. Hightower is proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, and oldest daughter, Jo. Mrs. Hightower was further blessed with 7 grandchildren: Russell Lowe (Yvette) of Auburn, Matthew Lowe (Samantha) of Lafayette. Richard Bunch of Columbia, SC, Taylor Bunch of Columbia, SC, Meg Garrido of Vail, Co., Margaret Giovino (Nikko) of Franklin, TN, Katherine Cubelic (Cole) of Homewood. 10 great-grandchildren: Annelise, Molly and Cason Lowe of Auburn. Rosie, Margot, and Hart Giovino of Franklin, TN. Kit, Judge, and Locke Cubelic of Homewood and Braegan Garrido of Vail, CO.
“Saree or Gee, as she was known by her grandchildren, had a simple southern elegance that was pervasive in all things she touched. She enjoyed creating beautiful spaces both in her home and in the gardens that surrounded it. Everyone who encountered Mrs. Hightower understood what a sophisticated and strong matriarch she was.”
All of her family will forever miss her telephone greeting of ‘hello dahlin’, her unmatched culinary skills, her classical eye for home design, and her dedication to gathering as a family in her home for countless Christmas holidays, until she was no longer able to do so.
The Family would like to especially thank the tireless caregivers who were so attentive to the needs of Mrs. Hightower in her final years: Patty Dew, Wanda Bearden, Nina Bassett, Diane Horton, Shannon Gamble, Jenny Murphy, and Sandy Royster.
A Graveside service will be Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 10AM at Marble City Cemetery with Dr. Rick Patrick officiating
