Nancy Granny,Grams,Bb, Beatrice Hightower

It has been said that “all the world’s a stage.” This particularly held true for Nancy Beatrice Hightower. Indeed, she was one of the players. An expressive, optimistic, and sweet individual. To everyone around her, she seemed to be eternally happy, and was always willing to share that joy with anyone whose life she touched. For Beatrice, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, and a simple I love you. Granny, truly mastered the art of living and had great fun throughout her journey.

Granny, first stepped onto the stage of life on Tuesday, July 17, 1928 at 9:00.a.m. in Sage Arkansas. She was the daughter of David and Etta Hightower. Hard working loving parents. She grew up in Sage Arkansas on a farm during the great depression. Even as a child, it seemed as though she had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around her. She was raised to be warm, caring, and friendly. She couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. She loved animals the outdoors and growing up on the farm.

Always a good playmate, Beatrice, was easygoing and fun-loving. She managed to lighten the mood wherever she was, even in the middle of family squabbles. She seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. She was raised with seven siblings. Nancy had five brothers,Troy,Floyd,Thomas,Mark and Donald, and two sisters,Lela and Clara. Her brother Donald would tell her stories and she would laugh for hours. Beatrice's, grandparents were Green Hill and Mary Lou Battles Hightower full blooded cherokee indians. She was also close to some of her other relatives; Beatrice's, extended family included Big Jerry, Faye, Jerry, Jenny, TG., Carol, Brenda, Audra, Cassidy, and Helen Shaver(JO). She enjoyed taking care of them when they were little. Granny loved children!

Her childhood home was a farmhouse out in the beautiful Arkansas countryside. All of Beatrice's, playful good nature carried over into her childhood. She had an outgoing personality, a lively imagination, and was constantly on the go. As a result of this, she experienced a rather active childhood and this suited her very well. She also had a number of favorite pastimes as a child, including Embroidery. Playing games was always a favorite way to spend time, in particular jump roping and playing house.

Beatrice, developed a love for animals and pets at an early age and this was evident in her relationship with Her dog bounce. She enjoyed playing day and night in the countryside with her dog bounce. Beatrice also enjoyed going on trips when she was growing up.

Perhaps the reason Beatrice, related so well to youngsters was the fact that she was always a kid at heart herself. This quality helped her in raising her own family. She had One daughter., Wilma June. She enjoyed watching her Willy grow up!. She was very proud of willy when she won her 5th grade spelling bee contest. And when she volunteered to collect money for uniceff on halloween. Beatrice, had the ability to focus her attention on the present moment. If she was spending time with her daughter Wilma that is where all of her attention was directed she loved her Willy very much!.

She tried her best to be a good parent. Part of that was sharing her love of animals, and that showed with Blondie the dog. Beatrice, and her daughter Wilma enjoyed Blondie's companionship and constant loyalty.

Later on, she was also blessed with two grandsons., Verne Jr. and Tim whom she loved dearly.

Beatrice's, primary occupation through out her life was working as a Domestic Caregiver for her family and friends. This gave her a sense of great pride and satisfaction and a feeling of being loved and wanted.

Beatrice, enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Some of her pastimes were Embroidery,western movies, making corn bread biscuits,collecting stuffed animals,gospel and country music, John Wayne!.

Granny, developed a number of favorite things throughout her life. She liked sunsets,holidays,flowers,gifts,and outings. When it came to food, Granny, particularly liked pizza, chinese food,sweets of any kind ,especially cookies,rootbeer and tea.

For Granny, stories from The Bible was always especially enjoyable. Sitting down and watching a movie or television show was always something she enjoyed. Any old time western movie, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, Big Valley, American Idol, Honey Suckle Rose, Days Of Our Lives, Lawrence Welk, Especially John Wayne movies. She liked country western music,George Strait,Charley Pride,Loretta Lynn,Johnny Cash Carrie Uunderwood,Scotty McCreery, Gospel music, church hymns, and George Beverly Shea.

Granny, enjoyed watching her favorite teams and events whenever she got the opportunity. She liked to watch basketball, her favorite player was Charles Barkley of the Phoenix Suns because he made her laugh. Granny, used to say "he tickles me".

Granny, recognized that her faith was important to her throughout her life. She grew up in a Christian/southern baptist home. Beatrice, liked to go to church pot lucks in Tucson Az. with her friend Mary Devaney and participate in bible study. She loved listening to Billy Graham sermons on radio and television.

For Granny, the day to retire finally arrived. In October 1994 Beatrice, moved to Tucson, Arizona where its sunshine about 365 days a year and the best mexican food anywhere!. She lived in a nice three bedroom brick house on a quiet cul-de-sac. Granny, enjoyed watching football on sundays with her grandsons and going shopping. Not only did Granny stay in touch with old friends, she befriended plenty of new people as well. Some of these new friends included Mary Devaney from adams st., Edward and Mary Sandquist, from adams st., Marybeth, Jose, Cristian, and Drew Garcia, Eric, Lisa, Taran, Brandon, and Paige Wakatani,Martha Ryles from emanuel baptist, Art, Annemarie, and Savannah Frajio from adams st., AJ. Ristow, Eve C. Martinez, Jackie Tirey, Bonnie O. Donnell, Marion Foudy adams st., Patty and aviva from adams st., Gladys pullam from emanuel baptist church, Felix from cope, Brandy,Abbey, Zach from adams st.. Greg, Angela, sarah, and Thomas Theiss, Verne Ammon Sr., Shirley Benoit, Nancy Sanford, and pastor Craig Coulter from ovcn. Pets were still part of her life in retirement as was evident with her relationship with The Labs, Leroy and Yolanda, the cats, Mandy and Manchester, and Marli (Majerle) the shepherd. She enjoyed their company and protection.

Nancy Beatrice Hightower, left us to be with the lord on May 9th, 2011 at 3:40 p.m. She passed away at Hospice Family Care in Tucson, Arizona. She was 83 years old. The cause of death was a massive stroke. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, and her seven siblings. She is survived by her daughter and grandsons and numerous nieces and nephews and friends. Services were handled by Heather Mortuary. Beatrice, was laid to rest at Home.

Granny Nancy Beatrice Hightower, was always sharing a good laugh and bringing joy to all of those around her a "silly heart". She had a sweet child'like innocence about her which gave everyone she came in contact with a feeling of warm acceptance. Our Grams, will always be rememered with a smile.