The first child of 10 children. Daughter of the late Pastor Major Duncan Hightower and Mrs. Annie Laurie McCarthy Hightower Fulton. Born in Macon Georgia on March 16, 1926. Jane entered eternal rest peacefully and serenely on the 11th of September, 2018, in Southlake Texas.
Jane received her educated in Pre-Med at Ohio Youngstown College. Under Dr. Winifred Mutchman Lui at North Side Hospital Association became a Registered Cytology Specialist in 1961. Then became a Supervisor of Cytology Specialist. Jane also had a gift to draw and sketch.
Retired at Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona in 1992. Substitute teacher in the Roosevelt School District. Jane was very dedicated to Christian work for many years. She worked in her father’s mission. Sunday school teacher, usher, choir member, BYPU junior church at Third Baptist church under Rev. W.O. Harper, Pastor Simon Booker and Rev. Dr. Morris W. Lee of Youngstown, Ohio. Life member of N.A.C.P. Member of Epsilon Theta Gamma, Past Matron of Covenant Chapter #48, Grand Girls Assembly, First Matron of Heroines of Jericho.
Jane was married to Johnny Shipp Jr. for 66 1/2 years. Jane believed in the sanctity and unity of family. Her precious memories will be forever cherished by her surviving family - Her four children - Dorothy E. (Ray)Weatherspoon, John S. Shipp III, Frances E. (Charles) Wells and James Robert Shipp. 12 Grandchildren, 24 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great, Great Grandchild, who all called her “Gram”.
Her sisters Marie E. Brindiar, Ruth Adkins (deceased), Laura Mae Howell and brother Joseph Hightower. Her sister in-Laws, Marilyn and JoAnne Hightower. Brother In-Law, Bob Adkins. Many Nieces and Nephews, and other extended family members and friends who called her “Ma Ma Jane”.
Jane, Janarie, Gram, Grandma, MaMa Jane, touched the lives of many people across the United States. When hanging up the phone she would always end the conversation by saying Love You, followed by Love You More. Now we get the last say “Love You More” mom.
