June "Maw" Hightower

June Marie Hutchinson (Burquist) “Maw” Hightower, 89, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at her home. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, John Allen Hightower; her parents, Nellie Whisnant Burquist and H. E Hutchinson, step father Rudy Burquist; and grandson, Robert Todd Hightower.

June was born in Charlotte, N.C., but moved many times during her childhood. After high school she worked for the U.S. Engineers in Mobile, AL until she met and married John in Newport, TN, after his service in the Navy. They had two children in Newport then John was transferred to Chattanooga as a lineman for TVA. They bought a house in Brainerd in 1952 and continued to live there until their passing.

June was a homemaker and reared four children, all of whom she was very proud. June and John worked with Ed and Thelma Faulkner to start the All-State Talent & Twirling Organization (ASTO) in the early 1970’s. June was very involved with ASTO as she supported her youngest daughter, Jennie, in many twirling competitions by making all of her costumes and taking her wherever she needed to be. She then became an avid Bingo fan, taking many elderly friends to various locations around the area. In her later years, she especially enjoyed going to church, going out to eat, and caring for her various dogs. Even in failing health, she remained independent, not wanting to leave the home she had known for 62 years. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in East Brainerd.

She is survived by two daughters, Joan H. Stultz and Jennie P. Rogers, both of Chattanooga; and two sons, Jeffrey A. Hightower (Linda), of Harrison, TN, and Jamie H. Hightower (Tracy), Chattanooga; and grandchildren, Scottie Hightower, Angel (Michael) Miller, Robbie (Ellen) Stultz, Casey (Kristen) Boblewski, Josh Hightower, Jessica Hightower and Shelby Rogers.. She is also survived by an uncle, Joe Whisnant, Maryville, TN and step-sister, Adelle (Mark) Read of Garland, TX.

The family would like to thank Dr. Liezelle Jurgens for the many years of medical care and Hospice of Chattanooga for her end-of-life care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Educational Society, an animal shelter of your choice or The Ronald McDonald House.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM on Friday and 1 to 3 PM on Saturday at the funeral home

Funeral services will be at 3 PM on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at the funeral home with Rev. David Hall officiating.

Pallbearers will be Scottie Hightower, Robbie Stultz, Casey Boblewski, Josh Hightower, Michael Miller and Steve Faulkner.

Burial will be in Lakewood Memory Gardens, East on Shallowford Road.