Molly Hignight Vandiver

Marlene “Molly” Hignight Vandiver, 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Little Rock on May 5, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer. Molly was born December 14, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan, to Max Lee and Marion Hignight. When Molly was two, her father passed away, then she and her mother moved to Yell County, Arkansas. After High School, Molly trained as a radiology technologist and was employed by Arkansas Baptist Hospital for 18 years. One of the highlights of her career was being on the surgical team that performed the first heart catheterization in Arkansas. In 1971, Molly married James D. Vandiver, the love of her life, and they enjoyed 53 wonderful years together. Molly and James shared many interests – primarily trap shooting and Blue Grass music. Molly volunteered at trap shooting events for many years before joining James in playing Blue Grass music at assisted living facilities, churches, and music festivals all around Arkansas. She considered the Garth Travis Band as family. Molly also enjoyed her time volunteering at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. Molly was preceded in death by her father and mother, step-father, Frank Thaxton; step-brother, John Paul Thaxton; and step-sister, Betty Shull. She leaves behind her husband, James; step-sister, Patricia Brooks of Selma, Tennessee; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the Gentiva Hospice Group for their care in easing Molly’s end of life. Thanks, too, to Dr. Kamal Patel and his wonderful staff for their expert care and support over the years. We would also like to thank the many friends and family who provided so much love and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, or CARTI. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock.