Wanda Faye Hightower

Wanda Faye (Essman) Hightower of Nacogdoches passed away on May 25, 2025, in Tyler at the age of 73. She was born August 18, 1951, in Navasota, Texas to parents Roy William Essman and Ruth (Locke) Essman.

Mrs. Hightower was a graduate of Woden High School, Class of 1969, and Massey Business College in 1970. She worked in the Business Office of Stephen F. Austin State University for 34 years. She was a long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church where she served her church and community on various committees. Wanda enjoyed traveling the United States, and she was heavily involved in supporting the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoebox outreach.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clyde “Butch” Hightower; and son, Kent Hightower.

She is survived by her daughter, Krista West and husband Rachain; brothers, Roy Essman and wife Jean and Ed Essman and wife Margo; and sisters, Carolyn Moore and Brenda Allen.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation from 5:00 – 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home in Nacogdoches. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Calvary Baptist Church in Nacogdoches officiated by Bro. Paul Sevar. Interment will follow in Attoyac Cemetery in San Augustine.

Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Allen, Levi Allen, Michael Thacker, Logan Thacker, Sloan Essman, and Kip Foley.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Calvary Baptist Church Missions Fund, Love INC., or the Harvest House.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.