Our beloved Essie B. Hightower left this world 16 August 2024 during her sleep. She was born 3 September 1923 in Walker County, Texas. She was the second child born to Willie Hightower and Minnie Mae Burnett Hightower. Her birth was welcomed by her older sister, Christine.

Essie was a determined and strong-willed individual that lived fiercely independent. She married briefly as a young woman and reclaimed her maiden name after her divorce. At that time, she chose to relocate to New York City where her sister lived and worked. When leaving Texas, she promised her mother she was but a telephone call away should she ever need her.

In NYC, she served as governess and nanny to children of German royalty that lived in the city. She had the opportunity to travel to many places with that family during her tenure, Bermuda being one of her favorite destinations. Her employment in NYC spanned many years.

Soon after the death of her stepfather, Elyard Jasper, in May, 1980, she received a call that her mother was in bad health. True to her word, she returned to Huntsville the next day and cared for her mother for the rest of her life. Never one to sit idle, she decided to seek employment. She was hired by the Dale Dixon family in the summer of 1980. At the time, they were a family of four, Dale, Candyce, five-year old Alyssa, and five-month-old, Will. She ultimately assumed full management of their home and children. By the time the Dixon family grew to five with the birth of Luke in 1985, she was the grand matriarch of the family. She laid claim to Luke as her own!

She ultimately remained part of the Dixon household until all three children were grown, out of college, and living independently. She cherished the times all were home for visits of which she was always a part. While part of all family celebrations, she was also there to love, support, and guide through all of life’s crises, challenges, and tragedies.

For the last nine years of her life, her health required her to reside in Park Manor of Conroe. The Dixon family will be forever appreciative of the outstanding care she received in that facility and offer our thanks to the loving and devoted staff there.

Essie is survived by her Dixon family; a devoted cousin, Claudie Joan White; and other extended family members. Her cremains will be interred at Mount Zion Cemetery, Galilee, Walker County, Texas with her mother and sister at a private family service later in the fall.