Anne Gilmore Hightower, 93, of Madison, GA, passed away on April 27, 2025.

Anne was born on February 26, 1932 in Augusta, GA to Alton Parker Gilmore and Blanche Gardner Gilmore.

She had one brother, Alton Parker Gilmore, Jr. of Cedartown, GA. Anne was preceded in death by her husband, William T. Hightower. She is survived by her children, Debbie and Bob Bradberry of Madison, Martha Brick-Gorun (Justin) of Snellville, her grandchildren, Katie and Patrick Brick (Erin) of Athens, Ashley Davis (Troy) of Augusta, and great grandchildren, Urijah and Alexis Davis of Augusta.

Anne spent most of her distinguished career as an educator in DeKalb County, Georgia. Beginning as a teacher, she moved into administration, and then rose to the level of staff development at the county level. After a temporary retirement, she was employed by the Georgia State Board of Education where she developed an alternative certification program for aspiring teachers. Lastly, she went on to supervising student teachers for Mercer University and the University of Georgia before retiring for a second time. 

In her spare time, Anne enjoyed gardening, cooking, quilting, and learning, but what she enjoyed most of all was spending time with family and friends. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all she met. She will best be remembered for her uncomplaining determination to overcome all obstacles, her keen intellect and passion for learning, and her ability to make each and every person feel valued and appreciated. Her kindness and compassion will not soon be forgotten.

A funeral mass will be held for Anne on Wednesday, May 14 at 1:00 PM at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Cedartown Georgia. Interment of her ashes will follow at Northview Cemetery in Cedartown. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in her memory to the American Heart Association or to any educational scholarship program of your choosing.

Lester C. Litesey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Anne Hightower.