Hessie Hightower

HESSIE HIGHTOWER, live in great anticipation of the day she would go home to be with the Lord. She passed peacefully into His house on Monday, October 17, 2011. Hessie was born to the late Lynn and Bertha Scales Penn on November 2, 1925 in Stewart, Virginia. Weighing only 2lbs, 5oz., she survived her mother and twin sister who died from childbirth complications. From that day forth, Hessie was and continue to be a miracle. Hessie, her brother Fletcher, and her sisters Jennie and Bessie were raised by their maternal grandparents. She was educated in the Virginia public school system and gave her life to Christ at a young age. She moved to Baltimore at age 18 and was excited to move to the City; often exclaiming, “Farm life was not for me.” Although she didn’t enjoy country living she was known for her down-home cooking. Everything she put her hands to was good. Everyone loved her crab cakes, potato salad, sweet potato pieand everything in between. After Hessie moved to Baltimore, she met and married James Woodrow Wilson. From this union four children were born: Antoinette, Latour, Reginald and Gregory Wilson, who passed away in infancy. Hessie loved her children unconditionally. She felt it was extremely important that they always be well kept. She sewed many garments for them; everything from Sunday suits and Easter outfits, as well as her daughter, Toni’s wedding dress. In the summer of 1975 Hessie married “the love of (her) life,” James Thomas Hightower, more affectionate known as “Tom” or “Poppa Tom.” She always spoke about when they met; she would say “he had me at ‘Hello.’ From this union she gained four additional children: Larry, Norris, Angela, and Laverne. Hessie was a woman with many talents and wore many hats to support her family. She worked as a seamstress and did domestic work for over 15 years. She was a cook at the Warren House Motel. She even sold food dinners out her home, receiving orders from all over the city. She even worked as a school assistant at Father Charles Hall Catholic School and was recognized by the Associated Catholic Charities of Baltimore for her work through the Senior Community Service and Employment Program. Hessie was passionate about her family and her faith. Although she dealt with several illnesses throughout her life, she maintained her devotion to her faith and never hesitated to witness to anyone about how God had healed her. She often spoke zealously and confidently about how “God healed her heart.” She was a devoted member of the Calvary Baptist Church for over 45 years. She sang tenor on the church’s choir for as long as she was able to serve. Her favorite songs were “Good News,” and “There’s a Brightside Somewhere.” Hessie was known to most people simply as Nana or Mamma, but in those words she embodied a loving mother, a devoted wife, a beloved friend, a jazzy lady and a caring aunt. She had a very special relationship with her nieces Oria, Daisy, Rene and Beverly and was truly a gift to all of us. She understood the importance of family.

Tributes

Hessie Hightower

November 2, 1925 - October 17, 2011