Evelyn Joyce Hightower

Evelyn Joyce Hightower was born June 5, 1940, to the union of Heber Ford and Mary Viola (Outlaw) Ford in Keytesville, Missouri. She was the 9th child of 10 children. Her father, mother, six sisters and three brothers all preceded her in death. At an early age Joyce accepted Christ, was baptized, and began her Christian journey at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Keytesville, Missouri.

After Joyce moved to Kansas City, Missouri, she became an active member of Bower’s Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. While at Bowers she served as a faithful member of the Stewardess Board. Joyce was an extremely smart student and graduated High school 2 years early on May 16, 1957 at the age of 16 from Keytesville High School in Keytesville, Missouri. On March 22, 1959, Joyce married the love of her life Theodore R. Hightower Jr and they celebrated sixty-one years of marriage on March 22, 2020. To this union three children were born: Sharron Yvette, Terri Sue and Tammy Joyce. She worked for many years at Municipal Court and Samuel Rogers Health Center as a Payroll Specialist.

Her Career centered around selling Real Estate and Insurance in which she had a deep passion for. Joyce loved the Lord and taught her family to do so also. She loved people and believed in helping everyone. Everyone that knew Joyce loved her because of her loving, caring and giving ways. She loved traveling with her family and taking “Girl” trips with her sisters and friends. Joyce also enjoyed playing cards and family get together. Joyce’s greatest treasure was spending time with her family. On January 2, 2021, Joyce was called to meet her Heavenly Father.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Theodore R. Hightower Jr; her children Sharron McDuffie (Rodney), Terri Johnson, Tammy Spight (Anthony); six grandchildren, Alycia Hightower, Sasha Hightower-Herron (Juaquan), Tiavia Jones (Ty’Ron Sr), Rodney McDuffie II, Atiya Spight, Richard McDuffie; four great grandchildren, Takeiah Spight, Phoenix Herron, Ta’Liyah Jones, Ty’ron Jones Jr; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. 

Services will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2021 11 am at Watkins Heritage Chapel. Visitation 10 am. Interment in Mt. Olivet cemetery.

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