Paula Hightower

Paula Hightower, 92, of Verona, passed away Dec. 8, 2019 while at Lacoba Homes in Monett.
Hightower was born May 26, 1927 in Maxwell, Okla., to the late Clarence Oliver Willoughby and Bertha (LeForce) Willoughby. She worked as a Cook for the Clapham Schools in Clapham, N.M., thereafter, she moved to Clayton, N.M., where she began working for the Clayton School System for over 12 years. After moving to southwest Missouri, she was a hotel maid and most recently worked for McDonald’s well into her 80’s. She was a member of McDowell Community Church. She married Allen Goodman Hightower in 1948. They shared over 26 years together until his passing in 2011.
Hightower is survived by: children, Phillip (Joanie) Hightower of Sunray, Texas and Dennis (Rita) Hightower of Verona, Rhonda (Narce) Cardenas of Clayton, N.M. and Alana (Quinn) Wachsman of Ozark; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband; son, Paul Weldon Hightower; one grandson; and five sisters.
Graveside services were held Dec. 12, 2019 at Calton Cemetery, southeast of Monett. Memorials may be made to McDowell Community Church in care of the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, 301 Euclid Ave in Monett.