Mary Laverne Neal Hightower

Mary Laverne Neal Hightower, 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Mary was a loving and giving Momma to four generations, caring devotedly for children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild. Her generosity and loving heart were without limits. She spent her long fulfilling life giving of herself to make life better for her family, friends, and strangers. She was unfailingly generous with her love, her time, her charity, her amazing cooking, and her magical green thumb.

Until the very end, she was tireless and always on the go. An accomplished high school basketball player and a star in the church softball league, her motor always ran — she made the Energizer bunny look like a statue. Her energy was dedicated to helping others.

Although born and raised in Louisiana, she became a proud South Carolinian when she married Lynwood Hightower in 1952. She had a dream marriage for 35 years with Lynwood, the love of her life. Together they raised an incredible family. After his untimely death in 1987, she continued as the matriarch of a happy, loving, and successful family. She was the epitome of a doting wife and mother, yet found time to care for others in many ways, such as serving as a hospital volunteer and a faithful church member.

Through her love and attention, Mary planted and grew a multi-generational family forest of love, happiness, and success. She is both missed and celebrated by her loving family and friends.

Mary was born in Eunidas (Folsom), LA, daughter of the late Steve and Grace Lee Neal. She was a long-time member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Aiken, SC.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Florence (Alan) Medlin, Columbia, SC; Judith (Dennis) Meyers, Leesville, SC; Shirley (Anthony) Lowman, Lexington, SC; grandchildren Gwendylon (William) Frazier, Jason (Amy) Meyers, David (Emily) Hammer, Michael Hammer; great grandchildren, Skylar (Partner Alexis), Bryson, and William Hayes Frazier; a great great grandchild, Myles Frazier; and a brother, Truman Neal, Mandeville, LA.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lynwood Hightower, and siblings, Steve, Jr., Dolly, Ruby, Victoria, Ritchie, and Gene.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Aiken Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Parkinson’s Foundation (The Parkinson's Foundation).

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC