A native of Toccoa, Georgia, Ms. Hightower was born July 22, 1945. She received an AB from Sweet Briar College and a Masters in Education from the University of Georgia. She taught for many years. In addition to serving on the GHS Board, Hightower served on the boards of the Thomaston-Upson Archives, the Upson Historical Society, the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council, the Thomaston-Upson Library, the Thomaston-Upson Historic Preservation Committee, and the United Bank of Thomaston. Hightower was awarded the Governor’s Award in the Humanities.