Mrs. James Anna Hightower

Mrs. James Anna Hightower, age 91, of Peoria, Illinois, transitioned from this life to her heavenly home at 6:51 pm on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at River Crossing of Peoria Nursing Home. James Anna was born on June 2, 1931 in Greenwood, Mississippi to James and Mary (Brown) Petty. She met the love of her life, Aldridge Hightower, Sr. They married on June 26, 1949 in Peoria, Illinois. To their union three children, Genevieve, Carolyn and Aldridge, Jr. James Anna and Aldridge, Sr. were married for 66 wonderful years until his passing on June 4, 2016. James Anna worked at Woolworth Drug Store and for Canteen Vending Service at Caterpillar as a cook. She attended Douglas Elementary School and later in life received her GED (General Education Degree). Mother James Anna joined Morning Star Baptist Church on Pecan Street St., Peoria, IL at 11 years of age under the leadership of Rev. Rogers. She was a lifelong member of the Usher Board, President of the Mother’s Board and Captain of the Church Calendar Tea for the month of June each year for over 30 years. James Anna was also a member of the United Usher Board, President of the Usher Board, United Mission, Women United of Central Illinois, charter member of the Keystone Wives Club and Altruistic Club. She was a decorator, avid gardener, avid shopper and was devoted to her family. James Anna leaves to cherish her most precious memories, her three loving children, Genevieve (James) Howard and Carolyn (James “JB”) Little both of Peoria, IL and Aldridge “Al”, Jr. (Charlotte Sykes) Hightower of Dawn, MO; three brothers, Samuel (Wilma) Petty, Gene (Jackie) Petty and George Petty all of Peoria, IL; three grandchildren, Tonya (Jeremy) Simpson of Frisco, TX and Kevin McGee of Nashville, TN and Jamold Little of Columbia, MO; seven great grandchildren, Jonathan (Amber) Simpson, Christopher Rhoades, Brandon Simpson, Olivia Simpson, Jordan Little, Jayvin McGee and Kylie Little; one great great-grandson, Jackson Simpson and a host of nieces, nephews other family and friends who loved her. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother, Maurice Petty and five sisters, Rose Petty, Sadie Dixon, Katie Jacobs, Clara Dixon and Lee Bonds. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at New Morning Star M.B. Church with a visitation beginning one hour prior at 10 am. Pastor Cleveland Thomas, Sr. will officiate. James Anna will be laid to rest at Historic Springdale Cemetery. All contributions should be made to the New Morning Star M.B, Church 406 W. John H. Gwynn, Jr. Ave. Peoria, Ill. 61605. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com. The service will be live streamed on Simons Mortuary's Website or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Simons-Mortuary-232095303487150 promptly AT THE TIME OF THE SERVICE (Central Time). Due to Covid-19, social distancing is encouraged to be consistent with recommendations from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral home directors have been instructed and should follow CDC guidelines on gatherings, including those directly related to funerals, visitations, or graveside services. *In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we ask that everyone in attendance: wear a face mask and refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands (as hard as it is to see someone you care about and not touch them). *It is our responsibility as Funeral Directors, to do everything we can to advise families in order to honor our beloved Families and to keep everyone as safe as possible. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Tributes

Mrs. James Anna Hightower

June 2, 1931 - November 9, 2022