"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7 KJV

It is with loving remembrance, we announce the passing of Mrs. Gussie Lee "Mother Coot " Green Hightower, 100, of Monticello, Florida, who departed this earthly life on Monday, June 8, 2026.

Viewing-visitation will be 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Friday, June 19, 2026, at Union Hill A.M.E. Church, 148 Tin Top Road, Monticello, FL 32344.

Homegoing Services will be 11:00 a.m., June 20, 2026, at Union Hill A.M.E. Church, 148 Tin top Road, Monticello, FL 32344, with burial to follow in Beth Page Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

All resolutions may be submitted to: tillmanfh1931@gmail.com.

"Celebrating the Life, Faith & Beautiful Legacy of Mother Gussie Lee Green Hightower."

A beautiful century-long tapestry of faith, family, and love came to its peaceful completion when Mother Gussie Lee Green Hightower, age 100, departed this earthly life and entered her Heavenly Home on Monday, June 8, 2026.

Born on December 12, 1925, in Wacissa, Florida, to John Green and Hattie McCall Green, Gussie was raised in a loving and nurturing home. She received her formal education through the Jefferson County Public School System and developed the strong values of faith, integrity, hard work, and perseverance that would guide her throughout her life. 

At the age of twelve, Gussie confessed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, was baptized, and united with Union Hill African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. For more than eighty-eight years, she remained steadfast in her faith and unwavering in her commitment to serving God and His people.

As a young woman, Gussie married the love of her life, Pink Hightower, Sr. Together they shared a beautiful and enduring marriage of sixty-two years, built upon a foundation of faith, love, and mutual devotion until his passing. Their union was blessed with eight children - five sons and three daughters- and together they established a family legacy grounded in Christian values, integrity, and unconditional love.

Mother Hightower devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family and her church. She was a faithful and beloved member of Union Hill AME Church and served in numerous ministries, including Stewardess Board No. 1, the Choir, the Homecoming Food Committee, the Women's Missionary Society, and many other special church programs and services. Her hobbies included fishing, gardening, canning, and listening to gospel music. She was also celebrated for her extraordinary baking talents and legendary cakes.

Gussie was preceded in death by her husband: Pink Hightower, Sr.; daughter: Annie Hightower Mathis; sons: John Hightower and Dr. Pink Hightower, Jr.; grandsons: Curtis Hightower, Sr. and Ricky Mathis; parents; and siblings: Essie Mae Green, Johnnie Mae Rollins, Pearl Davis, Maeola Hall Jordan, Juanita Green Bentley, Willie C. Green, Daniel Green, and Captain Hall, Jr. 

Gussie leaves to cherish her memory her children: Alfreddie (Betty Ann) Hightower and Thomas Hightower, both of Wacissa, FL, Angela (James) Lockley, Orlando, FL, Patricia Hightower Jordan, Wacissa, FL, and Kenneth (Sheila) Hightower of Tallahassee, FL; sister: Eloise Green of St. Petersburg, FL; daughters-in-law: Pam "Thelma" Hightower of Tallahassee, FL and Mary Ann Hightower of Wacissa, FL; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, church family and friends. 

Mother Hightower's life was a beautiful testimony of faith, perseverance, humility, compassion, hospitality, and unconditional love. Her legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to brightly shine through generations.

It is our esteemed honor to have been entrusted with the care of Mrs. Hightower and to serve the Hightower family.