Ora Delle Hightower

When we pay tribute to loved ones at the time they pass, traditionally we tell what a sterling person they were during their life. For some of us that would be a stretch. This is different. Delle was that person. She was soft spoken and saw the good in everyone. She was morally exceptionally good and is described by all who knew her for her kindness. When I called to tell her best fried from high school that she was gone, she said: “She was the most perfect person in every way that I ever knew. She was very smart. She never spoke bad of anyone and she was a natural beauty.”

Delle was born April 4, 1929 to Henry and Elizabeth Huffsuttler in Searcy, Arkansas. She was their sixth daughter. She grew up on a farm with her father holding offices in the county and encouraging her and the rest of his family to be active in politics. They were prominent and proud enjoying a good healthy Christian upbringing.

In school Delle was voted Miss Searcy High School graduating in 1947 as class valedictorian and attended college for a short time before her employment with Searcy Daily Citizen. On June 26, 1948, Delle married Loye Gene Hightower. With the encouragement of her older sister, Barbara and her husband, Bill Brown, they moved to Houston for career opportunities. Gene worked for Fish Oil in Engineering Department. Delle worked at an investment firm until retirement. She was completely devoted to Gene for 73 years.

One of their shared joys was flying planes. She accompanied Gene with his love of flying and became an enthusiastic pilot herself. They were both active in pilot groups up into their 80’s. Delle was elected President of the Texas 99ers, a ladies pilot group founded by Amelia Earhart. She was honored as the oldest active member.

Delle was active in the Baptist church and a member of Garden Oaks Baptist Church in Houston a the time she went to be with her lord in heaven on October 29th.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at Garden Oaks Baptist Church, 3206 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77018. Delle will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, of whom she was married to for 73 years, in Gum Springs Cemetery on Friday, November 5, 2021 in Searcy, Arkansas.