Frances Hightower Hill

Frances Hightower Hill departed this world for the next on Saturday, July 9. She was 83. She was born in York, Alabama and graduated as Salutatorian from Sumter County High School in York. She was a majorette, a cheerleader, a homecoming queen. Known to be a lover of life and music, as well a student of all religions, Frances was a voracious reader. An active member of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, she served for many years on the altar guild. Frances graduated from Newcomb College, the women’s college of Tulane University. Upon graduation, she moved to Montgomery to write historical textbooks for Maxwell Air Force Base. Completing her assignment, she then taught special education at Capitol Heights Junior High School until she married her husband, William Inge Hill, II (Billy) and had her devoted daughter, Martha Ellen Inge Hill. From a family of musical talent, she was an accomplished pianist. She was selected by world renowned cellist, Yo Yo Ma for a cello lesson and was quoted by the Huntsville Times saying “I thought I had died and gone to heaven”. She enjoyed the philosophy of “following your bliss” by Joseph Campbell. Mrs. Hill also was a member of the Nicholas Meriwether Chapter of the Alabama Society Daughters of the American Colonist as well as a board member for the Montgomery Historical Society.

She was a gracious and kind woman who was adored by her family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Council Berry Hightower, Jr. and Martha Tutt Hightower. Also preceded in death are Frances’ sister and brother: Bettie Inda Hightower McDonald and Council Berry Hightower, III. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, William Inge Hill, II (Billy) as well as her daughter, Martha Ellen Inge Hill Heuermann along with her husband, David Jason Heuermann and their child William Hopkins Heuermann.

Nieces and nephews include Frances Bettina (Tina) McDonald Sexton and her husband, Landis Sexton, Martha Inda McDonald Spawr and her husband, Chandler Spawr; Anna Elizabeth Rumely McDonald Smith and her (deceased) husband, Christopher Smith; Council Berry Hightower, IV, David Tutt Hightower and his wife, Clarissa Hightower.

The great nieces and nephews who knew her as Fry Fry are, Savannah Frances Sexton, Allison Spawr, Emily Chandler Spawr, Inda Kathleen Smith, Robert Griffin Smith, Kate Hightower and Martha (Maute) Hightower. She had great-great nephew, Carter Gregg and great-great niece, Charlotte (Lottie) Spawr. She was truly loved and cared for by Angie Burnett.

The celebration of and the thanksgiving of life will be held at the Church of the Ascension, presided by Reverend Candice Frazer on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 2:00pm. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. Committal will follow afterwards at Grace Cemetery, 906 Pike Road, Pike Road, AL 36064.

Charities favored by the family include the Respite Ministry at First United Methodist Church, the Church of the Ascension or the Montgomery Historical Society.

Online condolences may be shared at: www.Leak-MC.com