Doris Irene (Graham) Hightower

   Doris Irene Graham Hightower faced the end of an earthly journey armed with love for the Lord and surrounded by the protection of a son and two daughters while peacefully transitioning in her Lower Burrell home on Thursday, March 19, 2026. She was born an only child to the late Mary and Clarence Graham on December 25, 1932, and recently celebrated her 93rd birthday where she joked with family and friends that Santa brought her “down the chimney” reflecting the warmth and humor that remained throughout her life

   Doris Graham Hightower came to New Kensington as a young child. She graduated from “Ken High” in 1950 leading the majorette corp and loving the rhythms and beats of a drum. But more importantly, from an early age, her true calling was clear- she had a passion to help others and aspired to become a nurse.

   Doris pursued that calling at Citizens General Hospital School of Nursing, studying, and training for three years. Daily, she walked from the hospital on Fourth Avenue to the Freeport Road Old Nurse’s Residence Hall with her peers where she lived and enjoyed student life. She earned her nursing degree in 1953 and went on to pursue a remarkable career in the field.  

   Mrs. Hightower wore her uniform fearlessly, proudly, and boldly. Always polished and impeccably starched from cap to shoes. She represented the absolute best of the profession she loved. It did not take long for the hospital administrators to recognize and applaud her leadership skills and intuitive way of providing direct nursing care by entrusting her with positions of increased responsibility. Doris served Citizens General Hospital for 43 years as an obstetrics staff nurse, a head nurse, and as a nursing supervisor.

   She was especially proud of helping deliver thousands of Alle-Kiski Valley babies and caring for their mothers during childbirth. Even after retirement, Doris was humbled by former patients and families who fondly remembered her skilled patient and family care, firm kindness, direct transparency, and heartfelt prayers that newborn babies and their families would enter the world with courage and conviction.

   Before retiring, Doris helped to establish a family-centered birthing center where fathers could be present during delivery. Parents later celebrated in a “penguin themed” hospital room with a candlelight steak dinner and their new addition.

    Doris loved the Lord and united with Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, where her service continued. She shared her faith in God with her children, and along with her love and husband for over 50 years, James Hightower, Jr., encouraged the children’s involvement with church activities and commitment to helping others by following the Lord.

    In 1999, Mrs. Hightower supported the creation of Hightower Scholars, Inc., a non-profit organization established to provide access and opportunity to minoritized high school seniors seeking admission to four-year colleges and universities. As Treasurer, and a member of the Board of Trustees, she enjoyed helping students pursue their educational dreams including writing checks to higher education institutions all over the country in support of books, supplies, and technology needs for scholarship recipients. Doris Irene Graham Hightower is cherished for her steadfast faith, distinguished nursing career, dedication to serving others, and profound affection for both her family and community. Mrs. Hightower’s life is a testimony of strength, compassion, dignity, and devotion, and as a servant leader, she exemplifies what Apostle Paul shared in 2 Timothy 4:7 as he reflected on the end of life because she fought the good fight, and she finished the course while keeping the faith.

     Mrs. Hightower leaves to mourn her passing and to celebrate her life, three children, Diane D. Hightower of Lower Burrell, Jamie (Adrian) Poindexter of Oakmont, and James Hightower III of Mclean, Virginia. She is also survived by three grandsons, Dorian Hightower, Rudy “Vic” Robinson, Jr. and Matthew Booker; three great grandchildren, Taeja Booker, Malana Booker, and Jacob Mendez; a host of loving cousins, family, and friends, and an exceptional Monarch Hospice Team, especially Marlie Tipton.

    Mrs. Hightower was preceded in death by her husband, James Hightower, Jr., parents, Clarence and Mary Graham, mother and father in-law, Mittie and James Hightower Sr., and granddaughters, Lisa Hightower and Bobbi Booker.       

   The Hightower family will welcome and receive friends and family on Wednesday, March 25 at Ross G. Walker Funeral Home LTD, 217 Freeport Road New Kensington 724 335-1234 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. where an Angels of Westmoreland Honor Guard will perform a Nursing Tribute Service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church 1150 Fourth Avenue Asa W. Roberts Way New Kensington 724 339 4160 on Thursday, March 26, at 10:00 a.m. before the celebration of life and homegoing service begins at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Darryl Johnson officiating, and Apostle Teralyn Bossio as eulogist. Burial will follow at Greenwood Memorial Park. To send an online condolence, visit www.rossgwalker.com

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