Rachel Priscilla Hightower

Missionary Evangelist Rachel Pricilla Hightower was born to the union of Bernice Briggs Tyler Pendelton and Andrew James George Jefferson Pendelton on Nov.1, 1948 as 1 of the 15 children in Palestine, AR. Missionary began her education attending school in Palestine, AR and continuing to Lincoln High School in Forest City, AR while in 9th grade. She then met, fell in love and then married the love of her life Minister Emmitt O'Dell Hightower on Dec. 20, 1964. From there Missionary gave her life to God at the tender age of 16. As newlyweds Missionary at age 19 and Minister Hightower moved to KCMO in 1967. At that time she began her search for a church home and found Bales Temple COGIC 2340 Bales KCMO 64127 under the leadership of the late Elder Willie Wyatt and then under the late Elder Otis Lee Roper and continued on as a member until her death under the present pastor Elder Daryl Long. SHE LOVED BALES TEMPLE WITH ALL HER HEART! As a member Missionary dedicated her life to the church. She gave of herself in any position she could fill. She was a Sunday School Teacher, YPWW Teacher, Bible Band Teacher, Junior Class Teacher, Youth Department Teacher, Senior Class Teacher, Sunshine Band Teacher and Chior Director, Receptionist, Church Secretary, Fiance Department, Deconess, Messenger, Acting Church Mother, Counselor, Soul Advisor, Friend in the Lord, Sister in the Lord and Mother in the Lord and any other job in the church that she could be at service unto the Lord.  If She was able, she was willing vessel of the Lord. Missionary served GOD with everything in her with love and abundance. After joining Bales Temple Missionary went on to further her education @ Pioneer Community College in KCMO. There she received her GED and also her degree in Accounting & Finances from 76-77 when she graduated. Missionary desired to have her own children. After many years of praying and seeking God Missionary and Minister Hightower were blessed with their 1st child a son Marlon O'Dell Hightower born Oct.15, 1977. Six years later God blessed their union again with their 1st daughter La' Tasha Da'Nica Hightower born Dec.5, 1983. And to their surprise about 11 months later a baby girl Ma'Keshia Lo'Reece Hightower was born on Nov.28, 1984. Missionary was grateful to God for her children and always said that when God gave them to her she gave them right back to him through the life she lived before them. Missionary loved children so much she decided to start home baby sitting with children from the church and raise them along side her own children. It was then when she began watching Markus; Sister Pamela Powell's son and where she started her mother /daughter relationship in the Lord with Sister Paula Warren. After all of Missionary's children began school she started her career in child care development @ St.Vincents Operation Break-Through from 1992-2007. There she recieved her CDA degree in Child Care Development and Association. She poured her love, affection and compassion into those children. She spent 15 years there before retiring. As Missionary continued her path of righteousness, God began to send children to her to guide and love. He gave her Elder Saladine Anderson and Sister Shelie Anderson when their family became members of Bales Temple. Missionary also opened up her own home to many children who needed love and guidance. God always provided for her and her family. Missionary faced multiple health issues over the course of her life. God always brought her out. She praised him everytime. But the last 6 weeks of Missionary Hightower's life was spent @Truman Medical Center surrounded daily by family friends and loved ones as she remained a Strong Woman Of GOD. Still giving God the glory. Missionary took her last breath on Aug. 30, 2020 @ 3:55am with all 3 of her children and her favorite sister Sis. Ella Mitchell by her bedside praying and holding her hand as God called her home. Missionary Hightower leaves behind to mourn and to celebrate her life- 3 Children: Marlon O'Dell Hightower, La' Tasha Bahari(Sam), Ma'Keshia Lo'Reece Jackson Harvey(Craig)- 9 Grandchildren: Ne'Yonne Miracle Hightower, Amaiya Denise Lawton, Si'Yaire Nevaeh Harvey, Maliyah Lawton, Craig Lamont Jackson Harvey Jr. "KING", Ariel Sims, Mac'Kari Kenton Jackson Harvey, O'rion O'Dell Hightower, Ky'Mauri Hightower- 7 Siblings: Ella Ellen Elizabeth Mitchell(Dorsey), Mary Scruggs(Daniel), Velver Jean Gilmore, Ruth Fizer, Joseph Pendelton, Rosie Pendelton, Othie Mae Lewis- 2 Special Sister-in-laws: Helen Pendelton(Nathanael) & Donna Pendelton(Sam)- 3"Children in the Lord": Sister Paula Warren, Pastor & Wife Elder Saladine Anderson and Sister Shelie Anderson- 6 Special Additional Children: Stacy King, Orlando King, Devin Fennell, Geanene Pickens, ShaKia Roper and NaKia Hatter and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones and friends. Missionary Evangelist Rachel Pricilla Hightower was preceeded in death by both her parents, all 4 grandparents, her husband Minister Emmitt Hightower and 7 siblings; Cloyd Jene Tyler Jr., Samuel Pendelton, Andrew Lee Pendelton, James Columbus Pendelton, Nathanael Pendelton, Esther Mae Walker & Beatrice Catherine Pendelton. Missionary Hightower placed a huge mark on this earth through the life she lived for God. She will be deeply missed by everyone she has ever met. She was a praying, fasting, soul searching, bible reading, God fearing, God seeking Woman of GOD. She did her JOB. GOD has said unto her "Missionary WELL DONE"!! WE LOVE YOU MOM! WE LOVE YOU GRANDMA! WE LOVE YOU SISTER! WE LOVE YOU AUNT ! WE LOVE YOU FRIEND! WE LOVE YOU MISSIONARY EVANGELIST RACHEL PRICILLA HIGHTOWER!