Madlyn Joyce Peace Hightower

Madlyn Joyce Peace Hightower died Saturday evening October 27, 2018 at her home in Valdosta. Born in Brooks County on April 9, 1931, Madlyn was the daughter of the late Benjamin Claude Peace and Annie Elizabeth Crosby Peace. She began a new life when she married the love of her life, Ed Hightower on January 1, 1950. Ed and Madlyn started their lives with modest means, making a pact that together with faith in God, hard work, determination, and perseverance they would make a better life for themselves and their family. A role model to her family in all things good and honorable, courage, wisdom and compassion, Madlyn instilled a true sense of integrity and character in her children. The powerful example she set for her children laid the groundwork for them to succeed in their life experiences. While she had a calling for service to others, her family was her main focus, affectionately and uniquely known as “Gangy” by her grandchildren, she loved her family dearly. She supported and was there for her family in all endeavors throughout their lives. Determined and confident she balanced successfully her religious commitments, a deep faith in her Lord, the interests of her family and a full time job.
Through the challenges she encountered in raising her two children, going extremely above and beyond the call of duty with her full-time career and a burning desire and determination to support her family, even in her darkest hours of troubled times and sickness, her sweet, kind and upbeat demeanor never wavered. A true sign of outstanding character, she was a part of and the epitome of arguably the greatest generation ever in this country.
Known and respected by practically everyone in Valdosta and Lowndes County for touching so many lives, her dependability coupled with her leadership qualities inspired great confidence among members of this community who she led or followed or with whom she worked in her many service, charitable and social commitments. She was an achiever of the highest degree, dedicated to making our community a better place. Madlyn had a genuine compassion and love for others. Her volunteer work was extensive. As president of the Quota club, she acquired funds to purchase a person with cerebral palsy a hearing aid, helped a handicapped girl receive a Valdosta State College Scholarship and facilitated speech therapy for many needy children. She provided uniforms for a mentally challenged scout troop and solicited aid of other service clubs to buy a tele-sensory system for a 36-year-old man who was unable to communicate with the outside world. Madlyn completed a training course on working with the mentally challenged and became qualified to assist in evaluating students’ disabilities, working closely with local schools to arrange financial aid for the handicapped. Mr. Harley Langdale, Jr. once said “Madlyn Hightower is a real cracker jack and the best thing to ever happen to Valdosta and Lowndes County.”

For many years, Mrs. Hightower was a loan officer of C&S Bank and other institutions during her career. John Robert Sessions, department head of the mortgage loan department received a letter from the Vice President at the home office of C&S stating “I know it is very difficult to get an above standard rating and you are to be congratulated on this fine performance.” To which Mr. Sessions replied, “It is a misnomer that I am called the mortgage department head, when everyone in Valdosta knows that Madlyn Hightower is actually in charge and deserves 100% of the credit. She is a bundle of energy.” A strong supporter of our veterans, Madlyn was assisting Dr. Edward R. Stabell with a VA loan and received the following letter which stated, “I cannot thank you enough for all of the work and effort you have put into my VA loan. If it had not been for your determined, obstinate, tenacious, relentless, dogged, steadfast, incessant, continual, sustained and persistent effort the “scoundrels” at the VA might have had their way! I don’t expect they will want to cross Madlyn Hightower again.” A tireless worker, dynamic, organized and determined in all endeavors she undertook, Dr. Stabells’ words summed up Madlyn’s character well.
Madlyn’s community involvement was widespread and all encompassing. Some of the many clubs and charities she was active with and achieved awards from included the following: the 1st woman selected as an officer at the Citizens and Southern National Bank in Valdosta, Woman of the Year for Valdosta in 1982, chairman of the Board for the American Cancer Society, Volunteer of the Year and board member for the United Way of Lowndes County and recipient of the Community Service Award, established and directed a Newcomer’s Program through the C&S National Bank, President of the Girl’s Club of Valdosta, Volunteer with the Georgia Christians Children’s Home, President of the Quota Club and the Wymodausis Club, Volunteer of the Georgia Sheriff’s Boy’s Ranch, Board of Directors for the American Red Cross, Crescent Garden Center President, member of Central Avenue Church of Christ, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, the children’s nursery, missionary work, Outreach Program for nursing homes and Christian Student Center Committee, National Association of Bank Women, American Institute of Banking, Valdosta Board of Realtors and Women’s Council of Realtors, Azalea City Women’s Club, Board of Civics Round Table, The Dogwood Garden Club, Event Director for Special Olympics, Lowndes County Library Board, South Georgia Regional Board, Club Woman of The Year 1981 and rental chairwoman for the Women’s Building. Madlyn had a special passion for her beloved Crescent and it’s gardens where she worked tirelessly for many years. She served as the Crescent’s House Chairwoman and co-ordinated the rental of the historical venue for events. In addition to these Madlyn received many other civic awards and made many other contributions of time and talent to the community and it’s organizations that she loved so well.
Stan Reaves, Executive Director of the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Valdosta, sang Madlyn’s praises with the following words, “Madlyn cares about people, young and old and exemplifies this through her everyday walk in life. The Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs covet the continued support of this fine lady.”
Madlyn was founder of the James Monroe Briggs Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, serving as their founding President, Co-founder of the Colonel Ebenezer Folsom Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, member of the First Families of Georgia 1733 – 1797 and the Winthrop Society, Descendants of the Great.
The late Johnny B. Lastinger once said that the name Madlyn Hightower was synonymous with involvement and that she has left her mark of caring across the community. A born optimist, she looked for and found the best in everyone and every situation. Johnny B. had known Madlyn since she was the Head Majorette in the Valdosta High School Marching Cat Band. Back then, if a majorette could toss her baton over the goal post and catch it on the other side, it was a feat that was almost as great as winning a ball game! Madlyn always caught it! Madlyn was awarded Top Baton Twirler in the State of Georgia. A top ten Honor Graduate with Merit from Valdosta High School, she was also a graduate of the Georgia/Florida Commercial Business College.
She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Carroll Edward “Ed” Hightower, two sons Ed Hightower Jr. (Rita) and Ben Hightower (Brigitte) all of Valdosta, as well as six grandchildren, C.E. Hightower III (Elizabeth) Greenville, N.C., Heather Davis (Clay) Valdosta, Briggs Hightower (Athens), John Holcombe, III (Chelsea) Valdosta, Wayne Boseman (Gretchen) Aventon, N.C., Mark Boseman (Allyson) Red Oak, N.C. and three great-grandchildren Graham Hightower, Jonah Hightower and Micah Boseman. Madlyn is also survived by her brother Hollis Peace and sister Ann Bray both of Valdosta as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Jerry Mack Peace.
Due to her inspiration, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and generations to follow will persevere, stay strong and continue to uphold the exemplary examples of a life well lived. Madlyn’s joyous spirit will be forever treasured and our time together here on earth will be cherished and greatly missed. She will be forever in our hearts and we eagerly await and enthusiastically look forward to the glorious, heavenly day when we will meet again.
A graveside service in celebration of Madlyn’s life was held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday October 31, 2018 at Sunset Hill Cemetery, Former Minister of Welcome Hill Church of Christ, Jerry Herring presided. Donations in the name of Madlyn Peace Hightower can be made to The Crescent Inc. P.O. 2423 Valdosta, Georgia 31604 or Welcome Hill Church of Christ. www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home served the family of Mrs. Hightower.