My name is Lauren Yancey & I am the proud younger sister of Heather Hightower. Heather was young, vibrant, and the strongest person I have ever known. She was the oldest of four siblings and a wonderful mother to her young son. Her passing is a devastating loss for our family, and no one on this earth can ever fill the shoes she leaves behind.

This past December, Heather developed a mysterious pain in her knee that left her unable to walk. She visited multiple doctors & emergency rooms and was never given any explanation for her impairment. She was forced to remain bed bound for months while awaiting an appointment for an MRI of her knee. She was met with every obstacle to obtain the care she so critically needed, yet she still perservered and remained optimistic. By the time she was finally sent to the hospital, we learned that what we thought was a muscle tear was actually an aggressive staph infection that had been ravaging her joints and spreading throughout her body. She was admitted to Duke Raleigh hospital where she was put on an intense regimen of antibiotics. During her long hospital stay, her condition worsened and numerous complications arose. She fought so hard throughout it all and was incredibly brave; going through painful testing and having countless tubes placed, invasive procedures, and blood drawn daily. She was sent to ICU on multiple occasions and fought with all of her might to improve. She was faced with terrible complications like covid, sepsis, and multiple organ system failure. Despite all the sickness and pain, she remained playful, witty and hopeful. She was incredibly brave, and with the input of her doctors and family, made the decision to not be placed into a coma and pass on a ventilator. Heather instead chose to pass with dignity and spend her last moments surrounded by those her love her most. She is no longer in pain and will never know anymore suffering, and that comforts me. Prior to her passing, she was able to communicate her wishes for burial. I am asking for donations to give Heather the memorial she wanted and deserves, to honor her memory and say our last goodbyes. Any contribution, no matter the size, is greatly appreciated by the family and will go directly towards covering the unexpected funeral and burial costs. Any excess funds will go towards the care of her 12 year old son, Blake. Heather had a big personality and her life is deserving of an equally big celebration.