Shirley A. Hightower was born in Pavo, Georgia, to Alexander and Minnie Lee Thomas. She was the tenth of twelve children in a close-knit and loving family.
Shirley attended Douglass High School in Thomasville, Georgia, where she graduated as Salutatorian in 1963. After graduation, she made her way to Alma, Michigan, where she successfully completed a B.A. (English) at Alma College.
In 1967, Shirley Thomas began her illustrious career as an educator in the Detroit Public Schools System. Her first teaching assignment was at McMichael Junior High School as an English Teacher and Newspaper Advisor. The 1970s brought on her most important roles. First as an English Teacher, Testing Coordinator, and Yearbook Advisor at Mackenzie High School. Second, as the beautiful, blushing bride of Willie J. Hightower (1970). And third, as the mother of Shirita (1971), Kimberly(1973), and Derek(1977).
Shirley Hightower continued her career at Mackenzie High School as an Achievement Specialist and High School Improvement Facilitator (1983-84), English Department Head (1985-87), and Assistant Principal (1988-2000). There were brief moves to other schools for promotions: Hamilton Middle School, Administrative Unit Head (1984-85), Brooks Middle School, Assistant Principal (1987-88). However, she was always returned HOME- Mackenzie High School.
Her professional prowess was again recognized and rewarded as she was promoted to Principal of Vincent Continuing Education Center for Girls (2000-2003). Shirley spent the last leg of her career as the Principal of Chadsey High School.
She retired in 2008 after having served the staff and students of Chadsey High School since 2003. To her credit, Shirley also earned a M.A. (Speech Pedagogy) from Wayne State University (1980), an Ed. Specialist (Secondary Education Administration, 1988) from Eastern Michigan University, Certified Trainer of Teachers in Learning Styles (1990), University of Detroit, Coursework in Educational Leadership (1993), Marygrove College, and Coursework in Educational Leadership (2004), University of the Pacific.
On September 14, 2025, Shirley peacefully transitioned to her eternal home in Heaven with her firstborn daughter, Shirita, by her side.
Shirley was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Willie J. Hightower, her beloved daughter, Kimberly Hightower Dilligard, her parents, Alexander and Minnie Lee Thomas, her sisters, Hazel Blackmon, Lovie Thomas, Rachel McCastle, Duria Lee Christian, Mozella Fletcher, and Gwendolyn Randolph; and her brothers Luther Thomas, Curtis Thomas, Ulysses Thomas, and Robert Thomas.
Shirley’s life and memory will be forever cherished by her daughter, Shirita; her son Derek, Sr. (Anita), her three grandchildren Star, Derek Jr., and Ryan; and her sister Jacquelyn Sneed (Robert). She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will remember her warmth, strength, and enduring love.
Shirley’s legacy is one of faith, family, and resilience. She will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the wisdom she shared, and the joy she brought into the lives of those around her.
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