Jean Hightower Gardner

MORVEN - Jean Hightower Gardner, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at her home. She will be remembered for her laughter and love of life.

Born February 6, 1937, in Wadesboro to Forace Monroe & Peg Autrey Hightower, she attended Wadesboro City Schools, graduating with the Class of 1954. She attended Brevard College and was a graduate of Carolina Business College in Charlotte in 1956.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Ted; daughters Debi (Kevin) Carr of Christmas, Florida, and Denise (Matt) Rees of Tarpon Springs, Florida, 4 grandchildren, Daeci Morton, Coltan Carr, Wesley Carr and Ben Poppe and 2 great grandchildren, Silas and Elliott Morton. She is also second Mom to Wayne (Pam) Exline of Zanesville, Ohio, and Connie Vizaro of St. Petersburg, Florida.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir. She owned her own travel business for 13 years before retiring in 2007. She was also active with the Ansonia Theatre, having served as its manager for 2 ½ years, as well as serving on the Anson County Arts County Board for 3 years.

She loved to travel, and her travels took to Norway, Ireland, Scotland, England, Canada and many of the Caribbean Islands, plus Hawaii and many of the states in the US.

Funeral services will be at 11 AM at Leavitt Funeral Home on Saturday, August 16, 2025, with burial following Anson Memorial Park.

The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com