Gladys Hightower

Gladys Dolores Hightower, a longtime resident of Las Vegas passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Gladys was born on August 19, 1929, to Ernest R. McLennan and Geneva (Sadler) McLennan, in Valley Mills, Texas. She was the second to the youngest of nine children. She finished high school in Valley Mills and was an active member of her church - West Point United Methodist Church. She wed James Lee Hightower in Valley Mills on July 14, 1956. James preceded her in death on December 11, 2016.

In early 1960, James and Gladys moved their family to New Mexico, and in 1965 they moved to Las Vegas, NM. Gladys was blessed with the gift of singing. She started singing at a young age with the choir at her church home - WPUMC and continued through adulthood with her family Gospel Group - Echoes of the Valley.

Gladys is a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church in Las Vegas, NM. She's a member of the local Elks Lodge #408. She worked for Walmart for nearly two decades when they first opened the store in Las Vegas in 1990. Gladys was full of compassion and deeply loved her family and friends. She was an avid bowler back in the day, and loved sports - baseball, basketball, and football - her Dallas Cowboys. Gladys was best known for sharing her gift of song. She sang The National Anthem at various events, sang at weddings and funerals and anytime she was asked, or when The Spirit placed it on her heart to do so.

Gladys was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband - James Lee Hightower, Son - Kenn McLennan, Daughter - Rita L Padilla, Great Grand-daughter - Brittany Graham, and Great Grandson - Adonis J Hightower.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, Daughters: Tracy Hightower of Rio Rancho, Teresa (Wendell) Sweet of Albuquerque, and Avis Rose of Cedar Crest, Sister - Marva Watrous of Austin, 8 Grandchildren, 11 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great-Great Grandchildren, and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends.

A service for Gladys will be held on Saturday March 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church; 715 National Ave., Las Vegas, NM.

Final Resting Place: Santa Fe National Cemetery; Santa Fe, NM