Carmen Norine Hightower

Carmen Norine Hightower passed from this life on Thursday, July 22, 2021. She was born on September 1, 1977, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to parents Dewayne and Katherine Hightower.

Carmen was a successful owner of female owned and operated Total Care Housekeeping Services, with offices in Broken Arrow and Oklahoma City. Her staff was between 20 - 30, but because of Covid and illness was much larger before.

When her employees (which she referred to as her 'girls') experienced personal hardships they knew they could turn to her and she would help in any way possible. Whether it was a payroll advance, covering a utility bill for them, or help with a better living situation, Carmen was always ready to help.

Her amazing clients gave generously during the ravages of Covid and the lock-down of the world so she could keep her business open and her employees on staff. When her devastating news of cancer was realized, clients, friends, and complete strangers donated generously to assist with immense medical costs.

Her friends clambered for time with her (like baby birds wanted the fat worm that mama promises). They would literally just wait for her to be able to spend time with them. Being the owner of a very successful and demanding business left little time for and precious scraps of time available, but friends were always happy and grateful to have just a moment with her.

She was an animal lover and not only had three canine friends that she loved dearly, but also fostered several dogs until permanent homes could be found. She also volunteered with several local food pantries and never forgot the needs of others.

Her laughter will be missed so much - it could immediately fill a room! the boisterous trill of her laugh filled every dark corner caused by gloom. Her laughter breathed life into life. Although cancer, in all its vile, selfish, wicked ways stole our Carmen from us unspeakably early, there is no doubt we will see her again, and she will be waiting with a smile for each of us. Until then, the world is a darker place, and she will be missed.

Carmen was a proud mother of four healthy, happy children: Bailey, Madison, Molly, and Andrew; she was the daughter of Dewayne and Kathy; sister to Tamara, Mandy, Pamela, Curtis and Kyle; and a friend to countless others, numerous loyal clients, and faithful employees.