Francine Hightower, 60, of Neptune, New Jersey passed away on January 16, 2018, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. She had lived in Neptune for the past 21 years, and worked most recently at Imperial Care Center, Neptune.

She was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey by the late Theodore, Sr. and Frances Sharpe. She was educated in the Newark School System.  She graduated with honors from Weequahic High School and attended Wilford Cosmetology Academy.

She moved to Neptune in 1996 and married Ricardo Hightower. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for many years, and as a Certified Home Health Aid (CHHA) until her diagnosis in 2015. Fran was a member of Second Baptist Church in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

Fran had a heart of gold and loved helping and caring for others. She was the safe place for so many people over the years. She never turned away anyone in need. Everyone called her "mom". So now, every time we get a new gadget, take a five hour road trip, visit Atlantic City, or accessorize our outfits just right, we will smile and remember her. She showed us all her strength many times throughout her life, and we will cherish and honor her for the rest of ours.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ricardo Hightower; and  brothers, Donnell and Calvin.

Francine is survived by her five children, Leonard (Christine), Rajan (Kutisa), LaTrice (Edward), Ahmad, and Ricardo; 21 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; six siblings, Mary, Martha, Sheila, Theodore, Jr., Leroy, James; and many brothers and sisters in laws; her beloved dog, Cream; and a host of other loving family and friends in Virginia, North Carolina, and New Mexico.