of Batesville, AR

February 1, 1934 - January 26, 2026

Theodora Roberson Frey Hightower, age 91, of Batesville, departed this life on Monday, January 26, 2026. She was a well-known, contributing member of her community and state.

Born February 1, 1934, in Batesville, Theodora was the only child of Charles Theodore Roberson and Opal Callis Roberson. After graduating from Batesville High School, she attended Lyon College and Graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

Theodora was a longtime volunteer at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion, which she proudly served as a docent; was an active member on the Committee of 100 at the Arkansas Folk Center; and was active in the Democratic Party. She was an avid tennis player, cherished her bridge friends, and enjoyed her exercise program. She was dedicated to the Pastoral Care Committee at the First Presbyterian Church of Batesville, where she was pleased to make soup and be a service to others.

She was a member of Kappa Kappa Alpha, a business woman and homemaker. She also taught in the Batesville Public Schools and was a realtor. She was a member of the Batesville Collectors Club, P.E.O., Batesville Preservation Association, served on the Batesville Symphony Board, and a charter member of the Junior Auxiliary of Batesville, serving as its first President.

Theodora was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she also served as an elder and deacon; was active in the Presbyterian Women; and previously was a past Chairman of the Pastoral Care Committee.

She dearly loved and enjoyed her family. Survivors include two daughters, Becky Frey of Dallas, Texas, and Lucy Frey Rayford of Batesville and her husband, Chip Rayford; three grandsons, Hunter Allen Hale of Dallas, Texas; and Charles Addison Rayford (Jamie) and Nicholos Paul Rayford (Micaela), both of Heber Springs; and four great-grandchildren, Lyric and Stella Rayford, both of Heber Springs, Baker Rayford and Beckett Rayford, both of Batesville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husbands, Charles ''Chuck'' Frey, and Barney Brooks Hightower.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

 

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