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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22 Condolence(s)
Brenda Bearden
Thursday, January 29, 2026
So very sorry for your loss Lucy and Becky . Your mom was always a very special lady .
Marilyn Diemer Earnheart
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Lucy & family,
I am so sorry to learn about your sweet mother. She was a special lady. Please know my thoughts & prayers are with you all now & during the coming days.
In His Love.......
Robin Young Parish
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Lucy, my deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Holding you tight in my thoughts and prayers.
Laura Killett Porter
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Lucy and Becky, your mom was synonymous with Batesville. What a lady! My heart goes out to you.
Charlotte Davis
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Theodora and I shared many fun times together over the years as members of the Committee of One Hundred for the Ozark Folk Center. She was very proud of her hometown of Batesville and her beloved family.
Charlotte Davis
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Theodora and I shared many fun times together over the years as members of the Committee of One Hundred for the Ozark Folk Center. She was very proud of her hometown of Batesville and her beloved family.
Caroline Harris
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Theodora was such an incredible person and a great neighbor! She never failed to stop and chat and always brought over a piece of pie from her holiday get-togethers. We will miss her presence in downtown Batesville.
Linda Hidy
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
David and I are sorry to hear about Theodora.
Prayers for her family.
Barbara Rogers Hoover
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
My mother, Raye Rogers, and Theodora were long time friends. I know my Mother, Kate Cooke and others have welcomed her to Heaven. Sending love and prayers to all her family. Love, Barbara Hoover
Leveta Gist
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Theodore was a dear friend
Leveta Gist
Rhonda Lawson Crouch
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
I am so sorry to hear of Aunt Doe’s death. She will be loved and missed always. My love to Lucy, Becky, and the rest of the family!
Jeannie Huff
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
I am So Sorry for your family’s loss. She was a beautiful Lady!….. Prayers for Peace and Comfort during this difficult time.
Anne Luster
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
I treasure the years of activities with Theo. She was a remarkable woman who left her mark in the community. I admired her determination and strength.
Kay Stice
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Lucy and family, I’m so sorry your your loss. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Jacqui McSpadden
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Lucy, Chip, Addison and Nick,
I am sorry to hear of Theodora’s passing. I saw her walking down College St often and always thought how she has stayed so active at her age! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love ya! Jacqui
Maxie Langston
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Girls,
Your mom is a Icon. I will miss her stories and I truly adored her.
Maxie Langston
Connie Townsley
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Jerry and I are so sad to hear this. I always enjoyed visiting with Theodora. She was one of the special ladies of her generation. Praying for your family
Tammy Cox
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Theodora was our neighbor for many years. We always enjoyed visiting her on her walks with her dog. She was independent and a lady who knew her stuff! Prayers for your families.
Stephen Brant Handford
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Very sorry for your loss. Theodora was a super nice lady. Condolences to the family and friends.
Brenda Terral
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Jim and I are so sorry to hear of your Mom’s death. I know she will be missed. I remember playing bridge and tennis against her. And always Friday night at the Country Club. You all will be in our thoughts for prayers.
Janice fuller
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
So sorry to see this i have known her for forty plus years she always knew me when she would see my out always had a smile and always spoke she could also make a good rum cake prayers for her family and her girls !
Charlotte Melton
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
I am so sorry for your loss. Theo was a great lady and will be missed by so many. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.