Dorothy H. Harper

Dorothy Aileen Hightower Harper, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away on April 18, 2026, at the age of 90.

Born on January 5, 1936, and raised in Childersburg, Alabama, Dot was the daughter of the late Edna Richardson Hightower and Robert Lee Hightower. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, John D. Harper; and her brothers, William “Bill” and Robert “Bob” Hightower.

Dot devoted over 40 years of her career as an executive secretary at Southern Research Institute, where she was known for her dedication, reliability, and strong work ethic. She was a faithful member of Crestway Baptist Church, where her quiet faith and servant’s heart were evident to all who knew her.

Above all, Dot was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her daughters, Laura Chappell (Kevin) and Carol Williams (Derek). Her grandchildren, Lauren and Drew Williams, were the apple of her eye, and she took great pride in each of them. She always said she would continue to work at SRI until she had a good reason not to, and Lauren and Drew were that reason.

Dot had a deep and steady faith in God, which guided her life and shaped the way she loved others; always with kindness, humility, and selflessness. After the passing of her husband in 2006, she continued to live independently up until February 2026, a testament to her strength and resilience.

She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith and a life defined by unselfish love.

A funeral service will be held at Ridout’s Valley Chapel on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m.

For those who wish to honor Dot’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to Crestway Baptist Church (6400 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35212). The family would be grateful to know of any gifts made in her memory.