I was born Apr. 30, 1976 to the best parents in the world. I got promoted to heaven on May 9, 2026 following a rumble with cancer. I had a beautiful childhood growing up with my big brother in Alderson, WV. We were raised on sweet tea and Jesus. I graduated from Greenbrier East High school in 1994. I furthered my education at WVU Hospitals Radiologic Technology Education program in Morgantown and remained there for a year working at Ruby Memorial Hospital. I then worked for a Mobile Healthcare company out of San Diego, CA. While working for them I saw much of the United States. After returning home I married Dave Highlander the love of my life. I worked for the Greenbrier Clinic, and the Greenbrier Valley Medical Center.
Dave and I loved to travel I have been in all 50 states and several different countries. I enjoy photography, crossstitch, reading and playing cards and board games with my family. I also enjoy the river with my friends. I cherish the time I spend with my family and friends. I am a member of Johnson Memorial UMC where I have served in several different capacities.
I am predeceased by my maternal grandparents, Charles (C.K.) Miller and Pearl Smith Miller of Alderson WV. My paternal grandparents Rev. Esker and Nannie Groves of Alderson, WV. My aunt Evelyn Miller Eary of Mt. Nebo, WV. My aunt Milly Miller Grizzard and Uncle Howard Grizzard of Durham, NC. Two cousins Charlie Grizzard of Durham, NC and Mike Reece of Lake Alfred, FL.
I am survived by my husband of 27 years David Wayne Highlander. My parents Rev. Sam and Betty Groves of Alderson. My brother Dr. Samuel Shawn Groves (Jessica) of Charleston, WV. Nieces Sophia and Sabrina Groves of Charleston. My Aunts Patty Proffitt (Ken) of Alderson and Vicky Ambler (George) of Fort Spring, WV, my uncle Charles Eary of Mt. Nebo, WV. My cousins Jeff Reece, Sue Grizzard (Mark), John Eary (Patti), Greg Eary (Sherrie), Cindy Morgan (Bryan) and Chad Ambler. My Mother-in Law Jane Walkup, brothers-in-law Deric (Sonya), Paul (finance-Kelly), sisters-in-law Dawn (companion-Jerry) and Diana. I have several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews by marriage.
For all who have prayed for me, thank you. If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I ask that you please accept His gift of salvation so you can join me in heaven for eternity. Thanks to my family and friends who have been an awesome support system. I love each of you, pray for each other and know that you are loved.
Pall Bearers – Jeff McCallister, Steve Bowyer, Chris Hedrick, Justin Bailey, Alex Massey, and Chad Ambler.
If you wish you can make donation in Jill’s memory to Peyton Hospice House, 1265 Maplewood Ave., Lewisburg WV 24901 or Johnson Memorial UMC, PO Box 477, Alderson, WV 24910.
Funeral services will be Saturday, May 16, at 11 a.m. at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in Alderson, WV, with Pastor Paula McCoy and Pastor Kathy Keadle officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Greenbrier Memorial Cemetery in Alderson. Friends may call Friday, May 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in Alderson, WV, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the Highlander family at www.lobbanfh.com
