Mary Highsmith

WILSON - Mary Jones Highsmith, 84, died Wednesday, September 30, 2009. Funeral, Saturday, 2 PM, First Presbyterian Church. She now rests in the loving arms of her tender and merciful Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Her husband, Lewis Allison, Jr and a son, Lewis Allison, III preceded her in death in addition to her parents, Simeon Gordon and Mary Wallace McGowen Jones of Robeson county. A kind and loving person all her life, she grew up in Wallace and was valedictorian of her high school class. From there it was on to Woman's College in Greensboro and then a teacher in Wake and Wilson counties for 28 years. Being a grandmother was a special time for her. She was devoted and spent a lot of time with them. Generosity, quick witted humor and a quick mind marked her life. She enjoyed playing bridge and being surrounded by many lifelong friends whom she held close to her heart to the end. Helping others was important as she volunteered at the Soup Kitchen, Meals on Wheels and the Hospital Gift Shop. She reluctantly accepted recognition for some of her work by being named a Life Member of the Presbyterian Women and the Silver Service Award from Wilson Medical Center. Surviving is her son, William Thomas "Bill", and his wife, Anne Skinner Highsmith: grandsons, Lewis Allison Highsmith IV of Raleigh, Stephen Lindsey Highsmith and wife, Lindy, of Hampstead, William Thomas Highsmith, Jr and wife, Christy, of Raleigh, Robert Andrew Highsmith of New York City and sister, Martha Duer of Exmore, VA The family will be at the home of Bill and Anne, Friday, 7 - 9 PM. Memorials are suggested to WilMed Foundation, 1705 Tarboro St, SW, Wilson, NC 27893, or to the Soup Kitchen, PO Box 1527, Wilson NC 27894.