Mary Caroline (Graham) Highsmith

Mary Caroline Graham Highsmith, 95, passed away Sunday March 3rd, 2024. She was born July 29, 1928 in Ridgeland, South Carolina to parents Leonora and Joseph Graham. She was educated at Ridgeland High School, Salem College, and Coker College where she studied voice. She later attended Armstrong Atlantic State University where she graduated cum laude with a degree in Library Science. She was employed by Thomas Heyward Academy as the school librarian for many years, and could still recall any child who failed to return a book.

Mary Caroline met her future husband Farris Highsmith when he was visiting his brother in Ridgeland after returning from WWII. They were married in 1947 and enjoyed 48 happy years until his death in 1995.

She served in many volunteer activities, including the PTA, Boy Scout Den Mother, St. Paul’s Methodist Church Choir, The Jessamine Garden Club, Jasper County Historical Society, and Meals on Wheels. She rarely missed any activity her grandchildren were involved in from rainy football games to many performances of The Nutcracker . She traveled extensively by plane, train, automobile, cruise ship, and at age 86 rode a horse down into the Grand Canyon.

Mary Caroline will be remembered for her love of children , music, books, and her kindness to all.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Farris. She is survived by her son Joe HIghsmith (Mary), and daughter Anne Coakley (Jake). Her grandchildren Gray Benko (Mike), Caroline McDermott (Corey), Catherine Deutsch (Stephen), and John Coakley (Alice-Anne), and eight great grandchildren. Sister; Martha Graham Sanders, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 12th at 11:00 am; St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7488 West Main Street Ridgeland, South Carolina 29936.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in memory of Mary Caroline Highsmith to Ridgeland Cemetery, P. O. Box 1630, Ridgeland, SC  29936.

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