Michele Lee Highsmith

Michele Lee Highsmith (née Sherman)- affectionately known as Mickey to everyone but the government and bill collectors-was born on December 19, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Carl Clyde and Jessie Miles Sherman. On July 2, 2025, at the age of 76, she passed away peacefully at her home of 27 years in Roberta, GA, after a long and courageous battle with COPD. Mickey often joked that she'd go out from "terminal nosiness," but, in the end, life had other plans.

Mickey spent her early years in St. Louis before relocating with her parents to California, where fate introduced her to her soulmate, Larry Edwin Highsmith, in the late 1960s. Their bond withstood life's ups and downs for over 30 years, until Larry's untimely passing in August 2000. Together they raised three children: Shayne Michele Horne, Kathleen Marie Rogel, and Andrea Kay Beaver.

A born caregiver, Mickey pursued a calling in nursing that spanned over 40 years. She began as an LPN and later earned her Associate's Degree in Science, proudly becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). Her career was a testament to her compassion and dedication. She loved her patients deeply and continued working until health issues led her to retire at age 70 from Perry Hospital in Perry, GA - a workplace she remembered fondly and where colleagues became family.

Mickey's passions were as vibrant as her spirit: photography, gardening, horseback riding, traveling, reading, art, puzzles, sewing, beading and leatherwork. She cherished the ocean and was a lifelong swimmer, having performed as a member of a synchronized swimming team. She was never afraid of a challenge-except heights, even though she loved a good roller coaster-and was a proud deck-hand for her husband in Panama City, FL, never shy about baiting a hook or pulling in a fish. Those sun-soaked days of fishing, crabbing, boating, and beach time with her family were among her happiest.

Later in life, Mickey found joy in embracing and honoring Larry's Native American heritage through Powwows. She handsewed their traditional regalia-including gorgeous, beaded moccasins. She and Larry enjoyed bringing the whole family to these affairs and often camped with their children and grandchildren for many weekend events. Mickey played her music loud, drove country roads a little too fast, and delighted in mischief-like flaunting her sparkly New Year's bra in a crowded bar. She couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, but she sang anyway. She would be the first to agree to shots and a cocktail, the ultimate wingwoman, and the queen of shenanigans. We'll never forget towing Annie's beat-up jalopy at 2 a.m. in the freezing cold, stifling laughter and whisperyelling as we dumped it in her yard and waited for days to hear if she'd noticed. She loved to shop and we're still getting deliveries. Thanks, Mom.

Mickey ran her eight-acre kingdom from the seat of her tractor and proudly called herself a "pretty good farmer." (Yes, Ma we've forgiven the half-mile driveway roots that scraped the undercarriage of all our cars after practicing your tractor skills.) Her garden was beautiful and she loved to share her yield with others. She was also a fan of free labor and every one of her children and grandchildren spent their fair share weeding, planting, and complaining in her gardens throughout the years. Mickey loved to cook and try new recipes which were mostly successful, but she never could master starting her own sourdough bread, much to her chagrin. We'll miss her legendary chicken cacciatore, yummy potato salad (with the perfect blend of mayo and mustard) and unforgettable Spanish rice!

A lover of all creatures great and small, Mickey's heart held a special place for animals. Throughout her life, she cared for horses, dogs, and cats, with a particular fondness for dachshunds, namely her "sweet babies" Sadie, Lily, and Max. In her 40s, she fulfilled her dream of owning a horse: Foxy Bay, a spirited Thoroughbred as ornery as she was. Many family legends were born at the barn, including the infamous jackass escape with Ann clinging on for dear life, and the time Foxу stopped cold at the gate and launched Katie over her neck. In 2023, she welcomed a new furry companion, her cherished "Princess Floof," Cookie, who brought her much joy during her final years.

In those final years, Mickey was deeply grateful for her granddaughter, Sarah, who moved in and became her companion, caregiver, and partner-in-crime. Sarah- and Sarah's daughter, Zoey-infused her life with renewed peace, laughter, and purpose. Every weekday at 4 p.m., Zoey's exuberant "Granny! I'm home!" brought joy and routine to Mickey's afternoons-along with "homework time" snuggled in the recliner. According to Zoey, Granny is amazing. We couldn't agree more.

When her oldest grandchild, Caitlin, permanently returned to Georgia last summer with her family, Mickey was delighted. There were fashion shows, shopping sprees, belly laughs, storytelling, and bustling family get-togethers once again. Her house rang with laughter and love, just the way she liked it. She'd pop her head up and greet each of us with "Hello, bebe!"-and never let us leave without hearing "I love you." She made sure everyone in the family knew how proud she was of our growth, resilience, and hearts.

Though she carried the deep grief of losing her husband in 2000 and her eldest daughter, Shayne, in 2016, Mickey did so with grace, unwavering love, and quiet strength. We know they were both there to welcome her to Heaven.

Her four siblings also preceded her in death: brothers Marvin (who passed in infancy) and Carl-always Carly to herand her beloved twin sisters, Carol Knopfel and Judith Klock.

Mickey is survived by her daughters, Kathleen (Port St. Joe, FL) and Andrea (Anthony) (Bangor, ME); six beloved grandchildren-Caitlin Michele Tuttle (aka "Bud"), Carly Ann Highsmith, Sarah Elizabeth Bateman, Cody James Horne, John Ryan Horne, and Jaimie Lynn Howard; and nine treasured greatgrandchildren-Sophia Grace Horne, Zoey Marie Bateman, Olivia Shayne Tuttle, Luna Raine Horne, Penelope Charlotte Tuttle, Zylah Michele Tuttle, Danielle Elaine McBride-Byrd, William Thomas Byrd, and Abigail Renee Highsmith-each of whom she loved with fierce devotion.

Mickey was the heartbeat and unwavering foundation of our family and our safe haven. To be loved by her was to be known and cherished in the deepest way. She was the kind of woman who poured love into everything she did-fiercely loyal, hilariously witty, and always ready with the truth. If you wanted honesty, you went to Mick. Her love, laughter, and guidance will echo in our hearts forever.

We love you "too manies," Ghigua. May your radiant soul shine in Heaven just as brightly as it did here on earth.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.