Ernestine Highsmith, 98, of East Haven departed this life on Wednesday December 28, 2022. Ernestine was born on June 3, 1924, in Mount Olive, North Carolina. She was the only child of Annie Lou Elliott and Booker T. Raynor.
Ernestine spent most of her early years in Mount Olive surrounded by her great grandmothers, grandparents, and other extended family. Ernestine married her husband, Willie James Highsmith on June 17, 1944. A week later, after learning of better job opportunities in the North, they both moved to Connecticut, finally settling in New Haven. They were married just shy of 60 years when her husband passed. The union produced eight children, eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Ernestine’s greatest joy was being surrounded by her large extended family and sharing stories from her early life in North Carolina.
She was predeceased by her husband, Willie James Highsmith, Sr. (2004) and her son, Johnny (2021).
She is survived by her sons, Willie Jr. (Linda), Bobby, Donnell (Carlis), and David Michael (Gretchen); daughters, Linda, Carol, Barbara; granddaughters: Karen, Zulema, Nicholl, Tamara (Museveni), Alexandria, and Bethanie; grandsons: Jason (Gia) and Justin along with her seven great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.
A celebration of Mrs. Highsmith’s life and legacy will be held Friday, January 6, 2023, at 12:00pm at Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight St., New Haven. A viewing and visitation will be held from 11:00am-12:00pm. The burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, 769 Ella T. Grasso Boulevard. Following the burial, the family will gather at 7 Summer Lane, North Haven, CT.
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To Willie and family condolences from your old friends Marion Tommy and Marty Nuterangelo 🙏
Donnell, Carlis and the entire family. We extend our prayers and condolences in the passing of your love one. When we heard of the news Donnell and Carlis it took us back of when we met. Your mother lived a long life since then. We pray her legacy and love lives on in the lives of her family.
Very sorry to learn of the passing of Mrs. Highsmith. She was a lovely neighbor, who was a strong, dedicated mother to her children. May she RIP and may the memories all of her family holds dear in their hearts carry you through this difficult time.
We loved you very much Ernestine. Dave (Mike), your youngest child, gives you much credit for the man he his today. I told you often that you were the best mother-in-law ever. Alexandria & Bethanie loved you and you always would give them wise advice. Your mind was so sharp and I am happy that I had your genealogy done for you and your family. Without your input it would have been much more difficult. You left us a wonderful legacy that all of us can pass on to our children. You will always be in our hearts. ❤️
Barbara, rest easy for your Mother passed away knowing that you will care for her family as you cared for her during her last days.
Sincerely,
Gregory H. Tignor
Emeritus Professor
Yale School of Medicine
sorry about your loss