Dr. Maxine Thomas Highsmith

Dr. Maxine Thomas Highsmith, a native of Wake County in Raleigh, NC was born November 24, 1942 to the late Josephine Thomas and Mack Sease who preceded her in death along with two brothers: James Lewis Thomas and Frank Van Thomas both of Raleigh who preceded her in death.

She fought a courageous battle with cancer and transitioned on Sunday, July 16, 2023. Dr. Highsmith was a member of Church of the Nativity in Raleigh, North Carolina under the leadership of Rector, Rev. Stephanie Allen.

Maxine Thomas Highsmith graduated from J.W. Ligon High School of Raleigh, North Carolina, Saint Augustine University (Biology); Masters of Life Sciences and Doctor of Philosophy from North Carolina State University. She was an accomplished Phycologist (study of mold and algae) and was assigned to do research on the Potomac River in District of Columbia. Dr. Highsmith taught in Wake County School System for many years; Wake-Forest Rolesville and other schools in Wake County. She also taught at Shaw University. She was employed by NASA, on a three-year contract, and the National Forestry in Tennessee and Louisiana. Also spent time in Beijing, China and participated in the protests and massacre in Tiananmen Square in 1989. She retired from Shaw University. She was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She enjoyed being in the classroom and continued teaching in Wake County until her health failed.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories to: her only child, James Cleveland Highsmith, Jr. (Carol), 8 Grandchildren; 6 Great Grandchildren; two sisters Mrs. Anna Lane (Eddie) Chesterville, VA; and Mrs. Alice T. Peebles of Raleigh, NC (late husband Ervin Peebles); a special Sister-in-law Mrs. Mattie T. Moore, and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was loved by her family and friends. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A visitation for Maxine will be held Thursday, July 27, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC 27605. A funeral service will occur Friday, July 28, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Church of the Nativity, 8849 Ray Rd., Raleigh, NC 27613. A reception will begin immediately following the funeral service. Burial will follow the reception at Carolina Biblical Gardens, 1530 Creech Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610.