Twanta Highsmith

Obituary For Twanta Highsmith

Celebration of Life: Her Journey

Bertha Lee (Rembert) Highsmith and Leon Highsmith Jr. welcomed their youngest child, Twanta
Lynne Highsmith, into the world on October 17, 1963, in St. Petersburg, Florida. As the baby of five
siblings, Twanta showed an unbreakable spirit and a passion for visual art, music, and nature.
Twanta excelled in her primary and secondary education. At Northeast High School, Twanta took part
in track and field. She was an integral part of the long-distance running team. Her passion for the
outdoors led her to visit downtown St. Pete and the St. Petersburg Pier often. She would visit the
stalls of independent local artists, collect original artwork and enjoy visiting all the local museums.
Later in life, she showcased her own creativity in coloring books that displayed animals and
landscapes.
When Twanta couldn’t venture outside, she would spend her days immersed in her other passions:
family, food, and music. Twanta loved her family and even had the honor of naming her fourth niece,
Ashley. In true Highsmith fashion, she appreciated a variety of cultural dishes and shared that
experience with her family. Along with music, Twanta enjoyed going to concerts and listening to live
music. Her favorite songs were from Motown Greats, the Beatles, and the best hits of the 1970s and
1980s. Twanta had a beautiful singing voice. Even when she later lost her ability to speak, she could
still sing certain songs.
After graduating high school, Twanta’s resolute spirit compelled her to enlist in the United States
Army, where she spent time stationed in Germany. Twanta received an honorable discharge after
completing over 5 years of service in the Army. Yet, her time in service left her with a mental health
disability, a struggle she carried forward. Despite her trials, she achieved home ownership and lived
an independent life until experiencing a massive stroke in 2006. After the stroke, Twanta spent her
remaining years living in skilled nursing facilities.
Even though she lived out her remaining years in nursing facilities, Twanta’s sense of humor and
independence never diminished. Not even her physical limitations could stop her from enjoying family
holidays and outings to local attractions and festivals. She would always appreciate visits from her
nieces and took great pride in accomplishing things people thought she no longer could. Twanta
resolved to keep her body strong and her mind determined. She desired to thrive to the fullest extent.
Twanta Lynne Highsmith, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, departed this temporal
life on April 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. In her final years, Twanta could speak only a
few words; however, she understood every word we said. We will sorely miss our beloved Twanta,
but we rejoice for the day we will see her again in Heaven!

Her father, Leon Highsmith Jr., and nephew, Marshall W. Highsmith Jr., preceded Twanta in death.

She leaves to cherish her memory:
Loving Mother: Bertha Lee Rembert
Stepmother: Alice Highsmith
Brothers: Marshall W. Highsmith, Leon Highsmith III

Sisters: Angela McCants (Larry), Stephenia Highsmith-Brown, Deborah Allen-Phillips, and Edna
Wilson (Jamie III)
Nephew: Taj Highsmith
Nieces: LaKeisha Highsmith, Aja and April McCants, Ashley Allen, Caitlynn and Jordaan Brown,
Victoria and Lauren Wright, and Lyric Highsmith
and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends.

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