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BORN
1928
DIED
2023
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Willena Highsmith Obituary
A lifetime lover of the arts, Willena was a member of the Beethoven Club of Memphis and the Guild of Opera Memphis. She sang in the Memphis Symphony Chorus and served as President of the Memphis Storytellers League.
Widely known as a gourmet cook and gracious hostess, Willena enjoyed catering the receptions of Memphis Chamber Music for many years. She was also a woman of great faith and a gifted Sunday School teacher at her home church, First Baptist Church of Memphis.
Willena is predeceased by her parents, her sister Peggy, her brother Henry "Peter Rabbit", her niece Kellie McGarrh, and her beloved husband of 51 years, M.V. Highsmith.
She leaves behind her nephew, McKenzie Turner McGarrah (Stephanie), great niece McKenzie Courtland McGarrah and great nephew Bailey Wilkinson McGarrah.
Willena's body was donated to the Genesis Project.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at First Baptist Church of Memphis (200 E Parkway N) on Wednesday, January 10, at 1:00pm, with a visitation at noon.
Memorials can be given to Kellie McGarrh travel fund:
UT College of Education Health and Human Science
122 Volunteer Road
Knoxville, TN 37996
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Willena Highsmith
Sponsored by Ray Funeral Home - Cleveland.
3 Entries
Sarah Brooks
May 12, 2025
Kellie was a dear friend in the 1980s with whom I remained close even after we both left Memphis. After 1995, I made it a habit to visit with Willena most times I visited my parents in Memphis. Often I brought lunch and we spent time reminiscing about Kellie and sharing our grief and love for her. It's been said that good news shared is doubled and bad news shared is halved. Willena was a source of comfort in those years, and even now, today, thirty years after Kellie left us. Missing them both.
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Christina Wellford Scott
January 19, 2024
What a beautiful and accomplished lady. A great supporter of the arts and music in Memphis. I am so grateful I knew her.
Kathy Katz
January 11, 2024
Her niece Kellie McGarrh and I went on a European tour back in the 80´s. Willena met us in Venice, Italy. Kellie and I had little money to spend. We were on a 4 month trek to 11 counties. Willena treated us to fancy dinners, tours and even let us hangout in her fancy hotel one night when she had plans.
I have been in the restaurant business for 33+ years and she always followed my career. She wrote me wonderful supportive letters every time I opened a new establishment. She was a treasure to have as a friend. Thank you Willena for all the love and support.
Kathy Katz
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