Nancy Kay Highsmith

Nancy Kay Purdom Highsmith, 79, of Savannah, passed away on February 7, 2026, from complications related to cardiovascular disease.

Nancy was born on October 22, 1946, in Athens. She was the eldest daughter of the late Woodrow "Dick" Purdom and Lou Ellen Tomme Purdom. Nancy grew up on a farm in Duluth and later moved to Baxley, where she graduated from Appling County High School in 1964.

She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and from the University of Georgia with a Master of Education. Nancy taught elementary, middle, and high school under the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System for over 31 years. After retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her husband, daughter and grandson.

Nancy is survived by her husband of over 51 years, Oliver Joseph Highsmith, of Savannah, daughter Alicia (Evan) Gibson of Alpharetta, grandson James of Alpharetta, and step-grandson Jack of Medfield. She also leaves behind a sister Carol (Mickey) Grainger of Baxley, brothers-in-law Charles Crawley of St. Simons Island and Tom (Delores) Highsmith of Pagosa Springs, and sister-in-law Estelle Moore of Taylorsville; nieces Karen Grainger of Baxley, Amanda (Lance) Swain of Baxley, Lauren (Jonathan) Easling of Pagosa Springs, Denise (Brian) Edmunds of Jesup, Diane Moore of Nahunta; nephews Derek (Jessica) Highsmith of Virginia Beach and Dennis (Melissa) Moore of Taylorsville; and many grandnieces and grandnephews.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Susan Crawley of St. Simons Island and brother-in-law, Carlton Moore of Nahunta.

A special thank you to the staff of Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Riverview Health and Rehabilitation, and Georgia Hospice for caring for Nancy during her illness.

A visitation will be at Fox & Weeks Hodgson Chapel from 1:00p.m. until 2:00p.m. followed by a 2:00 Funeral Service this Sunday, February 15, 2026. A private interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association or to the charity of your choice.