Sandra Johnson Highsmith

Sandra Johnson Highsmith died peacefully in her sleep on August 10th, the date of her son's 55th birthday. Though she is sorely missed, it is a relief that her suffering has ended following a long and challenging battle with dementia.

Sandy was born on November 27, 1941 in Clinton, Maryland. She met her best friend and future husband, Kerry, as freshmen at Frostburg State Teacher's College in Maryland. Of their many adventures together, the most momentous was their road trip to Bahia Honda State Park while they were newly minted teachers working in Washington, D.C. While in the park, a ranger told them that if they liked the Keys, they should drive down to Key West and apply to be teachers, as the District was hiring. So they did, they put on their fanciest shorts, got hired, and moved down over summer break for the start of the next school year. Aside from marrying each other, they both agreed moving to Key West was the best decision they ever made. Soon after moving to Key West, during an evening walk on White Street Pier, they ran into Chuck Freeman, Kerry's friend from high school in Maryland, who was down as a Navy sailor. Chuck and his wife Sheila welcomed them into Sheila's wonderful Conch family, which allowed them to much more deeply embrace and enjoy the Key West lifestyle.

Kerry and Sandy spent their careers in the Monroe County School District, first as teachers, then moving into administration. Sandy had a passion for public education, particularly for those with special needs. During the course of her career, Sandy was Assistant Principal at May Sands for many years before it was Montessori, and retired after serving as Principal at Gerald Adams. She was a huge proponent of the Montessori education system, having been among the group of parents that founded The Children's School in the early 1970s, and having implemented Montessori programs in Gerald Adams and other schools where she worked.

Sandy called it like she saw it, and was never shy about expressing her opinion. During a month-long visit from Maryland, her mother Nellie once summed it up best as "Sandy, you know what your problem is? You're too damned bossy." My father and I nearly choked to death smothering our laughter into the couch pillows.

Sandy was a devout Christian and dedicated much of her time to Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, where she was a member of the Order of the Daughters of the King and served on the Altar Guild.

Sandy loved dogs, quilting, sailing, travelling, walking through forests, baseball, and water aerobics. Sandy most especially enjoyed being Grace Marie's and Tommy's Nana.

Sandy's greatest passion was her family. She is survived by her son, Bobby, and his wife Kim, and her two grandchildren, Grace and Tommy. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Fran MacCallum, and her brother-in-law, Jack Collins. Her Conch siblings, Chuck Freeman, Pat and Karen Freeman, and Jerry and Mary Lou Hughes, also remain to mourn her loss.

She was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Nellie Johnson, her husband, Kerry Highsmith, Grace and Tommy's mother, Lori Ann Salinero Highsmith, her siblings, Robert Johnson and Ann Collins, her brother-in-law, Scott MacCallum, and her many beloved dogs.

The family wishes to thank her caregiver, Rena Mobley, for going well above and beyond to keep her safe, comfortable and at peace during her final couple years. The great staff at Poinciana Gardens were also wonderful, and we are very fortunate as a community to have this invaluable facility available to our seniors.

A private interment of ashes ceremony will be held at a future date. Toast Sandy at sunset, with a scratch of your pet's head, a biting quip and a slice of rum-soaked pineapple. For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. Make the most of this life and enjoy it while you can, Sandy sure did.