In Loving Memory of Antonette Barron Highsmith

August 9, 1955 – July 22, 2026

With profound sadness and immeasurable love, we announce the passing of our beloved Tonette, who entered eternal rest on July 22, 2026, at the age of 70.

Tonette was a devoted wife, cherished mother, treasured grandmother, loving sister, beloved aunt, and a dear friend to so many. While these titles describe the many roles she held, they could never fully capture the extraordinary woman she was, Tonette was so much more. She was a second mom to countless people (aka “Nudda Mudda”), a fierce protector, a trusted confidante, and one of life’s greatest blessings to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She had a spirit unlike any other - fun, mischievous, and full of giggles, Tonette possessed the silliest sense of humor and an incredible ability to find joy in every moment. She was always up to some playful antic that would leave everyone laughing until their sides hurt. Her laughter was contagious, her smile was comforting, and her joy was impossible to resist. She had a special gift for bringing light into every room she entered.

Family was the center of Tonette’s world. She loved deeply, cared unconditionally, and had a remarkable way of making every person feel seen, celebrated, and important. Whether someone needed encouragement, a listening ear, a safe place to land, or simply a reason to smile, Tonette was always there with an open heart and unwavering love. The family she was born into was precious to her, but the family she built through love and friendship reached far beyond blood. She embraced people as her own, making everyone feel like they belonged.

Tonette is survived by her loving husband, Calvin Highsmith; her children, Selena Osborne (Terrence) and Anthony “Tony” Cowart (Reagan); her stepdaughter, Leslie Hutton (Randall); her seven cherished grandchildren, TJ, Maxwell, Steven, Angelina, Ryan, Patrick, and Casey; her sister, Susanne Smith; her brother, Michael Barron (Allison); her brother-in-law, John Highsmith (Elizabeth); and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Antonio Barron and Allie Lindgren; her siblings, Hershel Cleary and Sharon Cleary; and her adored bonus daughter, Elizabeth Ray.

The void left by Tonette’s passing is impossible to measure. We don’t know how to imagine this world without her, but we find comfort in knowing that the love she gave so freely, the laughter she shared so generously, and the beautiful memories she created will live on in our hearts forever. Her legacy is one of kindness, compassion, joy, and unconditional love - a legacy that will continue through her family and all those whose lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life honoring Tonette will be held on Sunday, July 26, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at:

Marine Rescue Squadron

2 Old US Hwy 80

Tybee Island, GA 31328

*Located between Bubba Gumbos and Cafe Loco.

In true Tonette fashion, she requested that her celebration be informal - a gathering filled with laughter, shared stories, and the joyful memories that defined her life. The family warmly invites all who knew and loved her to join them in celebrating the remarkable woman she was.

Though our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for the privilege of loving her and being loved by her.

Rest in peace, beautiful soul. You will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. Your light will continue to shine in all of us.