Calera Highsmith

Calena Highsmith daughter of the late Richard and Annie Howell was born on December 28, 1919 in Rocky Mount, North Caroline. She was educated in Rocky Mount, NC public school system. She was later united in holy matrimony to Vance J. Highsmith who preceded her in death. Upon her moving to Baltimore, Md, she attended New Shiloh Baptist Church then located on Fremont Ave under Rev. Harold H. Carter Sr. but eventually, she joined Good Shepherd Baptist church under the leadership of Rev. Hunt located on Park Heights Ave. Along with her sister Esther Hart, who preceded her in death. Calena was employed at St. Agnes Hospital and retired after 25 years of faithful service. During her time of employment God sent some good friends and co-workers in her mist. I want to give thanks to Mildred Hubbard( her rider), Ruth Watts, Barbara Harris and two special friends Eric Burrell and Dr. Paul Johnson. May God Blees you all. Giving back to her mother a measure of that which she has given her, Betty loving nurtured her during her final days. Her tender loving care knew no bounds and perhaps extended her life beyond her physical limitations. In the final hours, God's mercy prevailed bringing to an end the mortal life of Calena at the Ovealea Nursing Home and Rehabilitation center on Sunday, May 29, 2011. The charge of sharing the life and legacy of Calena Highsmith resides with her daughter, Betty Dawkins; her grandchildren, Gerald Dawkins, Franklin Dawkins, Ricky Dawkins, and two grandchildren Tersa C. Dawkins and Michael D. Dawkins Sr. who preceded her in death; her granddaughter's in -law; Shirley Dawkins and Sandra Dawkins. Her great grand children; Howard Rice Jr. (Step great grandson), Michael Dawkins Jr., Geraldvona Dawkins (Rae) , Donnell Dawkins, Tyneshia Dawkins, Aleiisha Dawkins and Tyrone Phillips Jr. (TJ) who preceded her in death;15 great great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild Joshua Johnson who preceded her in death. Calena has joined in heaven her two sisters Esther Heart, Mary Lawrence and a son-in-law Franklin Dawkins Sr. who has preceded her in death; 5 nieces, Mary F. Lawrence, Doris K. Barnes, Jean C. Eley, Barbara A. Lawrence and Grace A. Goodwin; 2 nephew's, Willie C. Lawrence Jr. and Willie Battle. All reside in New York City.

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Calera Highsmith

December 28, 1919 - May 29, 2011