Janet Blackburn Highsmith

     It is with sad hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Janet Blackburn Highsmith at the age of 66. She passed into the glory of her Lord on Monday, January 30, 2023.

     She was born August 8, 1956 in Rose Hill, the daughter of the late George Blackburn and Mary Mills Blackburn.

    Janet is survived by her devoted husband, Al Highsmith; daughter and son-in-law, Ali and John-Mark Fussell; grandchildren, Ariel Fussell and Cannon Fussell who were pure joy and light in her and Al’s life; brother, Joey Blackburn; special cousins; many extended family members; and lifelong friends who were very dear to Janet.  

    She received her undergraduate degree as well as a master’s degree from East Carolina University. Most of her teaching career was spent at Penderlea School.

    Janet was not only a caring person in general but she was a strong advocate for children, parents and fellow educators.  She spent her teaching time giving students opportunities to reach their dreams.  She herself remained a lifetime learner.  After long teaching days, she drove to Greenville to attend three hour classes to earn a masters degree.  An additional way of enhancing her knowledge base she was instrumental in forming the Pender County Reading Association.  Through this association Janet and other teachers were given opportunities for professional growth and training. In addition, Janet was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization of women educators dedicated to educational excellence and altruism.

    She attended several International Reading Association Conferences with 20,000 teachers from around the world.  At these conferences, she received training from world renowned leaders of special interest, having the opportunity to meet with authors including Eric Carle and Mary Pope Osborne.

    Janet had a passion for children and teaching,  but her commitment to the Lord was second to none. She was a dedicated and lifelong member of Mills Memorial Church where she served as treasurer, among many other titles.  Janet was an extraordinary woman of God whose resounding faith and love for family was unmatched. Her brightly shining light often served as a guide to those around her. Those that knew Janet will always remember her passion for the beach, cooking for those she loved and spending holidays with family.  She was a true example of what it meant to be a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Cousin, and Friend. Her presence in our lives will be forever missed but we find solace in knowing she is at peace and rejoicing with her Almighty Father. 

     After 30 years, Janet retired from teaching in 2008, but continued to serve children by participating in the Guardian ad Litem program in Pender County.  

     The family will receive friends 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Caswell Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall with memorial service beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary. The Rev. Dr. Martha Highsmith will conduct the service.

     In lieu of flowers the Highsmith family request that donations be made to Zimmer Cancer Institute, NHRMC Foundation, 2001 S. 17th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. 

     Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall.   

     A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.

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