At 6:50 a.m. May 29th, 2021, Karey Highfill lay down her final burdens.
She rested during her final days at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, which she preferred to an extended stay in a facility. She spent time those last days with her son, Jason Guillen, and they shared stories about family and better times. They watched old westerns together; he brought her sweet things because she hated hospital food.
They laughed and planned. They cried and reminisced. They were together, and it was enough.
Together, they arranged for her grand-daughter Mariah Thieman to move to Jason’s house, where she could live with her sister, Isabella Shelburn (soon to be Guillen). They brought Karey’s dog, Chubby, along with them, who enjoys his new home and yard.
When Karey realized that truly she could stop worrying, when she learned that all she loved would be cared for, she left her suffering behind.
She left in peace, in silence. She left after her son prayed over her.
She smiled.
Karey loved her hometown of Springfield her entire life. In passing, she reunites with her mother, Mary Louise Wise, and her father, Morris Mitchell. Her brother, Terry Mitchell, survives her as does her sister, Cheri Wiles. Her daughter, Courtney Highfill, also calls Springfield her home. Karey is adored by four grandchildren, Mariah and Isabella along with Caitlyn and Tristen Guillen.
Her ex-husband, Danny Highfill, remembers her fondly. Sharon Highfill claims, “Karey is the sister I always needed.”
Karey’s greatest joy came in laughter and loving the people she met. She spoke often of the children and teachers she befriended over the years, people who truly brought light into her life. The children on her bus route were a gift, a delight she never expected. Even though troubled by illness, Karey found joy and humor wherever she could. She always did her best to be kind.
May we all be so brave.
Karey Highfill, born Karey Mitchell, shone brilliant her entire life. She burned until the very end. She smiled through pain that most could not bear.
She gave everything she could.
A celebration of life is being planned; it will likely be in July due to family concerns. If you would like to memorialize this beautiful woman with pictures, stories, laughter, and tears, then please e-mail Jason.Guillen@gmail.com. You will be placed on the planning list; everyone is welcome.
We will remember her. We will celebrate her. We will love her.
We do not say goodbye.