Olivia Estelle (Higgs) NeeSmith

Surrounded by her family, Olivia (Libby) Estelle Higgs NeeSmith peacefully departed this life on November 19, 2025, in Savannah, GA after an extended hospital stay.

Born April 15, 1939, she was delivered by her maternal grandfather, Dr. Hiram Chesley Sharpe at his home in Alston, GA. She was the firstborn child of Sally Sharpe Higgs and Alex (Pete) Otto Higgs. She was raised on a farm in Lyons, GA with her three sisters. She was a 1957 honor graduate of Lyons High School. In 1959, she married Winston NeeSmith and moved to Hinesville. There, she created a loving home for her husband and their three daughters, all while working full-time. Her first job was as secretary to the Hon. Judge Paul Caswell. She worked as a secretary at Wright Army Airfield on Ft. Stewart for several years. In 1972, she accepted a position as receptionist and became the ‘voice of Interstate Paper’ for 33 years.

A lifelong Methodist, she was a faithful member of the Hinesville First United Methodist Church for 66 years. She was an active member of the Jack Waller Sunday School Class and of the Women of Vision and Faith Circle.

In retirement, she explored her love of history and travel. She visited many areas of the United States and Europe making lasting memories with friends and family. She also discovered a new hobby in bridge and enjoyed many happy years of playing cards with friends. 

The pride and joy of her life was her family—three children, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She made gatherings and holidays in her home extra-special for her family creating memories and traditions to treasure. 

She is preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Arthur Winston NeeSmith, her sister and brother-in-law, Suzanne & Bill Stroman, her sister, Alexa Lewis, her first grandchild, Ashley McClure Miller, her first grandson, Mark Stephens McClure, Jr. and her first great granddaughter, Caroline Olivia Smith. 

Left to mourn her loss and celebrate her life is her loving family: her daughters and their husbands, Shanda and Tom Hayden of Roswell, GA, Shay and Brian Smith of Savannah, GA and Shari and Dave Thiede of Alexandria, VA; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Chris Miller (Davis) of Sandy Springs, GA, Lindsey and Ryland Pond (Hayden & Ellie) of Charlotte, NC,  John Hayden and Brandon Nivens of Atlanta, GA, Cale and Morgan Smith (Beckham, Harrison & Stella) of Savannah, GA, Cameron and Katy Smith (Logan) of Savannah, GA, Carson Smith and fiancé Alaney Dunton of Pooler, GA, Tyler and Madison Thiede (August and Winston) of Charlotte, NC, Gant Thiede and Jeff Fielder of Dallas, TX.  

Also, her sister, Martha Moody of West Columbia, SC, her brother-in-law, Earl Lewis of Lexington, SC, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Joyce and Kermit NeeSmith of Allenhurst, GA, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and special friends.

The family would like to offer their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the attentive caregivers at Williams Family First, Pamela Williams, Ashley Green and Diamond Green.

The service will be held Tuesday November 25 at the Hinesville First United Methodist Church at 2:00 pm with visitation one hour prior. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Cale, Cameron and Carson Smith, Tyler and Gant Thiede and John Hayden. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Jack Waller Sunday School Class.  Burial will follow the service at the Hinesville Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to HUMC, The Methodist Children’s Home in Macon, GA, St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital or CURE Childhood Cancer of Atlanta, GA.

Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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