With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Carole H. Smith, on December 26, 2024, after a hard-fought journey with cancer. She is deeply mourned by her loving and devoted husband, B. Duran Smith, Sr., with whom she recently commemorated their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Four days prior to her death, she celebrated her 78th birthday surrounded by family and friends who reveled her with music and love.
As a 1964 North Clayton High School graduate, Carole was very involved in her community where she was a cheerleader, band member, yearbook staffer, multiple club member, and voted Most Talented in her Senior year. She worked as an Administrative and Legal Assistant over a 25+ year career.
Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, friends, and granddogs. An exemplary mother and wife embodying unconditional love, strength of spirit, and unending generosity, Carole adored nature, gardening, bird watching, fishing, music, playing Canasta, the Rose Parade, and hosting her grandchildren at Mema and Granddaddy Camp over the years. She was the quintessential sports and theatre mom/grandmother who devoted countless hours to watching games, musicals, recitals, and concerts. She was also an avid sports enthusiast who knew everything you could possibly know about her beloved Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Penguins, University of Georgia Bulldogs, and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Vivia (Northcutt) Hancock and Roy C. Hancock; and her son, Benjamin D. Smith, Jr.
Carole is survived by her husband, B. Duran Smith, Sr.; her son, Brett Smith [Ranee]; her daughter, Dawn Smith Bye [Jeremy]; daughter-in-law, Carissa Smith; her grandchildren, B. Duran Smith III, Lanae Dickstein [Matt], Lauren McGraw [Matt], Kendra Smith, Jordan Flaim, Brandon Smith, Allie Smith, Haidyn Bye, and Garrett Bye; and her great-granddaughter, Evalyn Dickstein.
A memorial service honoring her life will be held on Sunday, January 19th at 3pm at the Northside Chapel and Funeral Home, 12050 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA 30075. The family will receive guests prior to the service from 2:15pm-3pm. There will be a small reception following the ceremony at the same location.
Those wishing may make donations to the Foundation Fighting Blindness in her memory. https://give.fightingblindness.org/CaroleMemorial