Carolyn Jacob Smith

Carolyn Jacob Smith, 82, died September 28, 2026. Born February 19, 1944, in Cincinnati to Robert and Ruth Jacob, she earned her degree from the University of Dayton, became a CPA, and married Alan Smith. Carolyn chose to go into public accounting in part because a professor once told her that women didn’t do that. She proved otherwise. She was also an early adopter of the personal computer, and technology remained an interest of hers throughout her life.

After Alan’s death, Carolyn raised two young daughters, Diane and Laurie, while working part-time so she could always be there for them. Her daughters never thought of themselves as being raised by a single mother; they simply knew that their mother was always there.

Carolyn grew up in Cincinnati, lived in Cleveland and Columbus, and later moved to Alpharetta, Georgia, to be near her family. She remained close to the friends and family she made along the way, especially those in Cincinnati and Columbus, who continued to be an important part of her life. She married Thomas Abram, who also preceded her in death. She later shared her life with Peter Smith, and together they enjoyed many years of travel, discovering new places and the history behind them. Her fascination with World War II history was especially important to her.

Carolyn had a special bond with her grandson Anderson, listening to him and making sure he felt heard. She enjoyed spoiling her granddaughter Kara, and loved being someone she could turn to. She also warmly embraced her son-in-law Chris and Peter’s family, including his daughters Jenny and Laurie and their children.

Carolyn will be remembered for her generosity, her curiosity, and for the comfort of knowing she was always there. Her family will miss that certainty more than anything.