Carolyn M. Smith, 83, of Wesson, Mississippi, passed away peacefully early Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020.

Born Feb. 6, 1937, as the only child of Carol W. and Evelyn Thetford Smith, Mrs. Smith was born in the old Rider House on the banks of the Homochitto River, situated close to Pleasant Hill in Copiah County, Mississippi. Carolyn spent her formative years in an adventurous fashion while surrounded by loving family and a unique cast of characters that would help shape her into the interesting, kind and beautiful woman that she became.

After the Depression, the Smiths moved to what would become their family farm in Union Church, Mississippi. It was here that Mrs. Smith further fostered her life-long love for learning, animals, the land, and people from all walks. From a long line of educators, Carolyn knew from a young age that she wanted to be a schoolteacher.

She excelled in classes, graduating early from high school and enrolled in college at the age of 16. Mrs. Smith graduated from Copiah-Lincoln Junior College and Mississippi College and attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. She taught in Mississippi Public Schools for the entirety of her career. Carolyn enjoyed playing piano, taking art classes and was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi. Mrs. Smith was an avid gardener who’s love for flowers earned her “yard of the month” awards. While she loved teaching and gardening, her passion was research and field genealogy, a hobby she so loved and was thankfully able to enjoy late into life. Carolyn found much pleasure in helping others and especially to understand their family’s history. She will long be remembered for her love of family, helpful nature, warm smile, silly sense of humor and ability to converse with anyone (and everyone).

Mrs. Smith is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Edwin L. Smith, along with their three beloved sons, Lorne Smith of Wesson, Lance Smith (and wife Hope) from Clinton, and Lane Smith (and wife Katrina) from Flagstaff, Arizona. Mrs. Smith also greatly loved her four grandchildren, Cherish Smith, Sid Smith and Cayley Smith, each from Clinton, and Caroline Smith from Jackson, along with her four great-grandchildren and other beloved relatives and friends.

The Smith family would like to extend their sincere thanks for all the visitors and for the great assistance provided during Mrs. Smith’s passing by Hospice Ministries and Diversicare of Brookhaven.

Services will be held at Union Church Baptist Church in Union Church, Mississippi, with visitation Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, from 4 until 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, at 2 p.m., with visitation from 1 until 2 p.m. at Union Church Baptist Church with graveside service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in Mrs. Smith’s honor be made to: St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142

Condolences and other information are available online at www.riverwoodfamily.com.