Carol N. Smith

Carol N. Smith, age 82, of Ocean Springs, MS passed away January 19, 2023.

Carol was the wife of the late Major Kenneth S. Smith and devoted mother to Robyn L. Smith.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Hazel Lee; uncles, Joseph Conger Lee, Riley Nelson (RN) Lee, Daniel (Sony) Lee, and George Lee; aunts, Ruth Worthington and Fay Bell (Doll) Robinson.  She is survived by aunts, Betty Ann Garner and Ileen (Coot) Smith; and various nieces, nephews and cousins.

In her younger years, Carol graduated early with honors from Baldwin County High School, and then attended Troy State University. She maintained a 4.0 grade point average, while also being a majorette. It was love at first site when in 1962, Carol met Ken, in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, and they married shortly thereafter. 

She enjoyed traveling the world for many years, through her husband’s military career.  Carol’s dream came true in 1969, with the arrival of her only child.  Robyn was the center of Carol’s universe. She could always be found in the front row of every gymnastics, dance and cheerleading competition or performance.  Carol was so proud to be Robyn’s mother.

The family moved to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, where Carol was a kind and influential second grade teacher to hundreds of children, over her nearly 30-year career.  Carol also achieved her master’s degree from USM and became a professor to some of her previous students, at the university level. 

Carol had many close friends and neighbors and was a well-loved member of the Ocean Springs community.  She was so loved, that after retiring, a simple run to the grocery would turn into a 3-hour meet and greet with her former students and their families. 

With Carol’s sweet southern voice and open arms, she welcomed Amelda and Jamison into her heart.  They lovingly called her “Honey.” 

Carol loved the Lord and was an active member of Mosaic Church.  She could be seen every Sunday, greeting her fellow members with her bright smile. 

Carol will be missed by Ted and Aubie, her fur babies.  She fiercely loved dogs, and supported and attended events, benefiting the Humane Society of South Mississippi and Tired Dog Rescue. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Humane Society of South Mississippi (hssm.org) or Tired Dog Rescue (tireddogrescue.org) in her name. 

To honor Carol’s memory, there will be a Celebration of Life on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 11:30 AM. Friends may visit beginning at 10:00 AM until service time. Interment will follow at the Biloxi National Cemetery. We invite anyone who knew her to attend and remember her wonderful life.  

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the Smith family.