Carolyn Sue Smith, age 78, of Charleston peacefully passed away, surrounded by family on Friday September 1, 2023 at Hubbard Hospice House after an extended illness.

She was born on December 18, 1944 in Charleston, daughter of the late Fred and Mary Adkins Whittaker.  She is also preceded in death by her husband Opie E. Smith, Sr.; sisters, Linda Ferrell and Elizabeth Kelly; brother in law, George Ferrell, Sr.

Carolyn attended Charleston High School and later earned her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate.  She was a CNA at St. Francis Hospital for more than 20 years caring for others, like she always did.  Later she was a local business owner and manager where she became “Mom” to everyone she met.

She taught everyone about courage, kindness, hard work, helping others, but most importantly about strength; she exercised that strength throughout her extended illness. Carolyn placed so many above herself and cared for family members, friends, and others; especially when others had no option.  She loved us all and had special places in her heart for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  It was her nature to always see the value in everyone and never give up on people.

Carolyn is survived by her two sons, Opie E. Smith, Jr. of Charleston, and William L. Smith of Seattle, WA; grandchildren, Kim Swiney (Ben) of Clendenin, Opie E. Smith, III, (Devan) of Charleston; chosen grandson Xavier Blackledge; great grandchildren, Sophie, Madi, Zach, Gracie, Ella, and Athena; brother, Denver Whittaker (Susie); sisters, Vicki Starcher and Nikla Hardman; nephew, Opie Lee Kelly who was like her third son; chosen son Zane Blackledge (Lauren) and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A service to honor Carolyn’s life will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday September 6, 2023 at Snodgrass Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Swiney officiating.  Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston, WV.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of Flowers the family requests donations be made in memory of Carolyn to Hubbard Hospice House, 1001 Curtis Price Way, Charleston, WV 25311 or HospiceCareWV.org

Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com.