Carol Lee (Chambers) Smith

Calera

Carol Lee (Chambers) Smith, age 68, of Calera, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed into the waiting arms of her Savior on Jan. 24, 2013, after a short battle with cancer. Carol was born on March 21, 1944, in Dallas, Texas, the middle of three daughters. She met and married the love of her life, Wendell Franklin Smith, when he came to Dallas to attend Southern Methodist University. After short stints in Birmingham, St Louis and Oklahoma City, they settled in Shelby County to raise a family.

A dedicated worker in whatever task she pursued, Carol spent 13 years working for South Central Bell and Bell South before she retired to devote more time to her family and church. At Shades Mountain Independent Church, “Miss Carol” was known as a loving teacher of the 2-year old and 3-year old classes. More recently as a member of Evangel Presbyterian Church, in addition to continuing her work with children’s Sunday School, she enjoyed teaching and mentoring younger women. Most of all, Carol was known as a mighty prayer warrior for family, friends and even strangers in need.

She was predeceased by her parents and younger sister, Peggy Louise Chambers of Rogers, Ark.

She is survived by her husband, Wendell; her children, Jonathan Randolph Smith (Jill) of Dallas, Texas, and Sarah Elizabeth Kelley (Jason) of Andalusia; six grandchildren, Austin Luke Kelley, Brighton Nathaniel Smith, Savannah Faith Kelley, Jenna Marguerite Smith, Ashland Grace Kelley and Hudson Samuel Kelley, all of whom she often asked, “How long will Nana love you? Always!”

A memorial will be held on Jan. 27, 2013, at 3 p.m. at Evangel Church PCA in Alabaster.