Carolyn M. Smith

Carolyn Madeline Smith, beloved wife of Clayton A. Smith, daughter of the late William and Carleen Carter, was born on February 20, 1924 in Baltimore, Maryland. After a lengthy illness, she was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 25, 2002.Carolyn was educated in the Baltimore City school system. At an early age she joined the New Shiloh Baptist Church and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior.In 1945, Carolyn met and married Clayton. Out of this union, their children were born, Carolyn was a devoted wife and mother who loved to cook and sew.Carolyn later united with the Wayland Baptist Church family under the Pastorate of the late Rev. William W. Payne.Carolyn loved working with children. She taught in the Nursery Department of the Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. She realized that the little ones ages 4 to 5 were so impressionable and so willing to learn of Jesus and His love for us. She wanted to make a difference in their young lives and she did.Carolyn held numerous offices within the Pastor’s Aid, Mothers Club, Matrons and J. Edgar Henson Ministries. Carolyn was a very supportive and faithful member of the J. Edgar Henson Ministry for over 40 years. Carolyn also started the “Tea at Home With Me” project. Carolyn loved the Matrons. There was something very special about this group of ladies. She loved the fellowship, planning trips and retreats.Carolyn so loved the Lord that she would pray and testify in church. Her true commitment was “If I can help somebody.” This commitment led her to teaching others how to pray. During the monthly Matrons meetings and whenever the group would visit the sick and shut in, Carolyn would look around the group of ladies and point to a member and say “and you pray now.” Carolyn had a way of forcing you out your shyness by asking that you pray in the group. This led to praying in front of the church body. Some of these members would testify that Carolyn helped to make them the prayer warriors that they are today.Carolyn loved her family. Her goal as a mother, parent, grandparent and wife was to provide a home that was full of love, a sanctuary when needed and the place to be for a good Sunday meal. Because of who Carolyn was, she has the love and admiration of her husband, children, family members and friends.Carolyn leaves to cherish her memory: her loving and devoted husband, Clayton, two sons, Clarence and Larry Smith; two daughters, Janice Skinner and Janet Thomas; one devoted daughter-in-law, Patricia Smith, and two loving sons-in-law, Charles E. Thomas Jr. and Herbert Skinner; grandchildren, Valjean Moses, Cynthia Robinson, Nicole McManus, Charles E. Thomas III, and Kimberly Thomas; great grandchildren, Ronae Anderson, George Anderson, Eddie Chisholm, Nicyel Mc Manus, Christopher McManus and Faith Thomas; one great great grandchild, Deshawn Brown, nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends.

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Carolyn M. Smith

February 20, 1924 - October 25, 2002