Carole Ann Smith
Carole Anne Smith, 81, of Sour Lake, TX passed away Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, TX. She was born on May 17, 1938, to Iola Agnes (Rivet) Smith and Oscar Lee Smith, in Beaumont, TX.
Carole attended college at Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX. She received her master’s from McNeese in Lake Charles, LA. She received her BA from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. The majority of her career was spent teaching 2nd grade math at Amelia Elementary School and she retired from BISD. At one point in her career she served as President of the local TSTA and NEA organizations. She dedicated her life to her students, which she referred to as “her kids”.
Carole loved to travel. Often taking her family and close friends with her. Although she traveled all over her favorite places to go was Disney World and Sanibel Island, FL. She loved collecting sea shells and has a quite impressive collection. She also loved animals and contributed to many rescue organizations. Carole never met a stranger. Her motto was to always make a friend everywhere she went. Carole loved her family dearly and will be sorely missed but we have many fond memories of her.
Survivors include her brother, Ronald Wray Smith and his wife, Peggy Smith, of Sour Lake; nieces and nephews, Alysia Davis, Ronald “Ron” Smith II, Jerry Smith, James Melvin Smith, Karen Garrison, Linda Bell, James “Jimmy” Kokenes, Jr., Penny Stockwell, Mark Randall, Scott Venable, Paul D. Venable, Cheryl Knox, Paula Medairy, Sherry Compton, Cindy Danna, and Donna Carter; and a host of great-nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, James Smith; sisters, Ruby Lee Venable, Dorothy Mae Randall, Nita Meryl Black, and Betty Jane Kokenes.
A family committal was held at Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
At Carole’s request there will be no formal services held.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 1629, Beaumont, TX 77704.
Comments
Susan Ingram
I am so sorry to hear of Carole's passing. I taught with her for many years at Amelia Elementary. She truly loved her students and was a wonderful, caring teacher. I have wonderful memories of doing lessons with her. My condolences to her family.
Cary L Coffin
Ms. Smith was my favorite teacher! I am so sorry to hear of her passing. I loved to run into her at local stores and catch up. She always greeted me by name with a hug and I was in her class in second grade over 45 years ago! I remember her being kind but holding you accountable. I always had such respect for her. Rest in peace, Ms. Smith!
Jimmie Jay Jackson
I am so sorry about Carole's passing. She was a wonderful teacher and she was a positive force in children's lives. Carole had a special place in her kind heart for her students who were troubled. Years ago my daughter and I went to Disney World with she and Shirley. We made several trips to the Louisiana casinos. Sometimes we went to the Rodeo in Houston. I had not seen her in several years and I was saddened when I read her obituary. I offer my condolences to her family. Let your positive memories get you through your rough days.
Debora Evans
Carole was my mentor 39 when I was a student teacher. She became my friend for many many years after. Carole taught both my girls in second grade, and they referred to her as Aunt Carole after that. We shared many good times at Amelia! RIP Carole!