Carolyn Shive Smith

Carolyn Shive Smith, 87, of Hiram, Georgia, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024. 

She was born in Rowan County, North Carolina to the late Jacob Earl and Madeline Tiller Shive on November 13, 1936. Carolyn lived her earlier years in North Carolina and then Elberton, Georgia. Later in her life, Carolyn moved to the metro Atlanta area in Lithia Springs and Hiram.

Carolyn was successful in a variety of careers, beginning as legal secretary to a prominent tax attorney in Elberton. Later, she and her husband, Rev. J. Leroy Smith, owned and operated Mount Harmony Memorial Gardens in Mableton, Georgia. Along with her careers and raising her family, she often found time to assist H&R Block during tax seasons as well as selling Mary Kay Cosmetics to friends and neighbors, two things she truly enjoyed. Upon selling and retiring from Mount Harmony after over two decades, she continued to serve her community of Douglas County in a position at Wellstar Douglas Hospital, where she worked until 2008.

In her free time, Carolyn enjoyed Braves games and golf, and was a season ticket holder for The Fox Theater. She often shared her love of theater and music with friends, and enjoyed family game nights, yard work, collecting angels, and, above all, cherished spending time with family. After retirement from Wellstar, she enjoyed traveling with her husband and family. Road trips to regional destinations and family reunions were her favorite adventures.

She was the center of her family. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchild with an unconditional love and prayed earnestly for them.

Passionate about her faith, Carolyn was a longtime member of Austell First United Methodist Church where she was an active member of the choir and frequently sang duets with her husband. She also taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, served on various committees and was a volunteer secretary. She rarely missed an opportunity to be in church.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Spurgeon Anderson and survived by their children, Valary (Russell) Dreyer of Charleston, South Carolina, and Emory (Sherry) Anderson of Elberton, Georgia. She is also preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, J. Leroy Smith and survived by their son, Jamey (Heather) Smith and children Tammy (Buddy) Clark and Bonnie (Russell) Dunn.

She is survived by her brothers, Edwin (Joan) Shive of Elberton, Georgia, and Danny (Lanie) Shive of Greenville, North Carolina, and several nieces and nephews.

One of the highlights of Carolyn's life was spending time with all of her grandchildren: Courtney Clark, Justin Anderson, Anderson Dreyer, Garrett Anderson, Kaitlyn Smith, Ben Dreyer, Caden Anderson, and Brooklyn Smith; and her great-grandson, Benton Davis.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Hiram First Baptist Church (4211 Hiram Sudie Road, Hiram, Georgia 30141) with Pastor Joe Holcomb officiating. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10am with the service starting at 11am.

The family greatly appreciates your prayers during this difficult time.

Floral tributes can be delivered to the church prior to the service or to 206 Country Club Lane, Hiram, Georgia 30141. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hiram First Baptist Church Building Fund or to the Camp Glisson NGCRM Campership Fund (a North Georgia Conference Methodist Youth Camp). Gifts to the Campership Fund help make summer camp possible for families who have found the cost of summer camp to be out-of-reach. Camp Glisson has been and still is a strong influence in the lives of many throughout generations of campers and counselors in Carolyn’s family. Checks can be mailed to Glisson Camp and Retreat Center at 690 Camp Glisson Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533 or by visiting glisson.org/donate (http://glisson.org/donate). If you choose to donate, please indicate that your gift is in memory of Carolyn Smith.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Announcement courtesy of Berry Funeral Home & Crematory.