Carol Ann Smith

Carol Ann Smith, 83, a 56-year resident of Laurel, and for the past 5 years, Westminster, Maryland, passed into the presence of the Lord on March 27, 2026.

Carol was born in 1942 to Walter Smith and Blanche Smith (Silvera) in Brooklyn, New York. She carried the warmth and resilience of her New York roots throughout her life, eventually making Maryland her cherished home for more than five decades.

Carol spent much of her youth with her beloved grandfather, “Pop,” after the heartbreaking loss of her sister at age 11. Together, they shared many special memories, including Friday nights at Radio City Music Hall, where they attended family movies, Tea parties, and magical shows for just ten cents a ticket.

One of the defining moments in Carol’s life happened in 1957 when she and her Pop attended the first Billy Graham Crusade in New York City. Originally scheduled for six weeks, the crusade lasted sixteen weeks and reached more than two million people. Carol was among over 60,000 individuals who made the life-changing decision to follow Jesus, a commitment that remained the foundation of her life. Her teenage and young adult years were spent working and teaching young girls during the summers at Keswick Camp and Retreat Center, located near the Jersey Shore.

Carol began her career as an elementary school teacher after graduating from Houghton College. She later devoted herself fully to her true calling—being a loving wife, mother, and homemaker. Carol created a home filled with love, laughter, singing, warm meals, many guests, Bible studies, and the finest English-style Teas! Most importantly, she built a home where Jesus was always glorified and where everyone who entered felt welcomed and cared for.

Carol is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Ted, the love of her life, her constant, and her “knight in shining armor.” Together, they radiated the joy of the Lord, welcomed many into their lives, and shared a deep hope for the future grounded in their faith.

She is also survived by her daughter, Heather Ferguson (Smith); her beloved grandchildren, Drake Michael and Caleb Andrew Ferguson; her niece, Michelle Bartholomew (Smith), who was like a daughter to her; her brothers and sisters-in-law, her cherished nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces, as well as her second adopted family, the Hammonds, all of whom she loved dearly.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Blanche Smith; her cherished little sister, Janet; her nephew, John; and her beloved son, Michael Robert Smith.

Carol will be remembered for her unwavering faith and the deep love she gave to her family and everyone who knew her. Her life was a testament to grace, devotion, and resilience in the face of great loss. She showed that deep sadness and Joy can exist together.