Carolyn Smith Allen

Carolyn Smith Allen, a dedicated educator, passionate advocate, and groundbreaking public servant who made history as Greensboro’s first female mayor, passed away peacefully at home on September 1st at the age of 93. Remembered for her quiet determination, strong moral compass, and lifelong commitment to social justice and environmental stewardship, she leaves behind a transformative legacy across the Triad and the state of North Carolina.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, on November 3, 1932, to Everett G. “Cap” Smith and Helene Perrin Smith, Carolyn grew up Austin, Texas, where her father was on the business faculty of the University of Texas. She earned an A.A. from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri in 1951 and her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Texas in 1953, followed by a Master of Arts in Sociology from Florida State University in 1958, before pursuing postgraduate studies at the University of Missouri.

She met her future husband, Don Allen, in the Sociology Department of UT Austin where he was completing his doctorate. They married in January 1962 and moved to Greensboro in time for the fall semester at Women's College, soon to become the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where Don was invited to join the Sociology faculty. They welcomed their daughter Emily in September 1965.

Carolyn was a lifelong learner with a broad range of interests who tackled new ideas with vigor. She shared her passion for learning with generations of students in Greensboro, serving as a sociology instructor at North Carolina A&T State University from 1975 to 1977 and at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) from 1977 to 1985.

Beyond academia, Carolyn was a driving force in non-profit advocacy and civic governance. She served as President of both the Greensboro Chapter and the State Board of the League of Women Voters of North Carolina. Her leadership extended across numerous boards and regional entities, including the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments, the North Carolina League of Municipalities, the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART), and the National League of Cities. Her deep interest in nature and the environment inspired her membership in the Piedmont Bird Club, the T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon chapter, the Piedmont Land Conservancy, the Conservation Trust for North Carolina, and Greensboro Beautiful.

Driven by a desire to match "hopes with reality," Carolyn entered local politics, topping the at-large City Council ticket in 1989 and serving on the Greensboro City Council until 1993. In November 1993, she was elected Greensboro’s first female mayor—a milestone role she held with distinction across three consecutive terms until 1999.

As Mayor, Carolyn championed public safety through community policing, expanding affordable housing, and strengthening public transit. Known for her steady hand and bridge-building leadership, she spearheaded the Mayor's Task Force on Crime, which launched Project Greensboro, and brought racial equity initiatives and Undoing Racism workshops directly into municipal operations. Long after leaving City Hall, she remained an active advocate for social healing, leaving a deep imprint through her work with the Greensboro Truth and Community Reconciliation Project, perhaps the achievement of which she was most proud. In recognition of her decades of service, the city honored her with the dedication of the Carolyn S. Allen Community Park in northwest Greensboro.

Carolyn and Don joined St. Andrew's Episcopal Church after their arrival in Greensboro and found a vital, supportive family there. They both served on the Vestry at different times and Carolyn was a member of the Episcopal Church Women. She enjoyed travel and had many adventures both with friends and family and through the National League of Cities in such widely varied places as Brazil, Israel, France, the Galapagos Islands, and numerous cities, national parks, and wildlife refuges across the United States.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald F. Allen. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Trever Talbert, and a grateful community touched by her vision and public service. Her daughter wishes to thank the nurses and caregivers from Hospice of the Piedmont, Griswold Home Care, and all the nurses and staff at the ER at Drawbridge and on 4th West at Wesley Long Hospital who cared for her mother at the end of her life.

A memorial service celebrating Carolyn’s life and legacy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, with a reception to follow in the parish hall, located at 2105 West Market Street, Greensboro, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Carolyn’s honor to the Beloved Community Center, the T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon chapter, the Piedmont Bird Club, or the League of Women Voters of North Carolina.