Carol Ann Smith

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Cox; her sisters, Betty Cox Johnson and Janie Cox Shows; and her brother, Billy Cox.

Carol is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Denver C. Smith; her niece, Pamela Carol Kitch (John) of Gulfport, MS; her nephew, Phil Shows (Nikki) of Franklin, TN; her niece, Eva Gayle Cox (Phil) of Pearl; six great-nieces and nephews; and ten great-great-nieces and nephews.

Carol was born in Jackson, MS, on October 3, 1948. She was a lifelong resident of Pearl, MS, where she was known for her warm and nurturing spirit and her unwavering dedication to her family. After graduating with honors from Pearl High School in 1966, she married her beloved Denver on June 10, 1967, at Pearl United Methodist Church, where she was a faithful member for many years.

Carol graduated from Draughon's Business College and worked for the FBI for several years before discovering her true calling in education. She earned her degree from Belhaven College and her master's degree from Mississippi College, later achieving her National Board Teacher Certification. For 30 years, Carol dedicated herself to shaping young minds, teaching at Pearl High School for five years and Northwest Rankin for 25 years. She also served as cheerleader sponsor, mentoring countless students with the same warmth and encouragement she brought to all her relationships.

Carol had a gift for creating a beautiful home that made everyone feel welcome. She was an immaculate housekeeper with an eye for design, and her home was a comfortable haven that reflected her care and attention to detail. Her backyard was a masterpiece, a carefully tended garden filled with beautiful flowers and plants where she could enjoy nature alongside her beloved cats. Those who visited were always struck by the stacks of books and magazines throughout her home. Carol had a lifelong love of reading and could often be found with a good book in hand. Over the years, she devoured thousands of books, and her enthusiasm for literature was infectious.

Though her circle was small, Carol loved her people with fierce devotion. She had an extraordinary gift for making each person feel special, seen, and deeply cared for. When you spoke with Carol, you felt like the center of her world. Her warmth, her nurturing spirit, and her genuine interest in others created bonds that ran deep. She cherished her family above all else and was a devoted wife, daughter, sister and aunt who loved wholeheartedly and without reservation.

Carol faced her battle with lymphoma with remarkable courage and strength. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center who cared for Carol with such compassion in her final weeks.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 1:00pm-4:00pm at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, Mississippi.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mississippi Animal Rescue League in Carol's memory.