Carol Jean Smiley

Carol was born on August 11, 1935 to Carl and Jean Lang in Dayton, Kentucky. After high school, she attended Eastern Kentucky University, where she met and married Ronald Smiley, who passed away on October 5, 2010. As Ron was commissioned into the US Army, Carol put aside her education and became a military spouse, following her husband, raising children, and being involved in the military community, wherever they were stationed.

As a military spouse, Carol moved the family from Oklahoma, Kansas, W. Germany, California, Ohio, Texas, and finally settled in Northern Virginia. Her passion through these years was taking advantage of the sights and history during the seven years she got to spend in Germany, notably, Heidelberg. Heidelberg quickly became her adopted hometown, and was the starting point for many vacations over the years. While stationed there, Carol had the opportunity to learn to play the organ, and played two concerts on what was, at that time, the largest pipe organ in the country.

Additionally, Carol was her children’s chaperon for numerous field trips and sporting events. She was well known at soccer matches as the lady in the red cape, that told officials how to properly call “offsides” on the pitch. She greatly influenced her children to embrace life, treat others with respect, and appreciate music and the arts. It was always okay to fail, but not okay to not try. She didn’t always agree with her children’s decisions, but she always supported them.

In 1976, the Smiley family relocated for the final time to Northern Virginia. Ron retired from the military, started a new career, and Carol began working at a Savings & Loan. More importantly, she went back to finish her education. Carol graduated from George Mason University with a BS in Religious Studies, and began her world adventures of tracing the path of Martin Luther, and other religious figures. In her final 30 years, she made multiple trips to Europe, Israel and Egypt. One of her greatest pleasures was being able to go into old East Germany and other former communist countries, after the Berlin Wall came down in 1989. She even kept a piece of the wall in her china cabinet.

When Carol moved into Westminster after Ron died, she was given an opportunity to start a new life, where she chose to life, when to travel, and how involved she wanted to be, outside of the military. She absolutely loved her new life, embracing leadership roles, helping others, sponsoring new residents, and helping to make Westminster a better place.

Carol leaves behind four children: Robert (Tammy), Carole Denise, John (Teresa), and William (Julie); nine grandchildren: Alexandria (Jarrod), Patricia (Pat), Megan, David, Stephanie (Shaun), Katherine (Andrew), Samantha, Nicole and Brian; and six great grandchildren: Zachary, Nathan, Prince, Noah, Hunter, and Gracie.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Westminster to help others.