Carole Clark Smith

Carole Ann was born on January 14, 1940, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Robert Clark and Kathryn Clark. She graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School as a “Flying L” and later graduated from Florida State University, where she met the love of her life, Jim Smith. They were married at Park Temple Church in Fort Lauderdale on December 29, 1962. Jim and Carole soon made Tallahassee their home. Their greatest adventure began in 1964 when they welcomed their firstborn, Kathryn. Their family quickly grew with the births of their sons, Clark and Scott.

At the Smith house, animals were just as much family as the humans. Over the years, Carole welcomed not only more than 20 dogs of all shapes and sizes, but also pigs, cats, and just about anything else that needed a home.

Carole never met a stranger. She made friends everywhere she went, and her kind nature and gentle spirit resulted in an extensive circle of friends from all chapters of her life. Her impact on her community was wide, and her warmth will be dearly remembered. There is no doubt she is making friends in heaven—and remembering each of them by name.

Affectionately known as Mimi by her grandchildren, there are certain things that simply will not be the same without her: her expert opinions on FSU football, her iconic pimento cheese and lemon square recipes that we will forever try to recreate, her stories of old Florida, and the boxing skills she discovered at Sweat Therapy. And, of course, she always reminded us that beautiful skin is better than a face full of makeup.

Her light continues to shine through her husband of 63 years, Jim Smith; her children, Kathryn Ballard (Brian Ballard), Clark Smith (Darica Smith), and Scott Smith; and her grandchildren, Kathryn Kardell (Ben Kardell), Maddie Ballard, Sarah Clark Ballard, Conall Smith, Caroline Smith, and Cy Smith; and her precious labradoodle, Margaret.

In recent years, Carole had the incredible joy of knowing three great-grandchildren. Wiley, Ben, and Teddy were fortunate to share many special memories with their Mimi, whom they love dearly.

Carole lived her life with unwavering kindness and grace. She will be deeply missed by all who had the true blessing of knowing and loving such an extraordinary woman.

A service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Tallahassee, Florida at 11:00 am on April 28, 2026 to honor Carole’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Big Bend Hospice. https://bigbendhospice.charityproud.org/Donate