Carolyn Jean Jones Smith, age 95, of Forest City

Carolyn Jean Jones Smith, age 95, of Forest City, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025.

She was born July 10, 1929, in Walnut, NC, to the late James Jones, and Myrtle Queen Jones Brown. Jean dedicated 36 years of her life to the Rutherford County School System, where she touched the lives of countless students as a teacher at Ellenboro, Oakland, Carver, and RS Middle School.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Clyde Smith; her daughter, Gail Bumgarner; her son, Butch Smith; granddaughter Emily Williams; son-in-law David Norris; as well as her sisters Mable Mayn, Louise Walker, Joyce Norville, and her brother Billy Queen Jones.

She is survived by her daughters, Sandra Norris, Lisa Moir and husband Ron; her son, Mike Smith and wife Arlene; daughter-in-law Linda Smith; and son-in-law David Bumgarner, 9 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 6 great- great grandchildren.

The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Lemmer "Banks" Wilkerson for the compassionate and dedicated care she provided for six years.

Services were held February 4 at Spencer Baptist Church with Dr. Bruce Caldwell and Rev. Wesley Smith officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com.