Carol Smith's Obituary
Elene Caldwell Smith, a devoutly passionate woman, a lover of life, and a true seeker of knowledge and the distribution of it. She encouraged everyone around her to strive to fulfill their true inner potential. Never one to surrender to the pitfalls of mediocrity, she not only spoke of greatness but also supremely sought out to do more than expected of her, to the point of sheer greatness in all aspects of her life. She will not be forgotten ever because of the profound difference she made in a myriad of human lives. These virtues not only were evident in her professional career but in all elements of her life. Love and eternal optimism were the way in which she lived by. Creativity was all important to her. Not to merely think but to think outside of the box. T o create and not destroy, to encourage and not criticize, to nurture, love and enlighten. To love limitlessly, to travel and assimilate the ways, with true understanding and compassion for all people regardless of their economic status, race, religion or disabilities, she saw what most consider impairments to be unique character traits to work with not deny, en-route to inner fulfillment. She frequently professed ?ÇÿTeaching is my legacy. It is my reason for being. If I can just reach a few kids each year, my life will have been worthwhile”She far surpassed this statement, a few turned into a flock, which grew into a movement, which will ultimately grow exponentially; giving her true immortality through the evolution and ever present expansion of knowledge and values passed through generation and generation. One might think that such greatness had limitations and maybe she was only able to carry on this philosophy through certain aspects of her life. But I can guarantee as her beloved son that these principles were distributed throughout all facets of her life. She taught her first and greatest lesson to her kids, and we live by these teachings and promise, to also achieve greatness. Through her passing and the loss of the best mom we could imagine ever having, we will only strive more diligently, work harder, be greater, teach and learn more ,and like her unselfishly try to encourage those that surround us with the same un bridled positive encouragement, again like her regardless of the merit of the receiver.Carol Elene Caldwell Smith became interested in teaching when her children were in kindergarten. After graduating form the University of Central Florida in 1979 with a 4.0 and Summa cum laude honors. She began teaching the sixth grade. Carol formerly taught at Fort Myers Middle school, then at Gulf Middle School before coming to The Sanibel school, where she had worked most recently.Carol has moved on to a better place and will never be forgotten, She will be loved into infinity and beyond, cherished for forever and a day by her devoted son John Charles Caldwell, also known as [dNASAb] a NYC visionary artist, and her daughter Cindy Louise Caldwell-West who is carrying on in her footsteps and is mentoring and teaching young minds in West Palm Beach Florida. She also will be treasured evermore by her grandchildren, Savannah Louise West and Mathew Tyler West, indefinitely loved by her husband Geordie Smith, who was the love of her life. Her memorial service will not be solemn but a celebration of her life. It will be held at the Sanibel Community Church, 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida, at 1pm. Please join us in this celebration and help us to immortalize her in all her glory through creativity, love and honor.
What’s your fondest memory of Carol?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carol?
Share a story where Carol's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carol you’ll never forget.
How did Carol make you smile?