Mrs. Joey Carolyn Smith, 81, of Tuttle, passed away Tuesday morning, November 25, 2025 at her home. She was the daughter of the late Charlie Fairbanks and Mary Ellen Black Helton born May 10, 1944 in Knox County.
Carolyn was a homemaker and a member of the New Bethel Baptist Church. She found joy in simple things, cooking meals with love for her family, tending to her flowers and spending time in the garden. Carolyn had so many creative talents, was a farmer at heart and soul and had the voice of an angel. Heaven must sound prettier now with her beautiful voice added to those singing praises to the Lord. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
In 1962, she united in marriage with Obie James Sams and they welcomed their daughter, Theresa, in 1963. Following the death of her first husband in 1981, she later united in marriage with Albert “Bert” Smith in 1983.
In addition to her parents and first husband, she was preceded in death by siblings, Doris Carty, Barbara Evans, Alvin, Charles, Clifton and Larry Helton; granddaughter, Hannah McFadden and son-in-law, Michael McFadden.
Survivors include her loving husband, Bert Smith; children, Daniel Smith and wife, Jean, Andrew Smith and wife, Donna, and Theresa McFadden; siblings Janice Kinman and Douglas Helton; cherished grandchildren, Michael McFadden II and wife, Olivia, Sarah McFadden, Tyler Tankersley and wife, Natalie, Megan, Molly, Conner and Benji Smith; great-grandchildren, Jesse Tankersley and Hannah Mae Anderson; several nieces and nephews; among other loved ones and dear friends who will cherish her memory.
In addition, she also leaves behind her sweet protector and best friend Lil’ Precious. She loved and cared for this sweet fur friend for years. When Carol’s time came to slow down, Precious protected her and held close and steady to her every word, sound and movement. It was a precious pet blessing from our Heavenly Father.
Her funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Monday, December 1 at 1 P.M. with Rev. Randy Johnson and Rev. Dennis Hammons officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Helton Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be her family and friends.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Monday after 10:30 A.M. until the funeral hour.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Bluegrass Care Navigators at www.bgcarenav.org/give in her memory.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
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