Carolyn Elizabeth Priester

Carolyn Elizabeth Smith Priester was born on April 10, 1944, to the late Richard Howard Smith Sr. and Mary Sue Wallace. On Thursday, October 16, 2025, Carolyn peacefully departed this life, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and grace that will never be forgotten.

Carolyn lived a life rooted in quiet strength, deep compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family. She believed in the power of kindness, the beauty of community, and the importance of faith. With a gentle spirit and generous heart, she touched countless lives and will be remembered for her laughter, wisdom, and unconditional love.

Beyond her role as a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Carolyn was a woman of many gifts and passions. She was an avid reader and a talented author, using her words to inspire and uplift others. A smart businesswoman, she was admired for her determination and wisdom. She found joy in cooking, often preparing meals that brought her family and friends together in love and fellowship. Carolyn also carried a heart for service, dedicating her time and energy to uplifting others through her nonprofit organization, Conquerers, where she worked tirelessly to support and strengthen her community. She also served faithfully in her church, where she was in charge of the prayer chain, lifting others in prayer and guiding them with her steadfast faith.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved daughters: Karen (Penny) Gash Pearson (Luther) of Hendersonville, North Carolina, and Stephanie Priester Nelson of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Carolyn’s joy and pride also live on through her cherished grandchildren: Tamika Nicole Gash (Abdell), Carolyn Elizabeth Pearson-Davis, Luther Pearson Jr. (Kristy), Ronald L. Pearson (Lauren), Cinque Priester, Imani Priester, and Faith Priester. She is also survived by a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will continue to carry her love and wisdom forward.

Her memory is further honored by her loving sisters Brenda Carter (Randy), Amelia Barbour, Dorothy Canty Armstrong, and Tena Tabetando; and her devoted brothers John Canty, Michael Canty, and Kenneth Canty.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandmother, Alene Smith; her beloved sons Ronald Levan Gash and Lee Randolph Priester; her sisters Margaret Bonner and Melba Canty; and her brothers Richard Howard Smith Jr., Claude Smith, and Lee Gregory Canty.

May she rest in eternal peace, her spirit forever shining in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

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