Carol Watts Gardner Smith

Carol Watts Gardner Smith passed away on October 7, 2023, after a long struggle with cancer.  Carol was born on March 27, 1944, in Alexandria, Virginia, and raised in Lorton, Virginia.  She spent summers with her sister in Poquoson, Virginia, where she met the love of her life, whom she married in 1963.

Carol graduated from Riverside School of Nursing, Christopher Newport University, and George Washington University. She was the first full-time school nurse in the Poquoson School system and subsequently had a long career in the Riverside Health System. After retirement, she enjoyed farming, cooking, socializing, and dancing, especially Argentine tango. 

Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Judith Gardner, her sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Bill Johnson.  She is survived by her loving husband of sixty years, Robert (Mopey) Smith, her nieces, Vickie Johnson Campbell, Fawn Johnson (Rodney Forstall), and Cris Johnson (Tim Price), her great-nephew, Stephen Campbell (Megan), and her great-niece, Megan Campbell, and her loving friend of many decades, Pat McDougal, and her grateful recent friend, Chris Hostetler.

Carol was well known for her radiant smile and disarming, affectionate personality.  She enriched every occasion, whether in the company of new acquaintances or lifelong friends.  She lived her life to the fullest.  Her motto was to do everything you can for as long as you can.

The family wishes to thank the Riverside Hospice Care Team and all the friends who helped her during her illness.  Donations may be made to the Riverside Foundation, the Smith Memorial Cemetery (care of Carol Ann Martin, 256 Wythe Creek Road, Poquoson, VA 23662), or a charity of your choice.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Smith Memorial Cemetery, Brickhouse Road, Poquoson, Virginia 23662.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.

Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.

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