Carolyn Smith Williams was born on March 30, 1943, in Lumber City, Georgia, to the late Alma Smith and Ernest Smith, Sr. 

Carolyn later went on to graduate from Central High School in McRae, Georgia. 

After graduating from high school, in the early 1960s, Carolyn relocated to Miami, Florida, where she attended Jewish Vocational School and started her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Mount Sinai Medical Hospital. She was promoted to Medical Technician and retired as a Unit Secretary after 39 1/2 years. Carolyn was a God-fearing woman and was a member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church. 

Carolyn was married to the late Edison Williams, Sr., and through this union five children were born, Brenda, Montarie, Jacqueline, Angela, and Edison Jr. Carolyn embraced motherhood with unwavering devotion, creating a home filled with love, warmth, and faith. Family gatherings were legendary, filled with laughter, love, and delicious southern meals. She was well known for her extraordinary skills with southern soul cooking. 

On June 23, 2025, Carolyn was called home to be with her heavenly father. Carolyn was preceded in death by her daughter, Brenda Shaw; son, Edison Williams, Jr.; nine siblings, Ruth Smith, Rosetta Swain, Mildred Lewis, Earnest Smith, Jr., Doris Butts, Otha Smith, Janie Mae Smith-Griffin, Grover Smith, and William Smith; three grandchildren; Shakelia Shaw, Tanisha Shaw, and Irvin Maurice Hicks. 

Carolyn leaves to mourn: a loving life partner for many years, Hazel Bacon; children, Montarie Williams of Miami, Florida; Jacqueline (Joseph) Scavella, Summerville, South Carolina, and Angela Williams of Miami, Florida; one sister, Ernestine (Chamberlain) Watson, Adel, Georgia; four brothers, Richard (Lorraine) Smith, Fort Myers, Florida; Curtis (Cynthia) Smith, Cleveland, Ohio, and Fred (Tina) Clark and Winfred (Cassie) Smith both of Lumber City, Georgia; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.