Carolyn Davis Smith

AIKEN, SC - Carolyn Davis Smith, 94, of Aiken, South Carolina, formerly of Syracuse, New York, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2016. She was born to Carl H. Davis and Maria Francisco Davis in Wichita, Kansas. Carolyn graduated from Wichita High School North in 1938, Friends University, Wichita in 1942 and received a Bachelor’s in Library Science from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 1943. She worked as a librarian in the West Hartford Public Library and Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Co, Hartford, Ct. before moving to Syracuse, New York in 1946. Carolyn worked as librarian for Syracuse University and received a Master’s in Library Science in 1956. She was employed 27 years as school librarian for the West Genesee School District in Camillus, New York. Carolyn enjoyed spending time with family, quilting, reading, playing bridge and traveling. She and her husband were active RVers and traveled extensively throughout the US and Europe as members of the Airstream Club. They spent winters at Travelers’ Rest Airstream Park in Dade City, Florida for many years. Carolyn was a member of Fairmount Community Church in Syracuse, NY, the American Library Assn., New York Library Assn., Syracuse School Library Assn., Friends University Alumni Assn., P.E.O. International Chapter P Aiken, SC and Chapter M Syracuse, NY, and St. John’s UMC, Aiken, SC. Carolyn is predeceased by David W. Smith, her husband of 64 years. She is survived by two daughters, Shelley Spoering of Simsbury, CT and Tracy (Richard) Spaeth of Aiken, SC, four grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of Cumberland Village, Harbor Chase and Trinity Hospice for the care and love they showed Carolyn during her time in Aiken. There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, January 16, at St. John's United Methodist Church with the Reverend Dr. Tim McClendon officiating. A reception will follow in Ward Hall. Carolyn will be laid to rest in Grahamsville Rural Cemetery, Grahamsville, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Carolyn’s memory may be made to Fairmount Community Church, 4801 West Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13219 or St. John’s United Methodist Church, 104 Newberry St., Aiken SC 29801 or Friends University, 2100 West University St., Wichita, Kansas 67213. Carolyn’s online guest book may be signed by visiting www.shellhousefuneralhome.com SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Carolyn Davis Smith, please visit our flower store.