Carolyn Dean Smith

Carolyn Dean Smith, age 72, of Fayette, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at St. Vincent-East Hospital. Services for Mrs. Smith will be Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Norwood-Wyatt Chapel, at 2:00 p.m. She will Lie-In-State one hour prior to service time. Burial will follow at Fayette Memorial Gardens. Norwood-Wyatt Chapel will be directing the service.

Carolyn was born on July 5, 1953, in Fayette, Alabama, the third of seven children to the late James and Coy Lee Whiteside.

Carolyn accepted Christ at an early age and remained a devoted member of McConnell Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church throughout her life. She graduated from Fayette High School in 1972 and began her long career in customer service at Foodway/Jitney Jungle in 1974, where she worked faithfully for decades. Later, she brought her love of food and fellowship to Charles Cafeteria, where her warm smile and delicious meals made her a beloved figure in the community.

Carolyn had a deep passion for cooking and baking, but her greatest joy came from loving and caring for her family. Affectionately known as “Auntie”, Carolyn played a vital role in raising many of her nieces and nephews, opening her home and her heart to all who needed her. Her nurturing spirit, steady presence, and unconditional love touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed.

She is preceded in death by both parents, James and Coy Lee Whiteside; two brothers: Walter Lee Whiteside and Charlie Edward Whiteside; and a great-niece, McKinleigh Whiteside.

Carolyn leaves to cherish her precious memories: her two sons: Christopher Smith of Macomb, MI and Glenn Smith of Jacksonville, NC; one sister, Zella “ReRe” Whiteside of Fayette, AL; three brothers: James Thomas Whiteside, Howard Whiteside (Joann), and Henry “Mark” Whiteside all of Fayette, AL; one aunt: Juanita Lee of Tuscaloosa, AL and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.