Ms. Carol Smith, 88, of Charlotte, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at her residence.

Carol Jean Taggart Smith, born on November 10, 1936, in Salisbury, North Carolina, entered eternal rest on Saturday, January 11, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her life was a testament to love, faith, and a steadfast commitment to family, education, and creativity.

The daughter of Julia Chambers Taggart and Everett V. Taggart, a local business owner, Carol graduated from Monroe Street School and Price High School in Salisbury, NC. She earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Livingstone College in 1957, which laid the foundation for a lifetime devoted to education and personal growth.

Carol's teaching career spun several decades, touching the lives of countless students across Ellerbe, NC, Charleston, SC, and Charlotte, NC. As a junior high and high school educator specializing in biology and chemistry, she was deeply admired for her kindness, dedication, and ability to inspire young people, particularly Black males. In 1974, Carol furthered her ability by earning her master's degree in chemistry from Michigan State University.

Beyond the classroom, Carol was a proud Crystal Dove of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, cherishing the sisterhood and service opportunities offered. For over 60 years, she was an active member of First Baptist Church-West in Charlotte, where she served on the Flower Committee and aided with Vacation Bible School. Additionally, she found joy in creating and connecting with others through the H'Art Friendly Crafters Association, a group of Christian women united by their shared passion for art and creativity.

After retiring from education, Carol embraced her artistic talents and founded Taggart's Figurines, a business dedicated to crafting unique ethnic collectibles. A descendant of entrepreneurs, she traveled across the United States, offering her original creations alongside works by other renowned artists such as Annie Lee. Her meticulously designed figurines, vibrant with color and meaning, celebrated African American culture and complemented a variety of décors, sororities, and fraternities.

Carol's greatest joy was her family. She was a steadfast source of love and guidance, cherished as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin. Her family treasures memories of her laughter, wisdom, and unwavering support. Carol Jean Taggart Smith will always be remembered as a passionate educator, dedicated community member, and talented artist. Her legacy of love, faith, and service lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall E. Smith Sr., and her son, Michael T. Smith. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah; her son, Marshall (Aquaria) Jr.; her grandchildren, Kai Richardson, Marshall Renard, and Hunter; sisters, Sandra Walker and Brenda L. (Larry Sr., Esq.) Thompson, PhD; her nieces Donna (Lamont) Meisenheimer and Michelle Walker; nephews Larry D. (Sophia) Thompson Jr., Esq., and Gary Thompson, Esq.; and a host of extended family members.