Mrs. Carolyn Jeanette Shelton Smith, age 76, of Lafayette, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2025, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Murray County, Georgia, on August 3, 1948, Carolyn was the daughter of the late Callie Meeks Shelton Slaughter and Joseph Charlie "Joe" Shelton. Her life was marked by a deep devotion to her family and a lifelong commitment to nurturing the minds of young students as a beloved para-professional at Varnell Elementary School. She cherished the opportunity to work with students and made a lasting impact on countless young lives.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 48 years, Marion F. Smith; grandchildren, C.J. Long and Chad McCullough; brothers and sisters-in-law, Harlan and Kathy Shelton, Charles Edward Shelton, Larry Shelton; sisters and brothers-in-law, Betty and Saul Rittenhouse, Catherine and Cecil Sanders; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hulen and Frances Crider Smith, Sr.

She is lovingly remembered by her sons and daughters-in-law, Shane and Dana Smith of Dalton, and Chris and Beth Long of Ringgold, GA; daughters and son-in-law, Sandy and Ramsey Blackmon of Lafayette, GA, Shina Long of Dalton, GA, and Tina Long of Chatsworth, GA; brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Faye Shelton of Dalton, GA; sisters and brother-in-law, Mary and Homer Watson of Chatsworth, GA, and Betsy Shelton of Alabama. Carolyn's legacy of love lives on through her cherished grandchildren, Meredith Cleghorn, Katie Beth Cleghorn, Cassi Gillespie, Buddy Gillespie, Scott McCullough, Miranda Long, Jacob Smith, Chandler Smith, Adrienne Smith, Jillian and Marcos Kerley, and Bryson Smith; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Carolyn's life will take place on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel, with Reverend Tommy Ridley officiating. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband at West Hill Cemetery. Jacob Smith, Chandler Smith, Bryson Smith, Marcos Kerley, Tylor Gillespie, and Arthur Lefler will serve as pallbearers in her honor.The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel on Monday, January 13, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and again on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour.

In memory of Carolyn's enduring love and dedication, her family invites those whose lives she touched to join in celebrating the life of a woman who exemplified kindness, strength, and love.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA, 30721. For more information, please visit www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org.