Carol Sue Smith, a vibrant soul cherished by all who knew her, departed this life on August 19, 2024, at the age of 83, in Westland, Michigan. Born on August 6, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Benjamin and Delores Brainard, Carol's life was a tapestry of love, creativity, and resilience.

Carol's journey began as the beloved daughter of Benjamin and Delores, and she grew up alongside her siblings, Delores (Garvis) Fenwick, David Brainard, and the late Rick Hanchett. She met the love of her life, Bert Smith, during a night out dancing with friends at a local bar, and together they built a life rich in love and companionship, celebrating 57 years of marriage.

Carol's legacy lives on through her adoring family: her husband, Bert; her children, Clarence (Sandy) Sanborn, Laura (Tom) Huot, and Vicki Smith; and her cherished grandchildren, Nadine Sanborn, Nicole Huot, Evan Huot, Olivia Groesbeck, and Kathryn Groesbeck. She took immense pride in her role as a doting grandmother, making it a priority to attend every sporting event and concert, celebrating each milestone.

An intelligent woman with a creative spirit, Carol was an accomplished artist, her paintings and drawings a testament to her talent and passion. Her love for the arts extended to the literary world, where she was an avid reader, with a particular fondness for mystery novels that captivated her imagination and stirred her intellect.

Carol's zest for life was evident in her hobbies, which included a deep enjoyment of word puzzles and card games. She could spend hours engaged in the challenge of a good puzzle or the thrill of a card game with family. Her love for bingo and slot machines was well-known, as she joyfully indulged in these pastimes.

She was a woman of many accomplishments, not the least of which was earning her Associates in Accounting, a field in which she excelled due to her keen mind and attention to detail. Carol's life was not without its challenges, but she faced each hardship with a feisty determination and an unwavering strength that inspired all who knew her.

Her absence will be deeply felt by her family, friends, and all who were touched by her remarkable spirit. Carol's life was a celebration of love, art, and the unbreakable bonds of family, and she will be profoundly missed. Though she has left our sight, her light remains, guiding us with the memory of her enduring love and the beauty she brought into the world.