June 20, 2026, 83, Goldsboro – Carol Delois Bryant Smith, 83, was called home to her Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Born on August 16, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Matthew Doney Bryant and Ida Johnson Bryant.
In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in passing by her siblings, Kay Bryant, Doris Joyner, Harry Bryant, and Cliff Bryant.
Carol is survived by her husband, Claud McCray Smith; children, Derek Smith (Lawana), Beverly Savage (Larry), Michael Smith, and Jamel Bryant; grandchildren, Quandell Smith (Aneesha), Kimeo Smith (Hilda), Anyannah Smith, Derek Smith, Jr., Kala Savage (Caprice), Zion Crawford, and Nia Crawford; a host of great-grandchildren; and niece, Monica Smith, who was like her mother. Carol is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that she loved dearly.
Carol dedicated her life to shaping young minds as an educator. She believed deeply in the power of education to change lives, and she poured her heart into every student who passed through her classroom. Generations of children grew under her patient guidance, and many carried her lessons — academic and otherwise — with them long after they left her class.
Above all, Carol was a woman of faith. She loved Jesus with her whole heart, and that love showed in everything she did. Carol believed in the power of prayer, and she found deep purpose and friendship in her women’s prayer groups. She cherished the time spent in fellowship with her girlfriends — praying together, laughing together, and carrying one another through life’s seasons.
Carol also gave generously of her time to her community, serving wherever she saw a need and encouraging others to do the same.
She was known for her vibrant social life and her competitive spirit. Friday and Saturday nights were sacred for a different reason too — that’s when Carol could be found at the Bid Wiz table, cards in hand, and laughing with her friends late into the night. She stayed active and full of energy, often found on the tennis court or playing badminton, refusing to let age slow her down.
Carol was a woman who loved fully — her students, her church family, her friends, and her own family. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, laughter, and love that will continue through everyone she touched.
A memorial service celebrating Carol’s life will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 4 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home with Reverend Mareese Mitchell presiding. A time of visitation and remembrance will be held in the hour prior to the service, from 3-4 p.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home.
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