Karol Smith, age 79, of Woodstock, Georgia, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.

Karol was born on February 18 in Panama City, Florida, to Helen June Harlow and Marvin Locke. Throughout her life, Karol had a heart for people and a genuine desire to make a difference. She dedicated her career to helping others as a social worker and activities coordinator, eventually consulting with nursing homes throughout Georgia. Her compassion, energy, and ability to make people feel cared for touched countless lives.

Giving back to her community was an important part of who Karol was. She was a longtime member of several service organizations, including the Band Boosters, Woodstock Jaycees, and the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. Karol had a special gift for bringing people together and providing comfort and encouragement when they needed it most. She never hesitated to lend a helping hand, and she found great joy in making life a little brighter for those around her.

But to those who knew and loved her best, Karol was so much more than her accomplishments. She was simply Karol—one of a kind, full of life, laughter, and personality.

Karol loved animals, the white sandy beaches of the Gulf, and spending time with her beloved “Queens,” where belly laughs were never in short supply. She was a fantastic hostess who loved throwing a good party and never shied away from a little theatrics. She had a flair for making an occasion special and a way of turning ordinary moments into wonderful memories.

Karol never met a stranger. She had an extraordinary ability to make people feel welcome, seen, and loved. Wherever she went, she left an impression, and she was loved by so many. Her laughter, her generosity, her spirited personality, and her enormous heart will be deeply missed.

Above all else, Karol was a loving wife, a wonderful mother, an adoring grandmother, and a loyal friend. Her greatest joy was her family, and the love she gave them will continue to live on in the generations she leaves behind.

Karol was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Smith, and her cherished Pup-Pup.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughters, Lisa (Kerry) Naliwajka, Laura Ventura, and Chris (Aaron) Hall; her grandchildren, Jordan (Eric), Sidney, Blake (Rashikka), Brooke (Alley), Tyler, and Evan; and her beloved puppy, Mitzi. She also leaves behind countless friends and loved ones whose lives were made happier simply because Karol was a part of them.

Though her absence leaves an ache that words cannot fully express, Karol's family and friends can take comfort in knowing that the love, laughter, kindness, and memories she gave so freely will never be lost. She will continue to live in the stories told around the table, the laughter shared among friends, the love of her children and grandchildren, and in every life she touched along the way.

A Celebration of Karol's Life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Victory Hall in Canton, Georgia. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., with a memorial service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Karol's memory to Cherokee County Senior Services. Checks may be made payable to Cherokee County Senior Services.

Cash donations may also be dropped off directly in the donation box at:

Cherokee County Senior Services1001 Univeter Road, Canton, GA 30115

770-345-2675

Karol lived her life with an open heart, a generous spirit, and a wonderful sense of fun. She loved deeply, laughed loudly, gave freely, and made the world around her a little brighter.

She will be missed more than words can say, but she will never be forgotten.