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Karen Smoots Obituary
Karen Kail Smoots died Monday, February 13, 2012, in Charlotte, North Carolina surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 3, 1938, the daughter of Alice B. and Harry H. Kail. She was predeceased by her parents, and her two brothers William F. Kail and Richard D. Kail.
Karen graduated from Laurel School in Cleveland, OH and then in 1960 earned a Bachelors of Science in Home Economics at Purdue University as a Kappa Alpha Theta sorority member. Upon graduation she taught school for several years and in 1980, she started a very successful regional off-premise catering company based in Charlotte. Eli's Catering became synonymous with creative and exquisite food presentation coupled with superior service. Within the industry, she was known for her willingness to tackle unusual solutions for clients' events. Whether events were for 4 people or 4,500 people, she and her dedicated staff approached each event as if they were in their own home. This dedication became her company's hallmark and why she was a mentor to many of her associates.
Over the years she enjoyed golf, travel and spoiling her children and five grandchildren. She is survived by two sons, David Kail Smoots and his wife Lisa Bowers Smoots, Bryan Todd Smoots and his wife Katherine Schwoebel Smoots; and grandchildren John Carroll Smoots, Harris Kail Smoots, William Hamilton Smoots, Thomas Claten Smoots and Sarah Tate Ling Smoots.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 16th, at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends in Jubilee Hall following the service.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to Laurel School, One Lyman Circle, Shaker Heights, OH 44122. Harry & Bryant Company is serving the Smoots family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Smoots
May 11, 2012
Karen had such terrific personality, wit and humor--she lite up the room. I enjoyed Karen as a Theta Sister and had a great time with her at a recent Theta reunion. I am sure this is a tremendous loss to you. I send my sincere sympathy.
Fondly,
Linda Kay (Gast) Fisher
Rocky Laroche
May 9, 2012
My heart sank when I found Karen's obituary online. I have such great memories of working for Karen, David and Todd and all the other staff at Eli's catering. We worked hard and laughed hard thats for sure. I loved Karen for being such a real person and admired her for her hard work and dedication in a very tough business.
I used to do alot of "schlepping" for Karen and one day she asked me to bring a couple bags of clothes to Goodwill for her at my convenience and she wanted a receipt. Well, on my way home was a bag lady that I would see on a daily basis pushing her grocery cart with most likely all her posessions and I just pulled over and dropped the bags into her cart. Weeks later Karen asked me about the receipts and I told her what I did. Karen kinda smirked and shook her head and then I said but Karen, I see the lady every morning and she is definitly the best dressed bag lady on Tryon ST. We had a good laugh and she told me I did the right thing. Only good memories thinking about Karen.....
Chris Schultz
February 17, 2012
David & Todd ,
I'm so sorry to hear this .Your Mom gave me my first job at Eli's which allowed me to move here from Buffalo .My greatest memories and joys are always surrounded by those wonderful days.Karen was always the best at whatever she did .I'll miss her. Chris Schultz
February 16, 2012
Dear David and Todd, I'm sure when Uncle Harry and Aunt Alice brought Karen, their little bundle of joy home, they were joined shortly by Joe and Bunny who placed Lynne in the same crib and a great friendship evolved that ended 74 years later on Monday. They shared many happy moments together over the years and they checked with each other before making some very important decisions. I know I had to pass Karen's inspection before she would let me continue dating Lynne. For 74 years she would still always say to me "You care of my Lynnie". Karen would tackle any job with such gusto..The first Women Series of Golf in Cleveland when she helped Lynne run the concessions stands for Laurel School which led to her association with Arnold Palmer in Charlotte. We remember the call to come help her in Charlotte for the 1st NBA All Star game. Lynne,Alison, John and myself flew down to help with a simple dinner. Setting up 22 bars and feeding 4500 people in the US Airways hanger grilled lamb chops. Karen assigned Lynne the job of cutting the pies l500 pies to be exact. We did this all in 2 hours!! Nothing was too big for Karen and she did everything with utmost class. My heart is with you all today as you honor my dear friend. Soon our tears of sorrow will turn to smiles and laughter as we recall the many happy moments we shared with Karen on this earth. God Bless you Darling and may you rest in peace. We love you!
John and Lynne
Eileen Gaddy
February 16, 2012
Todd and David, I certainly remember your Mom well and was always impressed with her dedication to her business and family as well as her kindness to others of us in the business. She was definitley the Queen of Catering in Charlotte, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you will miss her.
Eileen Gaddy
Gadabouts Catering
February 16, 2012
I will really miss Karen. What a fantastic, fun, sweet woman! My heart goes out to all the Smoots...David, Lisa, Todd, Kathryn and the many grandchildren. Much love, Shelly Domenech, I.C.London
Janice Gilbert
February 16, 2012
I am so very sorry for your loss. She has given us all such inspiration. Karen was born of an era when a woman's worth was measured in the narrow confines of "homemaker". She was the embodiment of feminism. Making her way in the business world one event at the time. Her goal perfection. Those of us who have worked for Karen have much to be thankful for. She was a loving mother, a teacher, a mentor, and a friend to many. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to know her and to have worked with her. What I learned from Karen has always and will continue to inspire and guide me. A blessing to all of us in so many ways; Karen will be missed.
Tammy Winchester Savage
February 15, 2012
Todd and crew... My heart is breaking for you in this most difficult of times. Karen was truly one in a million. I have rarely met anyone as strong willed, compassionate, loving and genuinely honest as your mother. I pray that she knew to some extent the sheer number of lives she impacted. She helped guide so many of us, and left us better for her influence. She will truly be missed. We're praying for you all!
Chuck Richards
February 15, 2012
I knew her as a friend and business person and always great admiration of her accomplishments. Her smile and willingness to help others will be missed.
Chuck Richards
Formerly Reid's Fine Foods
Bonnie Bozeman
February 15, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
February 15, 2012
I was so shocked to see this. She was always full of energy, running around to "get the job done". I love balsamic dressing and goat cheese to this day because of her!
Nancy (Strauch) Chirico
February 15, 2012
Dear Todd and family,
I was so sorry to learn of your Mom's passing and I offer my heartfelt condolences. I will always remember her as a special co-worker. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace.
Frank Redd
February 14, 2012
David, Lisa, and family....I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy. Karen was a delightful person who I enjoyed knowing and working with over the years. I will pray that God will bless you during this difficult time. May wonderful memories comfort you and give you peace. Your friend, Frank Redd
Deborah Barnes
February 14, 2012
Todd and David,
Your Mom was a woman that looked up to and admired and I feel that I learned a lot from her during the 10 years that I worked with her. I'll be thinking and praying for you and your family.
Nancy Mudd
February 14, 2012
Todd and family, I'm very sorry for your loss; Ms.Smoots was a wonderful person and a very hard working women. I learned so much from her and thankful that I had an opportunity and honored to have worked for her, she will be missed. God bless all of you.
Sharon Frazier
February 14, 2012
Todd, Katherine, David, Lisa, and family,
My love and prayers are with you in your time of loss. I had so many wonderful times working with Karen and learned so much from her. She was one strong, beautiful spirit. Heartfelt sympathy.
Sharon
linda griffith
February 14, 2012
Todd and David,
We send you our deepest sympathies at a time when words can offer little comfort. I am sure that as such a dynamic, inspirational woman you are fortunate to have many, many wonderful memories to cherish and hold her close. Our thoughts are with you and your families. Fondly, Linda
Shane Brooks
February 14, 2012
Karen will be missed by all. She was truly a special woman that everyone had the utmost respect for. Todd, your family will be in our prayers as we wish you all comfort in your time of loss.
February 14, 2012
Todd and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Karen was an incredible person and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work for her and her family. You are in my thoughts!!! Holly Peterson
Dana Craig
February 14, 2012
Todd & Katherine, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. With Love,
Jimmy Smith
February 14, 2012
The Hardest Working And Most Inspirational Woman I Ever Had The Good Fortune To Work For. Todd & David, I'm Sorry For Your Loss, Thinking Of You And Your Families. She Was An Incredible Woman.
Jessica Gregory
February 14, 2012
Heaven will be having quite the parties now! Karen- you will be missed by all. I wouldn't be where I am today without your wisdom and guidance. I hope you know how many people you influenced in your life! My love and prayers to the entire Smoots family...
debi thomas
February 14, 2012
m s. karen was one of a kind she was a wonderful person ans a great boss. She did so much for so many and every life she touched was blessed for having known her. She will be truly missed as a freind, boss and neighbor. May she rest in peace and rejoice in heaven for she was truly an angel! with deepest symathy to all her family. Her old friend Debi Thomas
February 14, 2012
David and Lisa, Todd and Katherine, and all the grandchildren, I am so sorry for your loss. You know that I have 22 years of great memories of Karen. She was a phenomenal woman who inspired many over the years. I learned so much from her. She will be greatly missed. Just know that you all will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Dee
Sarah Martin
February 14, 2012
Todd, David and family -
Karen was a wonderful women, mentor and I loved being able to be a part of your family dynamics in the office. She will be missed greatly. But please know that her legacy will live on in our city and in your family. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jon Richardson
February 14, 2012
Dear Smoots family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Karen will be missed by thousands of former clients who always knew she would provide excellent meals, first class service, and high attention to detail. Additionally, there are many former employees who can share stories of how Karen helped them grow, not only in their careers, but also in their personal development. While she will be remembered for her high expectations, creativity, and strong work ethic, she will also be remembered for her compassion, loyalty, and sense of humor. Her smile would light up a room. We send our love to all of you.
Ron Shelton
February 14, 2012
I will always have fond memories of Karen. I am so sorry for your family's loss.
Patty Braucher
February 14, 2012
Todd & David ,My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family this morning. What a fine mother you had! I will always remember her laughter and all her catering tips. She was a perfectionist in everything she did and I am honered to have known and worked for an amazing lady! God Bless All Of You!
February 14, 2012
The Catering Industry has lost a giant but God has gained an angel. Our sincere heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Smoots family. Karen set the tone for all of us in this business. She will be missed.
Dave & Fran Cook
Americana Catering Group
Gourmet Catering By Dave & Fran
Charlotte, North Caeolina
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