Carolyn A. Smith

Carolyn was born on February 19, 19663 in Washington, DC. Carolyn was the heart of
our family, a devoted wife and a proud, loving mother, and an unwavering child of God.
Every day, she showed us what it meant to live with love, compassion, and a heartfelt
laugh that would fill a room. She was our delicate flower, our anchor, our joy, and our
greatest gift from heaven.
Carolyn gave her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized here at Mt. Zion Baptist
Church. Carolyn was dedicated to a lifetime of learning, she earned National Merit
Scholar honors when graduating from Garfield High School in Woodbridge, VA. Carolyn
pursued higher education at the University of Virginia and George Mason University,
and ultimately earning a master's degree in public administration from American
University laying the foundation for a contracting career devoted to strengthening
government operations.
Born with a deep sense of service and commitment she became one of the first
employees of the newly formed U.S. Department of Homeland Security. There she
became a pioneering acquisition leader, her attention to detail, leadership, acquisition
and policy savvy modernized procurement practices and improved transparency across
the department. Rising to the Senior Executive Service, she shaped DHS's acquisition
framework, advised Congress on reform, and oversaw mission-critical contracting
across FEMA, TSA, CBP, and other components before her retirement in 2019. Yet
even in her most demanding roles, she never lost sight of what mattered most-her
family, her friends, and the people she mentored and supported.
Outside of work, Carolyn's warmth and generosity touched everyone she met. She
enjoyed traveling as much as possible. There were countless memories of her and Mike
traveling almost every island in the Caribbean with her cousins Debbie & Vince. She
also enjoyed playing tennis and channeling her inner Serena. She was an avid reader;
always looking for the next book to add to her Kindle. However, her favorite and most
private activity was playing classical piano. She truly enjoyed her private time spending
hours each day playing the classics like Fur Elise, Moonlight Sonata, and many more.
She gave freely of her time to mentor young professionals, volunteer in her community
though the non-profit organization ACTS and supporting families in need. She was very
good cook and enjoyed hosting family and friends over a wonderful meal. It was said
that Carolyn's Kitchen was a hot ticket. Her cakes, especially her carrot cakes, were
highly sought after treasures. These moments with family and friends reflected her
curiosity, her love of life, and her ability to make even ordinary days extraordinary.
To her husband, she was his life partner, best friend, and the love of his life. You could
see their love when you saw them together. To her son, she was a loving mother,
confidant, and friend. They would spend hours on the phone laughing and sharing
stories about science, world events and more. To her father and sister and family she
was a source of strength, comfort, and joy. To her colleagues, she was a trusted leader
and friend. To her many friends, she was a loyal companion whose radiant smile could
light up any room, who had a gift for lifting spirits, making you laugh when you wanted to
cry and surrounding you with compassion when you needed it most.
She was proceeded in death by her loving mother Sarah Ann Cross. She leaves to
morn her dedicated husband of 33 years Michael Smith, son Austin Smith, father
Richard Cross, and sister Tracy Cross, brothers-in-law Joseph Smith Jr., Gordon Smith,
Anthoney Smith Sr.(Angela), Jerry Smith (Shiela). She was also very proud of her many
nieces and nephews: Cynthia Childress, Lamont Hawkins, Michael Overstreet, Joseph
Smith III, Derrick Ashby, Shurri Smith-Lor, Korrey Mattingly Sr., Anthoney Smith II,
Brittany Smith, Jasmine Smith, Adrianne Lee, Courtney Lee, and Trenton Lee. She also
leaves a host of cousins, aunts, uncle, and close friends. Carolyn will be remembered
for the love, laughter, and kindness she shared so generously. Her legacy lives on in the
joy she brought, to her family and the friendships she nurtured, and the countless hearts
she touched.
Celebration of Life Services on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Mt. Zion Baptist
Church, 18410 Chapel St., Triangle, Virginia 22172. Viewing will begin at 9:00 AM, with
the service immediately following at 10:00 AM. Following the service, Carolyn will be
laid to rest at Mt. Zion Baptist Church near her beloved mother. Family, friends, and
colleagues are invited to gather following the services in remembrance of this wonderful
woman with the unforgettable smile.
Flowers and Charitable Contributions
Flowers are welcome and should be delivered to the Mt. Zion Baptist Church on
Thursday or Friday between 8:30 – 4:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to
Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Carolyn's honor.