Patricia Caro Smith

Patricia Caro Smith, 95, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, having been surrounded by many family members during her last days. Born in Pensacola on October 12, 1930, Mama Pat lived a very full life defined by her love of God and others. She was honored when recognized by the City of Pensacola as a direct descendant of Pensacola's original permanent settlers.
Her parents, Philip McDavid Caro and Dorothy Andrews Caro, moved to Milton in 1934. Following McDavid Caro's untimely death in 1946, Pat's mother married James Thomas Estes in 1948. Pat welcomed Jim into her family with love and grace. Pat graduated from Milton High School and from Florida State University, where she was involved in student government (secretary of junior class), Kappa Delta Sorority, and the Wesley Foundation. She moved to Pensacola in 1952 to become one of the first two teachers at Christ Church Kindergarten (which later became Episcopal Day School). In 1954, she married Luther Louis Smith, Jr., who predeceased her in 2007. Pat remained active in the community in Junior League of Pensacola, Impact 100 (charter member), and as an elder at First Presbyterian Church. She was always smiling, quick to compliment others and wrote many treasured cards to friends and family for every birthday, celebration or time of concern.
Pat is survived by her brother, James McDavid Caro (Marilyn); her children: Michael D. Smith (Cindy), Carolyn Smith Esser (Randy), and Craig A. Smith (Carolyn); her grandchildren: Rev. Cheryl Smith Hinnen (Rev. Jack), Katie Esser Hammock (Thomas), Dr. Stephen Estes Smith (Sarah), and David Randolph Esser and her great-grandchildren: Samuel Hammock, Macy Hinnen, Riley Beth Esser, Cooper Smith, Desmond Hinnen, Marshall Esser, Caroline Hammock, and Michael Smith.
Pat's Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church, where she was a member for 70 years. All are invited to a reception afterwards in the Jane C. Noonan Center at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bright Bridge Ministries in Pensacola, FL.