Carolyn Smitley

CHARLESTON – Carolyn E. Smitley, 81, of Charleston, passed away Friday, June 22, 2018 at Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

The funeral service honoring her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at the Harper-Swickard Funeral Home.  Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Memorials may be directed to the EIU Speech and Hearing Clinic or a charity of the donor's choice.

Carolyn was born March 11, 1937 at Kansas, Illinois, one of six children born to Russell and Frances (Sexton) Towles.  She married Leland Emory Smitley, August 28, 1955 at Corinth, MS; he passed away April 21, 2015.  Surviving are their children: Debra Smitley of Springfield, IL and Robert Smitley and wife Vicky of Dewey, IL; three grandchildren: Hope Wilson of Kansas City, MO, Megan Weaver and husband Andy of Le Roy, IL, and Carly Wilson of Foosland, IL; long-time caregiver: Nancy Ann Barber of Charleston and friend Leon Grissom of Kansas, also survive.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, and one grandson: Jason Smitley.

Carolyn was a devoted wife and mother, and always treasured the time she was able to spend with family.