Mary "Carole" Smyer, born on July 22, 1940, in the charming town of Staunton, located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, peacefully concluded her earthly journey on Feb. 27, 2026, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. 

Her life, rich in love, creativity, and community, leaves a profound legacy cherished by all who knew her. 

Carole was the beloved daughter of Floyd "Lefty" Smyer and Lottie Ruth Smyer, and she carried their legacy of warmth and kindness throughout her life. 

Preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Barbara Ruth Swisher, and her grandmother, Mary Lenie Dotson, Carole is now lovingly remembered by her daughter, Bryan Ruth Ferguson, who stood by her side with unwavering love and support. 

She was a cherished grandmother to John Ferguson Hollingsworth, Forrest Nelson Hollingsworth, and Audrey Phillips Hollingsworth-Krill, and a proud great-grandmother to Oslo Sterling Krill. 

Her family also includes her devoted brother, Floyd "Virgil" Smyer Jr., his wife, Susan Patterson Smyer, their children, David Payton Patterson Smyer and Amanda Smyer Clutter, and nephew, Jackson Earl Swisher, as well as a wide circle of great-nieces and nephews, all of whom carry forward Carole's enduring spirit.

Carole's journey through life was marked by academic and professional achievements. She graduated from Fairfield High School in 1958 and pursued her love for music at Queens College in Charlotte, N.C., and Bluefield College in Bluefield, Va. 

Her career path led her from being a sales manager at Creative Graphics to co-owning ATLS, Inc. in Richmond.

Carole's return to the Shenandoah Valley brought her back to her roots, where she owned and nurtured the Orchardside Yarn Shop in Raphine, a haven for knitting enthusiasts and a testament to her unmatched skills and passion for the timeless art of knitting. 

Carole's love for music was a cornerstone of her life. She dedicated herself to teaching young students the piano, and her talents graced the New Providence Presbyterian Church, where she led the choir and played the piano and organ. 

Her commitment to her church community extended beyond music, as she opened her yarn shop for weekly bible study fellowships, fostering a sense of unity and faith among her friends and neighbors.

Carole's vibrant personality, full of humor and authenticity, was a source of joy for everyone around her. Her generosity knew no bounds, as she shared her warmth and kindness with those near and far. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, from cooking and baking to gardening and berry picking, and her love for Broadway musicals brought her to local theater ensembles, where her spirit shined brightly.

A celebration of life service will take place at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association, to continue the fight against the disease that touched her life. Donations can be made at alz.org.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff and caregivers at Brookdale Memory Care, Cornerstone Hospice, and our friends and neighbors both near and far, for their endless care, compassion, and loving presence during Carole's journey.

As we bid farewell to Carole, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of love, creativity, and faith. Her spirit will forever inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her, and her memory will remain a treasured blessing in our hearts. 

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Matthew 25:21 (KJV)