Mrs. Carol Craven Smith

Carol Craven Smith Easley, SC Carol was born on 30 August 1937 in LaGrange, Georgia as Mary Carolyn Craven. She was the eldest daughter of John Pledger Craven and Virginia Mullins Craven. Carol was the Valedictorian of Manchester High School. She went to the University of Georgia to study journalism and English. She taught English in Athens, GA and Durham, NC. She worked in a biochemical research lab in Durham, NC. In Clemson, SC she was active on the Recreation Commission working for the establishment of park facilities. She worked as a substitute teacher in Oconee County schools. Carol was an avid gardener with orchids, pansies nasturtium and roses as some of her favorites. Her house was always full of plants. Carol was an excellent cook. Her houses always had animals in them. Cats were her favorite. She adopted her sister’s cats following her death. Carol loved to dance. She took Jazzercise classes at the YMCA in Clemson until the instructor moved on. Her solution was to take over teaching the class so that she could continue. As part of an active family she enjoyed water skiing on Lake Harwell in Clemson, SC. Carol spent time as a Girl Scout leader in Clemson. Carol was an avid reader. She particularly enjoyed reading her childhood friend Stuart Woods novels. Her house is full of books that she is passing on to her children. Carol was married in 1960 to Pinckney Alston Steiner III in Athens, GA. They had two children together: Susan Elizabeth Steiner and Pinckney Alston Steiner IV. They lived together in Athens, GA, Durham, NC, Copenhagen Denmark and Clemson, SC. They were married for 26 years. Carol was married in 1987 to Junius Reid Smith Jr. They lived together in Pickens, SC and Easley, SC for 38 years until his recent death on 11 April 2026. Junius’s sons Trey, Buck and Rusty became an important part of her family. She enjoyed watching them grow and marry and have children. Carol passed away in her sleep on 27 May 2026 in Easley, SC. She was predeceased by her parents and her younger sister, Gladys Craven Minnich. She is survived by her brother David Craven; her daughter Susan Steiner in Seattle, WA, her grandson Ryan Christopher Stoddard and his wife Breanna and her great grandson Kyros, her son Pinckney Steiner IV and his wife Aimee and grandson Singko; her stepson Trey Smith and his wife Robin and their children Kristen and Reid, her stepson Buck Smith and his wife Karyn and her stepson Rusty Smith and his wife Brooke. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Marys House in Pickens. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www. thehowzemortuary.com. The Howze Mortuary, Travelers Rest, is in charge of arrangements. (864) 834-8051.

Mrs. Carol Craven Smith

August 30, 1937 - May 27, 2026