Caroline Kemp Smith
Passed: October 28, 2024
Charleston, WV
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Caroline Kemp Smith
Passed: October 28, 2024
Charleston, WV
Obituary
Caroline Kemp Smith passed away on October 28, 2024, following an extended illness.
Caroline was born on January 1, 1972, in Charleston, West Virginia, to Kemp Littlepage McElwee and the late V. Courtlandt Smith, II. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her brother Collett Veleair Smith, her maternal grandparents Samuel Dickinson and Jean Cole Littlepage and her paternal grandparents Veleair Courtlandt and Dea Margaret Chapman Smith.
Caroline spent her childhood living part of the year on the family farm near Winfield, West Virginia, and the remainder of the year in the downtown center of Cali, Colombia, South America, where she was fluent in Spanish and made many international friends. She went on to attend John Adams Junior High School and Culver girls Academy before graduating from St. Mary’s School in Raleigh, North Carolina. Caroline furthered her education by earning her Bachelor’s degree with honors in Textiles and Fashion Design at the Savannah College of Art & Design.
Following graduation, Caroline lived in Orlando, Florida, and Cooperstown, New York, before spending many years in Charleston, South Carolina. She enjoyed traveling to numerous international destinations with her mother and other family members. After her chronic illness diagnosis in 2014, she returned to live in Charleston, West Virginia. Caroline’s passions were art, horses, and her furry pets.
Caroline is survived by her mother Kemp Littlepage McElwee and her husband Charles McElwee, brothers Courtlandt Littlepage Smith and wife Elizabeth, Christian Van Williamson Smith and companion Jennifer Classen, nephews and niece Courtlandt Littlepage Smith Jr., Wilson Cheney Smith and Lauren Claire Smith.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to Kanawha Hospice Care, 1606 Kanawha Boulevard West, Charleston, WV 25312.
A celebration of life will take place from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Edgewood Country Club, 1600 Edgewood Drive, Charleston, West Virginia.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
18 responses to Caroline Kemp Smith
Tanya Newland says:
December 23, 2024
Very sorry for your loss, Kemp, and family.
Caroline and I were great friends in mid 90’s when she lived in Orlando. We had great times together. She was an amazing artist, loved her music and dancing! We did a lot of that in our adventures. I loved her for her free spirit and humor! We met through a mutual friend who passed in 2004. Caroline, give Sam a big hug and love for me!
I accompanied her on a road trip to her parents home in WV back in 90’s, to help her with the drive and some storage items. We jammed to music in her black Toyota Camry (she LOVED that car!) Where she introduced me to music I hadn’t heard and came to love (Lorena McKenna).
She later moved to SC and we kept in touch off and on. I last saw her in May 2007 when I visited her in SC. We lost touch and I often searched Google and Facebook hoping to find her again but never could.
Today, she pooped in my head as she often did and something told me to search obits and I found this….. saddening my heart.!
RIP now, Caroline (C-Line) Miss amd love you always!!!
Kim Dean says:
November 8, 2024
Dear Family
I know Caroline is in heaven worried sick about her mother. All Caroline ever spoke about was her love for her family and animals. Please know how much you were loved by Caroline. Please know you will be in my thoughts during this most difficult time. Caroline was a very loyal friend and she will be greatly missed.
Kathi Elkins says:
November 7, 2024
To Caroline’s family, I was so saddened to hear of her passing. I knew her from our times at the YMCA and other gal-pal activities. She welcomed my reaching out and shared her bubbly personality. Her love of art and her talent as an artist was evident. You could tell in the colors she chose, that she loved bright and beautiful things. Yes, she will be missed!
Andrea Koss says:
November 1, 2024
Dearest Kemp and family,
With deepest sympathy, my heart is with you.
Teresa Barker says:
November 1, 2024
Kemp I am so sadden to hear of her passing. I only knew her from the bank,but she was so kind & had such a beautiful smile. Hugs.