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In Memoriam: Kindergarten Teacher Carol Smith

 

Longtime Ravenscroft Kindergarten teacher Carol Smith passed away on Nov. 18. She was 76.

Smith worked in the Lower School from 1989 until her retirement in 2012. “She was a talented and beloved teacher,” Head of School Doreen Kelly said.

Smith earned a B.S. in Education from West Virginia University in 1970 and went on to earn an M.A. in Early Childhood Education in 1978. She was professionally affiliated with the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools, the Association for the Education of Young Children, the International Reading Association, the National Education Association and the West Virginia Education Association.

Former Lower School colleagues remember Smith as a gifted educator and loving friend.

Keim Center librarian Maria Ramusevic, who worked with Smith when she was a PreK/K assistant teacher, described her as “a beautiful soul” who was “the heart and soul of our team.”

“She captured the ideal of the perfect Kindergarten teacher — kindness just flowed from her and spread through those around her. She loved all she met, and her skill at making children feel safe and happy was beyond magical,” Ramusevic said. “She made the people around her laugh with her sharp wit, and her ability to weave a story enthralled all ages. The world has grown a bit dimmer with her passing.”

“Carol epitomized all of the qualities that represent excellence for an educator. Her warmth, patience and consummate knowledge of child development were reflected in her teaching each day. Carol was a word master and always expressed herself so beautifully. Her kindergarten students loved her deeply,” longtime fellow teacher Jan Dickson said. “She was a loyal, caring friend who extended herself to help others. She will be in my heart forever.”

A service is planned at noon on Friday, Dec. 15, at the Church of the Nativity, 8849 Ray Road in Raleigh, with a reception to follow. 

Carol Smith with her kindergarten class in 2012

Smith in 2012 with her last Kindergarten class, members of the Class of 2024.