Carolyn Smith

Carolyn Sue Smith, 84, went home to be with her Lord on November 18, 2020.

A private memorial service will take place at Peace Lutheran Church in North Mankato. Carolyn will be laid to rest at Norseland Lutheran Cemetery in rural St. Peter. Northview-North Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family.

Carolyn was born July 25,1936, in New Castle, Indiana, to John and Vesta Thomas. She lived in New Castle until after graduating from New Castle High School, when she moved to Indianapolis. There she met an art student, (Joseph) Kincaid Smith. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married on November 21, 1956. They were blessed with four children.

Through her husband's career changes she was his constant support. Carolyn never shied away from hard work. She was a stay-at-home mom for several years and also used her talents as a top-notch secretary, nursing home administrator, and group home parent. She was the consummate pastor's wife, always working tirelessly behind the scenes to support Kincaid's ministry and the church. A grandson once said, "I think of the two as a ship and a lighthouse. One is out there being tossed about on the waves of life, and the other is standing still, quietly guiding him home."

She was a child of God, who modeled a strong faith to her family and friends. She was the great stabilizer of the Smith clan, providing support for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her infant sister, Myra Lee Thomas; her sister, Joyce Garner; her grandson, Jonathan Alan Smith; and her great-granddaughter, Lydia Sue Chopp. She is survived by her husband, Kincaid; her brother, John (Jackie) Thomas; brother-in-law, Max (Linda) Garner; daughters, Cynthia Sue (Thomas) Chopp and Beth Ann (Rodney) Flohr; sons,  Michael Kincaid (Anita) Smith and Kurt Andrew (Debra) Smith. Also surviving are sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.