Carolyn Griffis Smith

Carolyn Griffis Smith died on February 24th, 2026 at the age of 90. Born in Augusta, Georgia on February 7, 1936, she was the daughter of Herbert Jackson Griffis and Margaret Platt Griffis and the loving wife of George I. Smith, Jr. M.D., who preceded her in death on January 24th, 2026. She received a B.A. degree from Mary Baldwin College where she met her husband on a blind date. They married in 1959 while Dr. Smith was in medical school. After 6 years as an Air Force wife, with postings in Hawaii and California, she and Dr. Smith returned to Frederick where Dr. Smith established a medical practice and Mrs. Smith became the consummate homemaker. Carolyn embodied the timeless charm of a Southern belle. She carried herself with elegance and a kindness that made strangers feel like lifelong friends. Her greatest joys were entertaining friends, gardening and spending time with her family. She adored being “Nana” to her two grandchildren. She was a past President of the Tasker’s Chance Garden Club. She served for many years with the FMH auxiliary and chaired the Snow Ball, an annual dance that recognized high school girls who volunteered at FMH, known as “Snow Belles”. She enjoyed traveling with her beloved husband, friends and family. She is survived by her son, Michael Timothy Smith and his longtime partner, Kimberly Lippincott, both of Frederick; her daughter, Catherine Anne Smith-Burdette of Frederick and her fiancé, Eric Bokinsky of Pennsylvania; grandson, Jack Griffis Burdette and granddaughter, Anna-Claire Smith Burdette. She is also survived by her sister Margaret Griffis Harris and her husband Jay Harris, sister-in-law Linda Brown and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation and the burial will be private. A receiving of friends will be held at the Delaplaine Center on a date to be determined to honor the lives of both Dr. George and Carolyn Smith.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be given to the Community Foundation of Frederick County where a fund has been established in the name of George and Carolyn Smith to benefit Frederick County students who are pursuing a career in the medical field, the Friends of Baker Park and the Frederick Arts Council.

Arrangements are with The Keeney and Basford Funeral Home.