Carolyn Elizabeth Smith Todd, age 79 of Collierville, TN, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville, TN.
She was a devoted member of Covenant Baptist Church in Collierville and a longtime member of Bird’s Creek Baptist Church, where she will be laid to rest. She faithfully supported Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse, taught Sunday School to all ages, and enjoyed helping with Vacation Bible School each year. She had a passion for genealogy, especially researching the Todd and Smith families, and loved collecting photographs of her grandchildren. Carolyn dedicated 42 years to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, working with foster care and adoptions, before retiring in 2008
Carolyn was born in Memphis, TN, to the late Norman Emmett Smith, and the late Elizabeth Bowden Smith.
On December 31, 1966, she married Ted Lynn Todd, who preceded her in death on June 16, 2019.
Carolyn is survived by two children, Beth (Chris) Rhodes of Knoxville, TN, and John (Becky) Todd of Collierville, TN; four grandchildren, Nicholas Rhodes, Natalie Rhodes, Serena Todd, and CeCe Todd; one sister, Patricia (Craig) Schaeffer of Cordova, TN; and special friends Mercedes Mosley, and Brett Rogers.
Ridgeway Funeral Home 201 Dunlap St./ P.O. Box 788, Paris, TN 38242, will be handling the arrangements. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Ridgeway Funeral Home from 4:00 until 7:00 pm, and continue Friday, September 19, 2025, at Birds Creek Baptist Church from 11:00 am until the time of the service. Her funeral service will be held Friday, September 19, 2025, at 12:00 pm at Birds Creek Baptist Church, with John Enoch, Billy Ross, and Kevin Gallimore officiating.
Burial will follow at Birds Creek Cemetery with Nicholas Rhodes, Greg Todd, Allen Landrum, David Harmon, Jeff Baker, and Mark Rudy serving as pallbearers.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Donald Ray Goforth and Kirk Elam.