Carolyn Thelma Smathers

Carolyn T. Smathers, nee Vollmar, went to her Lord and Savior, December 5, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her three daughters. Services will be held Saturday, December 14 at 11:00 at Cogdell United Methodist Church, 1201 W Hwy 6, Waco, Texas 76710, with Pastor Charles Robinson officiating. Visitation will be Friday, December 13 at Wilkirson Hatch Bailey Funeral Home from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Interment will be Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Valley Spring Cemetery in Valley Spring, Texas. Pallbearers are: Troy Ahrens, Greg Lange, Glen Reid, Keith Smathers, Rick Smathers, Robert Smathers, Royce Smathers, and Albert Templeton

Carolyn was born, November 9, 1940 in Sandy, Texas to Felix and Thelma Vollmar. She spent most of her childhood in Fredericksburg, Texas before moving to Kerrville, Texas where she graduated from Tivy High School.

She met Marion “Bud” Smathers in the summer of 1960 on a blind date arranged by friends and they married in November 1960. Bud and Carolyn set up house in Fredericksburg, Texas and were blessed with two daughters, Valerie Sue in 1961 and Tamara Kay in 1964. The family was transferred to Waco, and were again blessed with a third daughter, Rebecca Ann in 1973.

Carolyn worked for Texas Farmers Union for over 30 years. She was a 34-year survivor of breast cancer and channeled her support for others on the same journey by volunteering for the Reach for Recovery organization. 

Carolyn was an avid gardener earning a Master Gardener’s degree. One could always find her pulling weeds in her flower beds or fertilizing her vegetable garden. In her spare time, she created quilts for each of her children and grandchildren. She joyfully supported her children’s activities whether it was being a scorekeeper at softball games, cheering on the Richfield High School band, or sewing dance costumes. Carolyn was a member of Cogdell United Methodist Church for 55 years where she served on numerous committees. She founded the Stephen’s Ministries at Cogdell. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud, her parents, and brother, Lindon Vollmar. She is survived by: daughter Valerie Slade and husband, Chip, of San Antonio; daughter Tammy Smathers and partner, Angela York, of Waco; daughter Becky Simpson and husband, Shane, of College Station; grandchildren Carolyn Castelblanco and husband, Juan, of Houston; Shelby Slade of San Antonio; Ella Simpson, Mary Claire Simpson, and Carter Simpson of College Station; great grandchildren Luca Castelblanco and Mila Castelblanco of Houston; sister Marilyn Ahrens and husband, Willie, of Austin; numerous nieces and nephews; and cherished friends Bertha Templeton of Kerrville and Jeannie Zirkel of Medina, Texas.

The family would like to thank Bluebonnet Hospice and Right At Home for the wonderful care they gave our mother. A very special thank you goes to her caregiver, Rosemary Flores. 

Memorials may be made to Cogdell United Methodist Church, 1201 W Hwy 6, Waco, Texas 76710.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory in Carolyn’s “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.