Carol Diane Smith (Wilson)
born on May 17, 1944, in Battle Creek, MichiganPassed on May 18, 2026 in Melbourne, Florida
Carol Diane Smith (Wilson)
May 17, 1944 – May 18, 2026
Battle Creek, Michigan — Carol Diane Smith, a longtime resident of Melbourne, Florida and Battle Creek, Michigan passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, just one day after celebrating her 82nd birthday.
Born on May 17, 1944, to Charles and Harriet Wilson, Carol grew up in Battle Creek and was a proud graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, Class of 1962.
Carol was a dedicated and hard worker throughout her life, becoming a familiar face to many in the community. She spent 18 years working for the Eaton Corporation in Battle Creek, worked at Speed’s Coffee Shop in Verona, and later dedicated her time to Cello-Foil Products in Battle Creek until her retirement in 2005.
Beyond her career, Carol was known for her vibrant, fun-loving spirit. She was an avid billiard player in her younger years and always looked forward to a good game of Bingo. Most of all, she loved playing Texas Hold’em Poker, spending countless hours sharing laughs and good times with her many wonderful friends at “Not Quite Vegas” where she was known as “The Executioner.”
Carol experienced love and family throughout her life’s journey. She was married to Duane Slayton and Ken Smith, and later in life, she was beautifully reunited with her high school sweetheart and significant other, Robert Williams.
She is survived by her loving children, Brent and Nicole Slayton, and Julie and Terry Thompson; her cherished grandchildren, Myla and Callie Slayton, Joshua and Sarah Thompson, and Victoria Thompson and Brandon VanTorre; her brother, George Wilson; and her half-sister, Deborah Daugherty Miller.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Harriet Wilson.
Her final interment will be at Battle Creek Memorial Park in Battle Creek, Michigan where she will be laid to rest with her significant other, Robert and her parents, surrounded by the love of her family.
