Carolyn Ann (Matli) Smith

Carolyn Ann Smith, 77, of Springfield, formerly of Raymond, passed away Sunday, November 16, 2025. She was born in Hillsboro, IL, February 8, 1948, a daughter of Bernard Aloysius and Eileen Cecilia (Durbin) Matli. She graduated from Raymond High School with the Class of 1966. Carolyn was a Senior Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics for fifty years, empowering and influencing women to not only look their best but be their best. Carolyn also earned top trips to Australia and Switzerland and earned the use of 23 cars most of which were Cadillacs.  She was also employed as a legal secretary for attorney George Ginos in Hillsboro. Carolyn lived with a spark that came straight from God-bright, warm and impossible to miss. Her joy lifted others, her energy inspired hope, and her faith carried her through every season. She filled every room with positivity, laughter and fun and her beautiful smile warmed everyone’s heart. Carolyn married James R. Smith on October 16, 1999, in Washington, IL, and they enjoyed 25 years of marriage until his passing May 20, 2025.

Carolyn is survived by:

Her brothers, Robert (Ruth) Matli of Harvel and Dennis (companion Sue Bailey) Matli of Raymond

Her sister, Shirley (Hans) Mizera of Litchfield

Carolyn was so loved by all her nephews and nieces including: Greg (Paula) Matli, Steve (Priscilla) Matli, Pamela (Jon) VanWinkle, Regina (Rick) Angel, Damian (Mary) Mizera, David (Angela) Mizera, Suzanne (Scott) Moss, Nicole (Kyle) Bishop, Rodney (Wanda) Sides, Joshua (Jennifer) Matli, Sara (Mike) Hegarty, Rachael Hattenbach (companion Jeff Ries), and Ben (Jaclyn) Matli.

Carolyn was also adored by 37 great nieces and nephews and numerous great-great nieces and nephews.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents Bernard and Eileen Matli, sisters, Theresa Sides and Barbara Matli, sister-in-law, Becky Matli, and great-niece, Abby Hattenbach.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025, at St. Raymond Catholic Church in Raymond. Fr. Daniel Willenborg will preside. The Rosary will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the church, with visitation following. Burial will follow in St. Raymond’s Cemetery.