Obituaries

Carol Smith Reynolds

January 12, 1945 - January 22, 2025

Carol Ann Reynolds, a beloved wife, step-mother, and educator, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida, at the age of 80.  Born January 12, 1945, in Albany, New York, to Margaret Morrison and George Vunck, Carol met life’s challenges with unwavering loyalty and a productive spirit.  Carol’s dedication to education was evident throughout her distinguished career.  After graduating from Albany Academy for Girls in 1963 and earning her Bachelor’s degree from Hiram College in Ohio, she began her work in the New York school system in 1967.  Furthering her education, she received a Master’s degree in Speech and Hearing Pathology from St. Rose College in New York.  She then served for six years in the Montana public school system before moving to Florida in 1979.  There, she continued her impactful career as a Speech/Hearing Pathologist and later as a Principal at Frostproof Elementary School, retiring in 2007.  Her contributions to education were widely recognized; she was named Teacher of the Year and featured in “Who’s Who in Education”, further cementing her legacy through numerous publications with the Alexander Bell Association.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carol was a woman of diverse passions.  She loved to travel, from camping in National Parks to cruising the Rhine and the Inside Passage to Alaska.  An avid fisherwoman, she enjoyed friendly competitions with others to see who could reel in the biggest catch, whether in lakes, streams, or the deep sea.  Golf provided countless hours of laughter and joyful memories.  She cherished potlucks and lunches with family and friends, her turkey dressing and special potato salad always highly anticipated.  Known for her compassionate heart, Carol rescued and adopted dachshunds, and she was a dedicated student of Iroquois culture and artifacts.

In her personal life, Carol was a loyal friend, always ready to listen, offer comfort, and share in joy, keeping confidence sacred. As a leader, she was committed to the success of others.  As a wife and mother, she was loving and generous.  She was a faithful and diligent member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Lakeland, where she sang in the choir, served on the vestry and flower committee, and managed the memorial garden. She was also a member of Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK), the educators’ philanthropic sorority, actively supporting scholarships for women in education through her chapter, Fidelis Rho, at Polk State.

Carol is survived by her loving husband, Roy Reynolds; stepchildren James, David, and Tiffanie Reynolds; brother-in-law Glenn Reynolds; sister Mel Conrad; nieces Mila and Jessica Galvin, and Kelsey Harris; and nephew Brandon Conrad.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Lakeland,  1820 E County Rd 540A Lakeland, Fl 33813; scholarship fund ADK, Florida Fidelis Rho Attn: Dot Zielinski, 804 Scenic Heights Drive Brandon, Fl 33511 or a charity of your choice.

Memorial Service will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on February 8, 2025 at 11:00am with lunch following.