Carolyn Hamilton Smith, 55, died peacefully Dec. 31, 2011, in her home after battling cancer.</p><p>Carolyn was born Dec. 14, 1956, to Ermel and Dorothy Hamilton. She was raised in Lee&#x92;s Summit and graduated from Lee&#x92;s Summit High School in 1975.</p><p>Carolyn worked in the Kansas City area in the healthcare industry. She was an exceptional employee who took great pride in her work. Recently, Carolyn was recognized as a most valued employee at the awards banquet with ReDiscover of Lee&#x92;s Summit.</p><p>Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Ermel and Dorothy Hamilton.</p><p>She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Stanley K. Smith; stepdaughter, Karina (Nathan) Brandt, Ruskin, Neb.; stepson, Stanley D. Smith, Central City, Neb.; grandchildren, Ryan and Meghan Brandt; siblings, Larry Hamilton, Mountain Top, Penn., Linda Kesler, Peculiar, Denise Konitshek, Cary, N.C., Dennis Hamilton, Kingsville; and 11 nieces and nephews.</p><p>The Smith family would like to express its gratitude to all those who knew and loved Carolyn. The family would also like to give a warm thank you to hospice for its kind and caring support during this difficult time.</p><p>No public services or visitation are planned at this time. A service to celebrate Carolyn&#x92;s life will be announced at a later date.</p><p>In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Cancer Action Center of Independence, www.canceractionkc.org.