October 12, 1926 – March 7, 2019

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend enriched the lives of everyone she met with her quick smile, understanding heart and southern hospitality.  Everyone was always welcome to “come in, take your shoes off and enjoy a glass of tea and a spectacular sunset.”   A deeply religious woman, her governing principal in life was that whether she could see Jesus in a person or not, she treated them in such a way that they would see Jesus in her and her actions.

Charlotte was born in Mobile, Alabama to John and Marie (Mary) Bronold.  In 1951, she married the love of her life, Arlin G. Smith (Smitty) and their love and commitment have been an inspiration to people for almost 68 years.   They began their married life in Huntsville, AL where Charlotte worked for Thikol in finance.  In 1962, they moved to New Orleans, LA where both of their daughters, Marilyn and Michelle, were born and Charlotte developed a love for eggs benedicts and beignets.  In 1968, they moved to Merritt Island, FL.  Together Charlotte and Smitty volunteered at their churches and schools, especially at Divine Mercy Church and School.  Charlotte was a fundraiser extraordinaire.  From aluminum can and newspaper drives, to sponsoring a visit from Miss America 1977, to catering dinners at the “Dome”, she made it her mission to help raise funds for the church and school.  In addition to fundraising, she drove on field trips, was a “playground Mom”, and a homeroom Mom.  “Miss Charlotte”, as she was known by the students, was always willing to listen.  Pool parties at her house, driving to football games, and water skiing in the Indian River are just some of the happy memories that we share.  At church, she was a member of the Women’s Guild, the Marthas, and many other parish groups and committees.  Family members were always welcome and summers at “Aunt Charlotte and Uncle A.G.’s House” were an annual event that included swimming, skiing, and trips to Disney World.  Ever an advocate for academic success, she sponsored the first Academic Awards Banquet at Merritt Island High School when her daughters attended there.

In 1988 Charlotte became a grandmother when her oldest daughter, Marilyn and her husband Todd Simmons, had their first child.  From that time on, “Grandma” devoted her love and energy to summers at “Grandma’s House”, visits to Toys R Us, treks to the beach, water skiing, swimming, and generally spoiling each of her, eventual, five grandchildren whenever possible.  Her love and generous spirit have shaped the lives of her family and friends.  She will be missed greatly, but we know that she will be our greatest advocate in heaven as she was here.

Charlotte is survived by her husband, A.G. (Smitty), daughters Marilyn Simmons (Orlando, FL) and Michelle Hinners (Stuart, FL), grandchildren Kristina Simmons Baltutis (Burlington, NC), Danielle Simmons (Tallahassee, FL), Scott Simmons (Atlanta, GA), Amanda Simmons (Orlando, FL), and James Simmons (Orlando, FL), sisters Bernie Bronold (Jackson, SC) and Rosemarie Bronold Moree (Mobile, AL), brother Paul Bronold (Dothan, AL), and numerous nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in her honor to the Divine Mercy Academy.  Donations can be made online at http://tinyurl.com/cbsmemorial or at http://tinyurl.com/y4whv6j4 (if you are a Divine Mercy parishioner) or by sending a check to Divine Mercy Catholic Academy, 1940 N. Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL  32853, Attn: Charlotte Smith Memorial.