Ms. Carol Sue (Early) Smith

Ms. Carol “Sue” Smith, 83, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 1:39 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.

She was born January 16, 1943, in Macomb, Illinois, the daughter of William and Loretta (Taylor) Early.  She married Earl “Skip” Smith on July 15, 1961, in Galesburg.

Surviving is her ex-husband, yet close friend, Skip Smith of Galesburg; two daughters, Annette Cadwell of Washington, Illinois and Jill Smith of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; two brothers, Steve Early of Galesburg and Gary Early of Galesburg; one sister, Lynda Altman of Baltimore, Maryland; three grandchildren, Aaron (and Sydney) Cadwell, Corey (and Ashten) Cadwell, and Hailey Postma; and four great-grandchildren, Addisyn Cadwell, Avyn Cadwell, Carson Cadwell, and Beckett Cadwell. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Sue graduated from Galesburg High School in 1961.  She was primarily a stay-at-home mother but also worked in the deli department at Hy-Vee on Henderson Street.  She was a very active member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Galesburg, where she led many Bible studies.  Sue enjoyed crafts and was known by many as the “Bracelet Lady.”  She was very social, never knew a stranger, and loved giving her bracelets away.  Most of all, she cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and family.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel.  A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Galesburg. Pastor Jade Rogers will officiate.  Burial will follow at East Linwood Cemetery in Galesburg.  Memorials may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.

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