Roberta (Bobbi) F. Smith, 81, passed away unexpectedly February 17, 2023, following complications from heart surgery. She was born January 31, 1942 to the late Robert S. Franklin and Edith E. Franklin in Fort Knox KY. Bobbi was raised in Lynchburg VA and graduated from E. C. Glass High School. She married James (Jim) L. Carroll soon after and together they made their home in North Augusta SC. They later became the proud parents of two daughters, Robin Elizabeth and Rebecca (Becky) Dawn.
Bobbi had a successful banking career serving as an Assistant Vice President in charge of Customer Relations beginning with Georgia Railroad Bank in Augusta GA until her retirement in 2005 from First Union Bank in Atlanta GA. Upon retirement, Bobbi relocated to Palm Coast FL, where she met her husband William C. (Bill) Smith. They were married in 2008 and went on to build their beautiful home in Fernandina Beach FL. This home was a tremendous source of happiness for her, Bill and their beloved cat Tracker. Bobbi loved to cook and entertain and many happy memories were made there with her closest family and friends. If Bobbi wasn’t in the kitchen you could find her on her porch overlooking Alligator Creek and Amelia Island reading one of her latest favorite books or knitting with Bill and Tracker by her side. She had a constant thirst for knowledge and loved a good talk or debate about current events. Bobbi was the consummate traveler. She and Jim visited all 50 states. Later, she and Bill added the four corners of the world from Australia and New Zealand to Antarctica and South America as well as extensive travels throughout Europe.
In addition to her parents, Bobbi is preceded in death by her sister Rebecca Franklin, her brother Robert M. Franklin and her first husband James Carroll.
Her memory will forever be treasured by her husband William (Bill) Smith, her daughters and sons in law Robin (Chris) Pierson of Macon GA, Becky (Rudy) Jolly of Augusta GA, Deborah Smith (Dave Judd) of Crossville TN, Kym Belvin of Penney Farms FL, son William (Billy) Smith of Jacksonville FL, her two grandchildren whom she adored, Ryan and Ryley Jolly of Augusta GA, her sister Barbara (Babs) Thompson of Palm Coast FL, her special nephews Duane and Michael Withers, her sisters and brothers in law Richard & Kathy Miner and Jim & Mary Lou Rosinski as well as many extended relatives and friends that will truly miss her.
A memorial gathering and celebration of life will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors in Fernandina Beach FL.