Karen "Colleen" Smith died peacefully at Indian River Medical Center on Dec. 17, 2017 in Vero Beach, Florida, at the age of 65 after a fourteen-year fight with breast cancer.

Colleen is survived by her husband of 45 years, William "Bill" Smith of Vero Beach, Florida, four children, Misty Smith, Melinda (Desmond) Gallant, Angela (Stephan) Bosman, and Rebecca Smith, sister, Kay (Smith) Brown of Higdon, Alabama, eight grandchildren, one great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Grady and Martina Eloise Smith, of Bridgeport, Alabama, and brothers, Charles Jr. and Lanny Smith.

Colleen was born on October 25th, 1952 in Chattanooga, TN to Charles Grady and Martina Eloise Smith. She graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1971. She married William Edward Smith of South Pittsburg, in 1972. After moving to Vero Beach, Colleen began working for Cory's Childcare Center as a preschool teacher and later as an ASM for Dillard's.

She was a kind, generous person who loved life and who was passionate about working with children and helping others.

A graveside service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Eastern time on June 9, 2018 at Hooker Cemetery in Wildwood, Georgia. Family friend James Moore will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Colleen's life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a charity of your choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.rogersfuneralhome.com.