Carra L. Smith

Carra L. Smith, 76 of Kalamazoo, died May 22, 2024.  Carra was born February 13, 1948 in Battle Creek to Foster and Freda (Murphy) Smith. She was a 1966 graduate of Pennfield High School and later went on to Western Michigan University where she received her bachelor's degree. Carra worked as a nurse technician at the Battle Creek Sanitarium and also worked in retail sales in various stores mostly in the Kalamazoo area. She was also involved with Salvation Army in Battle Creek and out west. 

Carra was a free spirit.  Her love of reading took her to many worlds immersed in fantasy.  Dragons, unicorns and fairies were amongst just a few of the characters she loved.  She often drew what she saw in her head.  But it wasn't just, what some would call mythical creatures, that she loved.  It was all things in nature and the animals that the world inhabited from all cats to her beloved whales.  Carra was able to express this passion in her artwork.  There were exhibitions where people would see her imagination run wild.  Her creations in these exhibitions were larger than life using multi-media effects.  They were found in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and even Switzerland.  She did most things related to the world of art.  It was her passion.  She also was huge fan of science fiction before it was popular and was one of the original "Trekkies".  Even though she had no children, she was like a grandmother to her nieces and nephew.  She loved her family very much.  In her newfound world, may she fly with her dragons and on the USS Enterprise.  The word is given.

Carra is survived by her three sisters, Marlea (Randy Winans) Smith, Nora Dyer and Sara Turner; two nieces Jena (John Hill) Dyer, Heather (Bryan) Rauch; a nephew Foster Turner and a great niece, Ellie Hill.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, Thomas Dyer. 

As per Carra's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service.  In memory of Carra, please consider making a memorial donation to the small local (Battle Creek/Kalamazoo area) animal rescues.  Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home and Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.