Carolyn M. Smith-Watts

Carolyn Smith Watts passed away on May 31, 2019.  She was born May 16, 1963 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, attended Everett High School in Lansing, and earned her Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.  She was a police officer and detective before she moved to Long Beach over 25 years ago and took an active role in creating a tapestry of community projects that continues to spread throughout the city.  She founded two organizations: “Thank God I Found U, (T.G.I.F.-U),” a networking platform for women to share ideas and resources, and Boloph’s Specialty, a community marketing and special events services business. Carolyn also served as a manager, corporate consultant, and a member of numerous community boards within Long Beach, as well as worked as a social development director in Compton, CA.  She was a dynamic speaker and facilitator who, along with her husband Vincent, hosted annual gatherings bringing their community together making a productive and long-lasting impact throughout Long Beach.  Carolyn was committed to her faith, her husband, her family, and her community.  She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents Henry B. and Ophia Smith, Sisters Zella Mae and Jessie Mae, and biological mother Patricia Krump.  She is survived by husband Vincent Watts; brother Cornelius Robinson; Aunts Lucile Robinson, Velma Ferguson, Thelma Walker, Carol Domkowski, and Suebretta Clay; Brothers-in-law Phillip (Marcina) Watts, Gregory (Dawn) Watts, and Ben Watts; Sister-in-law Jessica (Ben) Lewis; and a host of family members and friends.