Carole Key

Carole Jean Smith Key, 87, of Winnsboro, Texas went to be with her Lord on July 25, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loved ones. Services will be at 11 am, Thursday, July 31, 2025 at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Boulevard, Waco, Texas with Brett Holley officiating. Burial will follow at the Riesel Cemetery.

Carole was born November 15, 1937, in Riesel, Texas to Barney Lee Smith and Rachel Margaret Smith. After graduation, she lived with her girlfriends in Waco and began working. There she met her love and married James D. McConnell on October 4, 1957. She became the loving mother of two daughters and shared 21 years together.

She later met, loved, and married Larmon K. Key on June 2, 1979. They had 37 wonderful years together.

Carole was an awesome wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter, cousin, and friend to many. She was also a loving grandmother and great grandmother and always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eyes.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Barney and Rachel Smith; brother, Billy Joe Smith; early husband, James McConnell; and late husband, Larmon Key.

Survivors include her sister, Deborah Glass; daughters, Rhonda Skov (and Walter) and Ramona McConnell (and John Hearn); grandchildren, Crystal Skov, Amber Koldan, Rachel Freeman (and Kyle), and Tyler Gomez (and Sebastian); and great grandchildren, Ashley Thacker, Kaleb Koldan, Autumn Thacker, Levi Thacker, Dylan Koldan, Grant Thacker, Violet Koldan, Ryan Koldan, and Olivia Gomez.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to her granddaughter, Amber Koldan, who stepped in at the end as her hospice nurse providing excellent care and love during such a difficult time.

You may share a memory or send a message to the family at www.oakcrestwaco.com.