Patty Carroll, 82 of Fort Smith, died in her home on August 7, 2025.
Patty was born on October 18, 1942 in Fort Smith. She attended Fort Smith High School where she graduated in 1960.
Patty married Dee Carroll in August of 1961. They were married for 63 years. Together they had two children Christopher and Heather, 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Patty and Dee built two thriving businesses together spanning 20 years. Carroll Furniture evolved into ‘WP’s’ a retail home furnishings and gift business. Patty was an accomplished businesswoman with a unique eye for merchandise selection, proving to be the main buyer and backbone of the businesses. Her superior management abilities and acumen later lead to further opportunities in other area gift stores. She managed the personnel and financials of a primary care pediatric clinic and worked in jewelry sales as well as real estate. Patty loved her flowers and was an accomplished photographer using her skills to capture treasured family and business events. Patty’s focus on the business affairs of the family did not take away from the care she put into raising her children and grandchildren. Patty supported Heather in dancing and Chris in sports. She loved her children dearly and all those around them. Patty is remembered fondly by her children’s friends, always smiling and happy despite all of their antics.
Patty was very involved in the community and served as the general chairperson for the first ever Fort Smith River Festival- a long running event in Fort Smith that benefited the community. Patty was a long time member for First United Methodist Church and an original member of the Discussion Sunday School Class. She and Dee were involved as youth counselors with the First Methodist youth for over 20 years, traveling regularly to winter ski and summer float trips.
Patty enjoyed long friendships, sever since high school, with the girls of “The Bridge Club”, Lynda, Sallie, Judy, Linda, Patti, Judy, Nancy, Diana, and Nancy.
Patty is preceded in death by her parents Joe and Rowene Jones, her sisters Gail Jones Norman, and Cindy Jones Brooks, as well as her brothers-in-law Marvin Saunders and Bob R. Brooks, and nephews Bob R. Brooks Jr. and Kevin Brooks.
She is survived by her husband Dee, her children Christopher (Mariel Lifshitz) and Heather. She was a doting Neena to Austin (Amber), Luca Kye, Gabriel, Jade, Pierce and Hugh. She is also survived by her beloved puppy, Bella.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and CNA’s of Heart of Hospice for their care over the last few years, as well as Sabrina Brevard for her devotion to our family.
There will be a memorial service on Thursday August 14th at First United Methodist Church, Roebuck Chapel at 2:00pm, with visitation to follow in the narthex. The burial will be private at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.
Honorary Pallbearers are the Discussion Sunday School class.
The family requests any donations be made to First United Methodist First YOUth 200 N 15th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901.