Carolyn Hart, age 70, of Elgin, IL, beloved wife and mother, passed away with the comfort of her family by her side in Belvidere, IL on October 12, 2025. She was born October 31, 1954 in Chicago, IL to her loving parents, Ralph Smith and Lorraine Stokes; and was the older sister to her brother, Richard Smith.

Carolyn graduated from Malcom X College in Chicago, IL, earning her associate’s degree in administration in 1973, and furthered her education in 1975 where she graduated from Loop College in Chicago, IL where she studied in nursing. She was also an administrator for the State of Illinois.

In 1973, she met her best friend and love of her life, Edward C. Hart Sr., at Malcom X College. In 1975, they were married, and have been married for the past 50 years! Even now, after 53 years together, their love will be “Always and Forever.”

Carolyn was a member of Israel Methodist Church, and later became an active member of Christian Tabernacle Church in Roselle, IL, where she was also a part of the church choir.

Carolyn was a devoted mother of five children. Her family’s fondest memories of her was the way her face lit up a room with her smile when family came to visit. Carolyn loved greatly, laughed with her whole heart, was filled with joy, had a great sense of humor, and had a big heart. She also enjoyed traveling, shopping, and being with her family.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her daughter, Karen Hart; and her grandson, Zachariah Wilson. She is survived by her husband, Edward C. Hart Sr.; her children, Edward C. Hart Jr., Dorothea Hart, Michael Hart (Ana), Cannon Gibson (Emmanuel); 16 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren, who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.

Visitation will be 9:30am until funeral service at 11:00am, Friday, October 24, 2025, at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120. Damion Abrams will be officiating.

Interment to follow at Oak Woods Cemetery, 1035 E 67th Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.