Carroll Jean Clarke

Carroll Jean “Cagey” Clarke (Smith) went home to her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 5, and rejoices today in the heavenly company of her parents, her beloved husband, Butch, and a host of other souls she knew and loved throughout her lifetime. After a long illness, she is at last at peace.

In August 1955, Cagey became the first child born to Lindsey F. Smith, Sr., a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, and his wife, Betty. Her father nicknamed her Cagey because she proved whip smart and mischievous as a toddler. The moniker stuck.

Cagey was the eldest of four children — three girls and a boy: Karen (Williams), Kathy (Ehlke) and Lindsey, Jr. Cagey was the quartet’s natural leader, inheriting her father’s iron will, quick wit, and intellect and her mother’s affable nature, love of music, and indomitable spirit. Outrageous humor came easily to her and served her well throughout her lifetime.

A 1973 graduate of Irmo High School, Cagey went on to marry, move away and start a family of her own. She returned to the Midlands in 2011 following the deaths of her second husband and her father, and remained there the rest of her life. She is survived by her three siblings; a daughter, Tiffany Favati (Ric); two sons, Keenan (Laura) and Justin Crocker; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her ex-husband, Mike Crocker, and her second husband, Butch Clarke.

The many loved ones Cagey left behind will remember everything about our sister, mother, YaYa, and friend because while she was on this earth she loved us all fiercely and unconditionally. As we mourn her loss and shed our tears, that love will live on forever in our memories.