Carolene Smith

Carolene Smith, 88, of New Castle, passed away on June 23, 2026, at Glen Oaks Health Campus in New Castle. Born on May 19, 1938, in Smithtown, Kentucky, Carolene was the daughter of the late William Carl Worley and Mossie E. (Shepherd) Worley.

On November 19, 1960, she married the love of her life, William “Bill” E. Smith. Throughout most of her adult life, Carolene worked as a cashier for Public Service of Indiana and later Duke Energy until her retirement.

Carolene was a faithful member of South Memorial Drive Church of God in New Castle. She enjoyed singing in the church choir and performing in trios with family members and friends. Along with her two sisters, she was affectionately known within the church community as one of “The Worley Sisters.” Music was one of Carolene’s greatest passions, especially gospel quartet concerts, where she delighted in hearing her favorite groups perform. She loved participating in church music ministries whenever possible.

In their younger years, Carolene and Bill enjoyed traveling together and making memories in destinations both near and far.

Carolene is survived by her brother, Don Worley of Moore, Oklahoma; her sisters, Elizabeth Sue Pabon-Farias of Sun City Center, Florida, and Denise (Joe) Shouse of Paulding, Ohio; her sister-in-law, Susie (Ron) Emerick of Westfield, Indiana; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Carolene was preceded in death by her brother, Royce Worley.

Services will be held at 2:00pm Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Steve Rhoades officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery Westlawn Addition. Visitation will be from 1:00pm until the time of service on Wednesday, July 1. You may express condolences or share memories of Carolene at www.hinsey-brown.com.