Constance Louise Cave Smiley was born in Florida to the late Earl R. and Sarah Cave. Upon the death of her parents, she was reared in the home of William and Viola Mack, of Darlington, South Carolina.
Constance was educated in the schools of Jacksonville, Florida, and graduated from Mayo High School, in Darlington. She received her BS in Sociology from South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC and her Master's degree in Personnel Administration in Higher Education from New York University.
“Connie,“ as she was called, began her work as a teacher at Wilson High School in Florence, South Carolina. Later she was employed by Hampton University as a member of the Dean of Women staff. She became the coordinator of student activities for the college and was appointed Dean of women. She left that position in 1964 to accompany her husband on a military tour of duty to Germany. This was the beginning of a number of travels abroad over the next twenty years on military assignments in Europe and Asia.
In Williamsburg, she was employed by the James City - Foundation and as a substitute teacher in the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools.
Her memberships include the Williamsburg Choral Guild, Lambda Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, and the Jolly Nine and Wednesday Bridge Club.
She is preceded in death by her brothers, Earl Cave and Alfred A. Cave. Connie is survived by her husband Colonel Philip Smiley, USA (retired); son Joseph E. Smiley (Nikki); granddaughter Joie Rain; grandson Styles; sisters-in-law, Tommye Cave and Janice Cave; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2024, at Whiting’s Funeral Home with the Ivy Beyond The Wall memorial tribute.
Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com
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