Carmen Ercell Smith, age 100, a resident of Colonial Heights, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. 

She was born on June 6, 1925, in Covington, Virginia, the daughter of the late Albert Munsie Smith and Minnie Alice Rucker Smith. 

Carmen spent much of her working life at Allied Chemical, where she worked in the laboratory. Beginning her career at a young age, she was known for her strong work ethic, intelligence, and determination—qualities that defined her throughout her life. She was also a longtime member of Colonial Heights Baptist Church. 

Family was always Carmen’s highest priority. She was deeply devoted to her loved ones and remained closely connected to them throughout her long life. She especially enjoyed sharing family stories and attending reunions, and she maintained a standing invitation for family to come and visit.

Carmen was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters Nellie Persinger, Arlie Smith, Evelyn Warwick, Agnes Bell, and Pattie Thompson, and by her brothers Bud Smith, Scott Smith, and Clark Smith.

She is survived by a loving extended family, including numerous nieces and nephews, who will cherish her memory and the example she set through her life. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to devoted friends Ellen and Bill Yancey, who assisted Carmen for many years, and to the staff of Dunlop House for their compassionate care and many kindnesses. 

Friends and family are invited to visit and pay their respects at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834 on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A graveside service will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 21, 2026 in Alleghany Memorial Park with Rev. James MacDougall officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday morning from 11:30 A.M. until time to leave in procession for Alleghany Memorial Park at Loving Funeral Home, 350 North Maple Ave Covington, Virginia 24426. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.