SMITH, Karen Lea (Gerow), age 65, of Flint, Michigan, passed away peacefully, April 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Karen was a woman whose heart was always fullest when she was with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cherished every moment spent with her family, and nothing brought her more joy than their laughter and company. In her quiet moments, she enjoyed playing games on her phone, chatting with friends, baking cakes, summer trips to Mackinaw, coffee mugs that people gave her from their trips and relaxing while watching Facebook reels — simple joys that kept her smiling.

She is survived by her children, Gerald (Jennifer) Smith, Adam Smith, and Melissa Smith; her grandchildren, Savannah Smith, Andrew Smith, Mason Andrews, Sierra Smith, Genevieve Smith, and Arianna Smith; and her great-grandchildren, Sa'Liyah Chandler and Sa'Mir Chandler; step grandchildren Marguerite Ball, Alexander Ball and Aubrey Logan.

Karen is also survived by her brothers, Raymond Gerow, and Richard (Rich) Gerow; brothers-in-law, Frederick Smith and Mark (Karen) Smith; sister-in-law Madge (Mike) Fenner; and many beloved nieces and nephews from both the Gerow and Smith families. She will also be deeply missed by her best friend, Jan Carmona, who stood by her through all of life's ups and downs.

Karen is preceded in death by her loving husband, Gerald Smith (affectionately known as "Santa"), her father Richard Gerow, her parents-in-law Frederick and Maxine Smith, her sister in-law Luci Mize, nieces Shannon Smith and Katie Gerow and nephews Raymond Gerow and Richie Gerow.

Karen's warmth, humor, and unwavering love for her family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. Her memory will live on through the generations she loved so deeply

The family wishes to express their gratitude and appreciation to the doctors and nurses at Henry Ford Providence Hospital in Novi.

Cremation has taken place.  Memorial services will be held 2:00 P.M. Monday, April 27, 2026 at the Plumb-Smith Funeral Home.