Nancy Carol (Smith) Ludlow

Nancy Carol Smith Ludlow was born in Griffin, GA, on September 15, 1934, to the late Maggie Lois Bunn Smith and Archie Penrid Smith. Carol departed this life on Thursday, November 4, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband Luther Spencer Ludlow, Jr., her son, Robin Edward Ludlow and her daughter, Carin Lynn Ludlow. Carol was well cared for by her son Deryl Spencer Ludlow.

Carol excelled in high school. She was valedictorian, won state debate, was a cheerleader, tennis player, basketball manager, student Rotarian, society editor of the yearbook and a member of the drama and modern dance clubs. She graduated from Southern Business University, attended classes at the University of Georgia, received her B.A. from Mercer University in Macon, GA., attended philosophy and religion classes at Columbia University and Duke University and received her M.S.L.S. from UNC-Chapel Hill.

She is survived by her son, Deryl Ludlow of Ocean Isle Beach, NC; her grandchildren, Brian Austin Ludlow (wife Susan) of Dania, FL and Julie Ludlow Noblitt (husband Geoff) of Asheville; great grandchildren, Lily Faye, Jack Noblitt, Ohelia Ludlow and Jeremy Ludlow; her sisters, Joyce Smith Helms (husband John T. and their children, Johnny Helms and Jann Baxley) and Betty Rebecca Smith Steele (husband Kenneth and their children, Anthony Steele and Becky Lane). Carol’s family includes Jane Johnson of Griffin and Susie Smith of Savannah, GA, niece Pam Castilla of Griffin and nephews, Mark Ludlow (wife Tracey) of Gainesville, FL and David Ludlow (wife Theresa) of Atlanta, GA.

Carol and Spencer were married on June 6, 1956. Education was important as was learning new ideas. Spencer became a student at Union Theological Seminary. They spent three years in New York City studying with the greatest theologians, Paul Tillich, Reinhold Niebuhr, Daniel Day Williams, Oscar Culman, John C. Bennett and James Muilenburg. Carol was a secretary to the President, Dr. Van Dusen. The attended church in Great Neck, Long Island, where Spencer was a minister to the young people. He also worked with the young people at Riverside Church. After Union, Spencer was a student in Duke University’s School of Divinity’s Ph.D program. He studied under Robert Cushman and Carol was secretary to the Dean of Divinity School Waldo Beach. In 1961, Spencer was employed by St. Andrews Presbyterian College, teaching in the Christianity and Culture program. Carol was Circulation Librarian and later became the Librarian at Johnson Middle School where she retired at 25 years.

Carol spent weekends at the beach. Her cat Merlin was always with her. She spent many hours collecting sea shells. She walked two miles every day and was active in water aerobics. She enjoyed playing bridge, often with other couples, and as a member of St. Andrews’ Dames Bridge Club. She watched mysteries on PBS and was an avid tennis fan.

A memorial service will be at 2:00 pm Sunday, November 21, 2021 at First Baptist Church in Laurinburg, officiated by Dr. Wayne Wike. The family will receive guests following the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to First Baptist Church, PO Box 883, Laurinburg, NC 28353

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