Carolyn Diane Morris Gale, 72, of Smithfield, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022.

She was the daughter of the late McGuire Morris Jr. and Edith Ann Dunkley Morris. Carolyn is survived by her life partner and best friend of 40 years, Louis Michael Delk; her son, Brian Hutter Gale; and a sister, Fran Brown (Buzz). She was also preceded in death by a sister, Charlotte Johnson. Carolyn taught school in Isle of Wight County until her retirement. Her love for children and passion for educating was unmatched. She would help anyone, anytime without judgment. She was a devoted mother to her son, Brian. She loved to cook and prepared meals for her neighbors on a regular basis. She was the glue that held her families together; her humor, wit and optimism will be forever missed.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, at Little’s Funeral Home, Smithfield, with burial to follow in Mill Swamp Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Isle of Wight County Education Foundation, www.iowfoundation.org. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.