Jane (Smith) Carlyle

Clarissa Jane Smith Carlyle, 90, of Fayetteville, previously of Tolarsville, NC, passed away on September 7, 2023 surrounded by her children. 

“Plain Jane”, as she often introduced herself to new friends and clients, worked over 50 years in a residential real estate career assisting families with home ownership.  In fact, she broke barriers in the mid-1950s by becoming the first female Realtor in Cumberland County, NC.  She worked for Roscoe L Blue, Sr and John Sandrock as they developed several major areas of Fayetteville, including Bordeaux and Cape Fear Valley Hospital.  She co-owned with her late husband Carlyle Realty, Inc., and was also one of the first real estate agents to join Re/Max when it expanded into Fayetteville.  But the majority of her career was spent at Hobgood, Jones & Associates, where she mentored other real estate agents and earned the respect of her peers.  For some families, she helped three generations obtain their first homes. 

Jane’s love of real estate was overshadowed by her love for her family and her church.  Jane was one of the charter members of Village (Drive) Baptist Church, and also co-founded the Seekers Sunday school class, of which she was a member to the end of her life.  In her younger days, she was a member of the Fayetteville Junior Women’s Club and active with the Cumberland County Democratic Party.  She was also especially devoted to her husband and children, who sought and valued her advice and guidance.  She also enjoyed welcoming friends and neighbors into her home for gatherings and parties through the years, and many who met her came to know her as a trusted friend.

Jane is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Annie Graham Smith, and husband R Cecil Carlyle.  She is survived by her sister Esther Smith Arne, son Robert Carlyle Jr., daughter Kelly C Way (Bradley), grandchildren Heather Way Thrash (Colby), Bradley Way, Jr. (Taylor), and great-grandchildren Cora and Greta Thrash, and Knox Way.

A funeral service will be held at Village Baptist Church on September 15, 2023, at noon, followed by the burial at Lafayette Memorial Park.  Visitation will begin at 11:00am in the church sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dementia Alliance of NC, 9131 Anson Way, Ste 206, Raleigh, NC 27615 https://dementianc.org/

Services provided by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301

Online condolences may be sent to http://www.jerniganwarren.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jane (Smith) Carlyle, please visit our floral store.