NANCY KNAPP Obituary
NANCY LYNN LEWIS SMOTHERMON KNAPP
September 26, 1945 - July 27, 2025
Nancy Lynn Lewis Smothermon Knapp, age 79, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Sunday, July 27, 2025. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Denison, Texas.
Nancy was born on September 26, 1945, in Dallas, Texas, to Naomi Ferne (Deskin) and James Melton Lewis. The youngest of three children, she grew up in a hardworking home and graduated from Irving High School in 1964.
Throughout her life, Nancy was deeply devoted to her community. She was actively involved in 4-H, youth sports, and served as a school board trustee for Prosper ISD, always advocating for the well-being and future of children. In her later years, she lived in Austin, Texas, where she championed motorcycle rights and played a vital role in helping pass Texas Transportation Code § 661.003(c), which grants adult riders the freedom to choose whether to wear a helmet under certain conditions.
After the birth of her granddaughter, Nancy moved to Grayson County to be closer to her family. There, she continued her lifelong passion for service, becoming involved in local politics, serving tirelessly in food kitchens and helping at the veterans' affairs office. Although she did all of this it was evident that Nancy's heart was with helping Vietnam veterans find shelter, food and programs to help them live better lives.
Nancy had a deep love for her family, her country, motorcycles, her old Ford pickup truck, and most of all Jesus. She will be remembered for her strength, selflessness, and fiery spirit.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ferne and James "Mutt" Lewis, and her brother, Rufus Melton "Buddy" Lewis. She is survived by her sister Judy Lewis Elms and husband Danny of Irving, Texas, and her sister-in-law Beatrice Lewis of Little Elm, Texas. Her partner, David Langford of Denison, Texas. She leaves her legacy behind in her daughter, Kara-Lea Smothermon Hamilton and husband Hugh of Sadler, Texas, her daughters Dana Smothermon Boyd and Sharla Evans. Her cherished granddaughter Kasey Hamilton Ford and husband Tylor of Farmersville, Texas as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
Nancy's presence was a blessing to all who knew her, and her legacy of service and compassion will live on in the hearts she touched.
Family and friends are invited to attend her celebration of life on August 10th, 2025. Services will take place at The Madelyn Venue, 8091 Southmayd Rd, Collinsville, Texas 76233, from 2:30pm-5:30pm.
The family is asking in lieu of flowers to please make donations to the Walker House, 1100 West Walker St. Denison, Texas 75020 checks can be made payable to TCC-MVPN.
If you would still like to send flowers we recommend Hayes Florist in Whitesboro, Texas-903-564-9141
We all know Nancy would love it if you all would join us in wearing red, white or blue to celebrate her love for her country.
Casual attire is welcome.
Published by The Herald Democrat from Aug. 3 to Aug. 5, 2025.