Nancy Sue Smith

Nancy Sue Smith, also known as "Mom," "Nanny," "Sister," and "Aunt Nancy," of Apex, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025, at the age of 83 in Rock Hill, South Carolina, with her daughter by her side. Known for her radiant positivity and ever-present smile, she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Born on March 26, 1942 in Chatham County, NC, she spent her childhood in Harnett County before moving to Humie Olive Road in Apex. She was the loving daughter of the late Ralph and Stella Clark and a cherished sister to Harold, Eddie Nelson, and Donnie. She felt very blessed to be part of such a close and caring family.

Nancy attended Apex High School and graduated from Cary High School in the class of 1963. She had a strong work ethic, was always friendly, and enjoyed meeting new folks around every corner. Where she had many stops in her long career, some of the highlights included working the tobacco fields as a teenager, selling clothing at Mac Joseph's in Raleigh, serving tables at Julia's Talley House in Troutman, testing products at Roederstein Electronics in Statesville, and finally giving demos with a big smile and sharing friendly conversation with half of Wake County at BJ's Wholesale in Cary.

A loving, caring, and enthusiastic working mother, wife, and daughter, Nancy raised her daughter, Christia, as a single mother after the passing of her first husband, Sammie Richard Barnes. She often worked multiple jobs to provide for her family, all while treasuring the bond she shared with Christia. She was also a devoted daughter who cared for her mother, Stella, who lived to be 99. In 2012, she married J.G. Smith and attended New Hill Baptist Church. After J.G. 's passing in 2019, she moved to Rock Hill, SC, where she adored her final years living with Christia and Jim Humburg.

Life is to be enjoyed and Nancy enjoyed life dearly. Between spending time with her loved ones, arguing with her dog Lady about dinner portions, and feeding the birds on her back patio, she had many hobbies. A good bargain was never far off as she made her way to different mission sales, yard sales, and big box stores searching for the best discounts. She loved baking too and made sure she always had a pound cake ready to share with others. She was a proud senior at the York County Council on Aging (The Center) where she went to "work" playing bingo, doing arts and crafts, and gathering with her friends and fellow seniors. Living in the Palmetto State, she missed her Tarheel friends and family, so when she couldn't visit she would spend hours on the phone talking with close, longtime friends. She was always a delight and encouraged others around her to find joy in life regardless of their situations. We know that her time in heaven is spent doing "a little of this, and a little of that".

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Stella Clark; her first husband, Sammie Richard Barnes; her second husband, J.G. Smith; and her brothers Harold and Eddie Nelson.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Christia (Jim) Humburg; her brother, Donnie Clark; her three grandchildren, Jamison, Jake, and Jenna; and her beloved sisters-in-law, Susan, Debbie, and Ganell Clark.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at New Hill Baptist Church (3700 Old US 1 Hwy, New Hill, NC 27562). The family invites friends to celebrate Nancy's life by wearing a colorful top and black pants. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the York County Council on Aging (https://yccoa.networkforgood.com/projects/55813-donate-now) or New Hill Baptist Church (donations mailed to P.O. Box 74, New Hill, NC 27562).