Cinthia Smith

1957 - 2026

Cinthia Smith

January 18, 1957 - February 23, 2026

inthia "Cindy" Dianne (Clanton) Smith passed away suddenly on February 23, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur, Ill., where she had cared for countless others as a nurse over several decades. Cindy was born in Greenville, S.C., on January 18, 1957, to Kathlyne (Huntley) Clanton and Ronald Dean Clanton.

The daughter of an Air Force veteran, Cindy lived in numerous military communities growing up, including Biloxi, Miss.; Oahu, Hawaii; and Charleston, S.C. She moved with her family to Decatur, Ill., in 1973 and graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1975.

Cindy married the love of her life, James "Jim" Gregg Smith, on May 27, 1978, at the First United Methodist Church in Decatur. Cindy and Jim bought their first home together in 1978 and eventually moved to Niantic in 1994, where she lived until her passing. She was a member of the Niantic Christian Church and served as the Niantic Village Board Treasurer for over 20 years.

A devoted mother to her two sons, Cindy was their biggest supporter. She traveled all over Central Illinois to support their involvement in Boy Scouts and Niantic High School athletics. As her sons grew, her love expanded to her granddaughters, whom she cherished deeply.

Cindy was a dedicated and compassionate nurse for 43 years. She began her career at St. Mary's Hospital as a Candy Striper and went on to work in many departments, particularly enjoying her time in the Recovery Department and Surgery Center. Later, she worked for numerous doctors' offices throughout Decatur.

She enjoyed bowling, water skiing on Lake Decatur, yoga, and spending time with friends and family. Cindy kept a beautiful yard and, in retirement, especially enjoyed tending to her flowers and houseplants. She shared a special bond with animals, including family pets, the birds by her kitchen window, and several stray cats who regularly visited her front porch for refuge and companionship.

Her compassion, acceptance, and patience carried over into her personal and family life; she will be dearly missed. Cindy was predeceased by both her parents, her parents-in-law, and a grandson, Vincent Wayne. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, James Smith; sister, Lesa (Clanton) Crane of Decatur; brothers, Brian (Marla Opperman) Clanton of Chestnut, and Rodney (Dawn Smith) Clanton of Maryland Heights, Mo.; aunt, Ruthmary Kirby Kiler of Decatur; sons, Ashley (Abby Kelly) Smith of McKinney, Texas and Griffin (Brandy Sparks) Smith of Indianapolis, Ind.; granddaughters, Madeleine, Michaela, Eileen Rose, and Remy Jean Smith; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at 11:30 am on Friday, March 6th, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N Oakland Ave, Decatur, Ill. Visitation will precede service beginning at 11 am, with burial to follow in Graceland Cemetery.

Cindy's unwavering kindness, patience, and love touched the lives of many, and her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home

2091 N Oakland Ave, Decatur IL 62526

(217) 429-5439