Dena Joy Smith

“Nana” Dena Joy Smith (Nolen) was born July 17th,1958, in Columbia, Tennessee to Ethyl and William Nolen. She was called home on September 10th of 2025 at 3:07 PM while in her home in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, surrounded by her loving family.

She was diagnosed with clear cell carcinoma in December of 2024 and fought everyday with nothing but strength, faith, and love. Nana devoted her life to caring for others and remained dedicated to her family and community. She was famous for her chess squares and was often found supporting the Mount Pleasant sports teams, especially the bass team.

She was a fiery spirit who never turned a blind eye to someone in need. She instilled this same love, passion, and faith in her children, grandchildren, and all others who found a friend in her. She was a respiratory therapist before her retirement, which demonstrated her caring nature and drive to do good in the world. After her retirement, she served as an aid on a special needs bus in Maury County with her good friend Charlotte Runions where she continued to spread love and joy as she always had.

She always had an open door, open kitchen, and open heart. It was her servant heart that earned her her favorite title of “Nana”. She not only cherished this title from her own grandchildren, but also from their friends and teammates who knew they’d find a warm hug and a full belly in Nana’s House.

Nana is forever loved and remembered by her husband-David (Pop) Smith, children-Alyshia (sis) Busby, David (Sherry) Smith, and bonus daughter Priscilla (Bobby) Nutt. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Katie (CJ) Pedrick, AJ Busby (Emmy Grant), Macy Smith (Nic Wilkes), and bonus grandchildren- Joelton (Kjersteen) Nutt, Johnathan Nutt, Breanna Nutt, and so many other children from the community who found love within her home. She is also survived by her siblings Debbie (Jerry) Smith, Donna (Rick) Boshers, Deloris Daniels, Daphne (Bradley) Woodard, and John (Shannon) Nolen, Jimmy (Susie) Hyatt, and special sisters Vicky (Rob) Ingrum and Rose Schwartz. She joins her mother and father-Ethyl and William Nolen Jr., brothers-in-law Jerry Smith and Mike Smith, Mother and Fathers-in-law Ann and James Jones and James Smith.

Visitations will be September 12th from 4-8 pm with a funeral service to follow Saturday, September 13th at 10 am at Williams Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant which will be officiated by Nathan Duncan. Burial in Polk Memorial Gardens.  Pallbearers will be Nicholas Wilkes, CJ Pedrick, Ted Howell, Joelton Nutt, Bobby Nutt, Brent Cockrell, and Jeremy Finley, Rodney Howell.