Dr. Nancy Smith Jefferson Smith

Nancy Jefferson Smith October 17, 1952 – April 23, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Dr. Nancy Jefferson Smith, a beloved wife, mother, Nana, sister, and friend, on April 23, 2025, at the age of 72.

Born on October 17, 1952, in Dallas, Texas, to Hugh Stover Jefferson and Polly Weaver Jefferson, Nancy was the oldest of three. She lived a life full of love and adventure. She spent a third of her life in Dallas, a third in Ouray and Montrose, Colorado, and the final third in Port Aransas, Texas. Throughout her journey, she touched the hearts of all who knew her.

Nancy was married to her devoted husband, Pete Smith, for nearly 50 years. They met in a Dallas nightclub when she was a waitress, and Pete went back every night until she gave him her number. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and laughter. They would have celebrated their 50th anniversary on November 22, 2025.

A mother to three children — Stacy, Katie, and Ryan — Nancy loved nothing more than being a mom. She was their best friend and confidante, offering wisdom, love, and support. Her pride in being a mother was unmatched, and she was most proud of her children. As Nana to Georgie, Libby, Fox, and Roux, she found immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren, whom she adored and was immensely proud of.

Nancy’s personality was marked by kindness, wit, and generosity. She was an incredible listener, never judged, and always offered thoughtful advice. She lived by the values of kindness and forgiveness, and she had an unmatched ability to make everyone around her feel loved, special, and important.

Nancy was a passionate educator and lifelong learner, earning a Master's in Technology Education from Pepperdine University and a Doctorate of Education from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She began her teaching career in K-12 education, working with Gifted and Talented students, followed by teaching and coordinating technology. Her career culminated as a Professor in the College of Education at TAMUCC, where she left a lasting impact on her students. While she was most proud of being a mother, Nancy truly excelled in her work, particularly within the Gifted and Talented programs for K-5 students, winning multiple national awards and making a significant difference in the lives of many.

Outside of work, Nancy had many passions. She loved traveling, particularly to amusement parks where roller coasters held a special place in her heart. She also enjoyed quilting, sewing, reading, and spending time with her family. In the later years of her life, she took up Pilates, enjoyed swimming, and loved training and showing her dog, Gilly.

A lover of animals, Nancy donated to many organizations supporting animal welfare. Her loyalty as a friend was unwavering, and she had a special way of making everyone feel like they were her best friend.

Nancy’s legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched with her love, wisdom, and generosity. She will be greatly missed, but her memory will be cherished forever. She is survived by her husband, Pete Smith; daughters, Stacy (Bill) Hartley, and Katie (Grant) Millener; son, Ryan (Megan) Smith; sister, Janet Jefferson; granddaughters, Georgie Millener, Libby Millener, Roux Smith; grandson, Fox Smith. She is preceded in death by her parents, Hugh and Polly Jefferson, and her brother, Sam Jefferson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 7th, 2025, at St. John's Episcopal Church in Dallas, Texas. For additional information, please reach out to the family.

  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to an animal charity of your choice, a cause Nancy held very dear.