Eleanor Nellie Ree Johnson Smith

Eleanor Nellie Ree Johnson Smith, 85, died Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
She was the daughter of the late Luther Willie and Minnie Gaynelle Johnson and was born May 23, 1940. She was married to the late Paul Montgomery Smith, Sr. for 63 years. She is survived by her children: Linda Smith Rankin (Binky) of Loris, Sandra Smith Cassell (Dan) of Columbia, Paul M. Smith, Jr. (Eileen) of Hemingway, and Jeffrey D. Smith of Leesville. Also surviving are her seven grandchildren: Joseph Williamson (Marie), Jason Williamson, Byron Owens, Barrett Owens (Brittany), Brandon Owens, Stuart Smith Powell (Brandon), and Zachary Smith (Brittany) as well as nine great-grandchildren: Grover and Garner Williamson; Larkin, Morgan, Sawyer Caroline, and Rowan Powell; and Harper, Stella Kate, and Beau Montgomery Smith. In addition are her brother Mike Johnson (Pat) of Lancaster, and sister-in-law Sandra Antley Johnson of Columbia and many nieces and nephews.
She graduated from Lancaster High School (1958) and received her Master's in Education from the University of South Carolina-Coastal. Nellie taught biology, physics, and chemistry and impacted many students who pursue careers in the science and health fields. She was honored by her colleagues selecting her as Teacher of the Year during her tenure at the following schools: Hemingway High School Irmo High School Lugoff-Elgin High School
Nellie was also a reserved member of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International – Alpha Upsilon Chapter in Columbia. The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is an organization of educational leaders who promote professional and personal growth of women educators. Nellie was known as a kind, generous, intelligent woman who inspired people not only in the classroom but also through her many church activities. Her faith and hope in God were evident to all who knew her. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, aunt, sister, teacher, minister's wife, and friend. She was passionate about her love for the Lord and was known for directing Vacation Bible School and children's choirs, singing in the adult choirs, and teaching Sunday School classes at the churches that she and her husband served. Their ministries included: North Side Mission (March 1968 – August 1968) Beaver Creek Baptist Church (August 1968 – May 1972) Pleasant Hill Baptist Church (May 1972 – October 1983) Denny Terrace Baptist Church (October 1983 – July 1998) Interim Pastor – Temple Baptist Church -- (November 1998 – June 1999) Interim Pastor – University Baptist Church – (July 1999) Heath Springs Baptist Church (August 1999 – April 2005) Fork Hill Baptist Church (July 2006 – May 2007) Beaver Creek Baptist Church (July 2007 – August 2012) Catawba Baptist Church (February 2013 – March 2015)
Visitation will be held at Lancaster Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Lancaster, SC Sunday, September 14 at 2 p.m. followed by a service at 3 p.m. Burial services will be held at Lancaster Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to Agape Care of Lancaster during the past year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the church of your choice.
Lancaster Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family of Mrs. Smith. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eleanor Nellie, please visit our floral store.