Nancy Smith

DURHAM – Nancy Wyrick Smith, 92, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Duke Regional Hospital. Born in Greensboro, she was the daughter of the late Edna Wyrick Turpin and was also preceded in death by her grandparents, Jesse and Charles Wyrick.
Although Nancy retired from her role as a secretary at Jefferies Engineering, her true calling was serving her church community, where she devoted herself wholeheartedly to fundraising and support efforts.
Nancy is survived by daughters, Lisa Hallan and husband Brett, Amy Grigg and husband Ken Howiler; grandchildren, Courtney Taylor and husband David, Ellen Louise Grigg, Powell Hallan and wife Danelle, Marjorie Anne Grigg and husband Guillermo Diaz, Julia Margaret Grigg and husband Pablo Basso, Will Hallan and wife Noelle; nine great-grandchildren; sister Jane Turpin; and brother, Mike Turpin.
Nancy loved to keep everyone on their toes. Her quick-witted humor with a touch of sass added an ease and laugh to the moments she shared with others. She welcomed people naturally, never meeting a stranger, and her honesty (most always offered with warmth) - made it easy to feel comfortable in her presence.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis more than 60 years ago, Nancy faced her journey with strength and steady resilience, showing those around her what determination truly looks like. She was an artist at heart and didn't turn away from opportunities to use her art to help raise awareness and support for MS research.
Nancy loved any social event, talking with her friends, adventures out of Croasdaile for holiday events, and a good belly laugh with her grandchildren/great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 1PM on Tuesday, December 30th at Few Chapel, Croasdaile Village, 2600 Croasdaile Farm Pkwy, Durham, NC 27705. Please join us for a gathering immediately following the service as we come together to celebrate her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Benevolence Fund, UMRH Incorporated, 2600 Croasdaile Farm Parkway, Durham, NC 27705.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the care and kindness shown by every caretaker at Croasdaile Village over the years. She was spoiled rotten and doted on by the entire staff. We are forever grateful!
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.