Nancy Jean "Nan" Smith

Nancy Jean Faison Smith reached the end of her amazing journey on this earth early Tuesday morning. At a vibrant 88 years young, she passed peacefully while surrounded by her family. Our adored mother was born in Richmond, Virginia and moved to Florida at a young age. Her love of learning took Nancy from Miami Edison High School to Miami-Dade Junior College, before moving on to the University of Florida where she earned her bachelor's degree in nursing. Her life-long quest for knowledge continued with her becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife, as well as a Nurse Practitioner. Nan started a long career at Indian River Memorial Hospital, where Vero Beach became not just her home but one for the entire family.

Nancy was a magical woman of many talents and interests with an insatiable curiosity and zeal for life. No matter what, her many paths all had a singular focus, service to others. She wasn't just a mother to her children; she was a source of compassion and love for everyone who knew her. She enjoyed many hobbies including cooking, especially making jam, volunteering, traveling, folk school, tai chi, and finding Hidden Treasures. She was a long-time member of Temple Beth Shalom Vero.

Nancy is survived by her children Gregg (Dana), Stacy, Eric (Christy), and Justin (Renee). Bubbe's seven grandsons are Christopher, Brandon, Devon, Brennan, Aiden, Carson, and Beckett. She also has three great-granddaughters Aliza, Bradleigh, and Della, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Gigi and Ed Faison, her two younger brothers, Lanny and Steven, along with her former husband, our father, Harry.

A celebration of her life will be held on February 8, 2026, at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory in Vero Beach, FL at 10:00 a.m.

Our mother did not want sadness and flowers to be the focus at this time, so in lieu of that, please consider a donation to a charity. It would be lovely if you did it in her name. The World Central Kitchen is an organization she felt passionate about. If you are so inclined, volunteer for a few minutes somewhere, somehow. You can simply give a smile to a stranger or share a kind word. Let joyous memories of Nancy remind us to care about each other.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.