Nanette Austin-Smith

1957 - 2023

Nanette Austin-Smith



On the evening of December 29, 2023, the gates of heaven were opened, and our beautiful Nanette was welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior. Nanette was born on July 28, 1957, in Summerville, GA. She grew up and was raised by her beloved grandmother Lucille, in Gaylesville, AL. Nanette grew up in the days of Jim Crow and as a child picked cotton alongside her older brother Calvin, cousin Jessie and grandmother Lucille. Those days played an important role in forming the dedicated, hard working, strong woman Nanette would grow to become.

As Nanette grew older she worked as a gifted licensed cosmetologist. She was among the first group of women ever hired by the City of Toledo to be collectors in the Division of Solid Waste. Against all odds, she worked her way up the ladder to become a driver, then was promoted to become the first woman and first black woman foreman in the Division. In 2010, Nanette was permanently appointed as the first woman and first black woman to the position of superintendent, which was an unprecedented and remarkable achievement. Eventually, when the division shut down, Nanette became the superintendent of the Hoffman Road Landfill, again breaking glass ceilings and setting precedents. She led by example, continually striving for perfection. Nanette worked for the City of Toledo for over 37 years with no retirement date in site.

Nanette met and fell in love with her husband, Michael A. Smith, and they were happily married for over 20 years. Michael and Nanette loved nothing more than spending time together, cooking, taking walks, and together they embarked on many adventures, with her favorites always being the numerous cruises they took.

Above all else, Nanette was deeply devoted to her family, both in Toledo and "back home" in Alabama. She relished the time she spent in Alabama, especially with her sisters, cooking, dancing and thoroughly enjoying her life. Nothing Nanette did made her happier than time she spent with family.

Nanette was a devoted Mother and Nana to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and it was her pleasure to do all the cooking for their many family get togethers. Everyone in the family looked forward to her delicious cooking.

Nanette was a true woman of faith and read the bible to her numerous siblings every evening as a youth. Nanette always carried herself like a true lady, she always "took the high road" and was generous, thoughtful and encouraging to the people in her life. She enriched the lives of those around her and anyone who was lucky enough to know her was better off for it. She took pride in everything she did. Nanette had a green thumb and could nurse any plant back to health. She was extremely proud of the plants and flowers in and around her home as well as in her office. A living testament to her natural abilities.

Nanette was preceded in death by her beloved grandmother, Lucille Austin; parents, Coachie Neil Austin-Bryant and Charles Bernette; brother, Calvin; cousin, Billie Guthrie; brother-in-law, Benjamin Guthrie; and first husband, Billy Gardner.

Left to forever cherish her memory are her beloved husband, Michael Smith; daughters, Vecetta Austin, Joetta Austin (James Walker), and children, Javonte, Javon, Jai' Lyn, and Jovelle; son, Jody Austin and children Janae, Jody, Jasmine, Jody Jr., and Jayen; sisters, Janet Austin-Guthrie, Angela Silman, Ellen Bryant-Davis (Michael), Melissa Bryant-Smith (Billy), Agatha Birdsong, Lydia Glover (Glen); brothers, Michael Bryant, and Jonathan Bryant; great-grandchildren, Ray'Lynn, Rileigh Jayde, Jourdyn, Jamar, Ra'mir and Da'Khari; cousin, Jessie Starr; and step-son, Michael Smith Jr.; a host of aunts and uncles; and dear friend, Amy Szalkowski (Terry).

The family will receive visitors at The House of Day, 2550 Nebraska, on Saturday, January 13, 2024, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m., Pastor James Sherman officiating. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery.