Nellie Marie Smith

Nellie Marie Smith, 93, of Waxhaw, NC, passed away on March 29, 2026.She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all those who knew her. She would never say no to a game of Rummy and loved to tell stories of growing up on the farm.

Nellie was born on July 2, 1932, in New Albany, Pennsylvania. Nellie graduated from Estella High School in 1951 and then worked at the Weldon’s Pajama Factory in Williamsport, PA. After moving to Pine Valley, NY, she became well known in retail at Grant’s and Woolworth’s, and she ended her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant with Elcore Nursing Home in Horseheads, NY. In 1952 Nellie married the love of her life, Harry D Smith Jr., who was a purple heart recipient from the Korean War. They had 40 happy years together.

Nellie is predeceased by her husband, Harry D Smith Jr.; her father and mother, Jesse Earl Gilbert and Mildred Nichols Gilbert; and eight siblings.

Nellie is survived by her two children, Elton H. Smith(Kim) and Dawn M. Egnaczak(Mike); four grandchildren, Shannon M. Brodeur(Tom), John W. Spencer Jr.(Lauren), Kady Smith, and Kristopher Smith; five great-grandchildren, Brynne Spencer, Ethan Spencer, Madeline D. Head (Demetri), Harrison Brodeur, and Emerson Brodeur; one great great granddaughter, Nova Soria-Loza; and several nieces and nephews.

At her request, there will be a graveside committal for family and friends at Woodlawn National Cemetery, Elmira, NY.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Council on Aging in Union County, 1401 Skyway Drive, Monroe, NC 28110 or The Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org.