Nola Rae Smith

Nola was born in Peoria, IL, August 9, 1943, to Noel and Mabel Brown. She was a cheerleader for her grade school (Robein) and high school (East Peoria), and she sang for her high school choral group, the EPCHS, which won a state competition. Nola attended Bradley University when she met her first husband, James "Jim" William Allen Jr. They had two children, Shelley and Jamie. Nola and Jim were later divorced, but as a working single mom she found time to play a vital role in the development of Town 'n Country Baseball. Jamie played in the brand-new league, and over many years Nola served every season as team mom and scorekeeper, managed editorial duties for the league's newsletter and sat on the league's board.

In November of 1981, Nola married the love of her life, Trevor Smith. Trevor and Nola moved to Carrollwood Village and blended their families, six children total, into one larger family that would over the years go on memorable vacations and spend holidays and birthdays together. At age 38, she took up tennis for the first time. Through the sport, she made countless new friends and became known for her competitiveness, her leadership, her organizational skills and her ability to throw a good party. Her passion for tennis led her to play into her 70s, and she was a longtime captain of the club's popular Suncoast League team. She was the first to welcome new tennis members, and was often called the "Ambassador of CCC Tennis." In 2019, Carrollwood Country Club named tennis courts in her honor. In her 'spare' time, Nola supported St. Joseph's Hospital, serving as a committee member for the hospital's annual fashion show and gala, as well as Metropolitan Ministries, Special Olympics and many other organizations.

Known to her family as "Ma," "Nana" or "Nannie," she is survived by 16 children and grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Hospital Foundations, 2700 W. MLK Blvd. #310, Tampa, FL 33607.