Nancy Carol Smith

Born in Detroit, MI, she was the only child of Basil Marvin Gray and Laura June Ablett Gray.

Nancy was a very creative and talented artist from a young age. Creating many wonderful works in her lifetime. In pencil and paints she created drawings for herself, classmates and her children’s school art projects as well as giving them as heartfelt gifts. She also had a knack for sewing, making complete outfits for herself as a teen, Halloween costumes for her children, curtains for any home she lived in, and embroidering quilts.

Apart from the pride she had in her children, Nancy was very proud to have been a life-long member of the Girl Scouts. Beginning in the Brownies as a girl, moving to Juniors, Cadettes, and on to the highest-level of First-Class Senior Scout as a teen. As an adult she was a Juniors Girl Scout leader for her daughter’s troop and continued being a Juniors Girl Scout Leader for many years after leading her daughter’s troop, a reflection of perseverance, leadership and a lifelong commitment to doing good.

Throughout her life, Nancy found joy in creating; stamp, coin & keychain collecting, camping & nature, discovering her family heritage & genealogy, and just being & doing anything with her family.

In addition to her parents, Basil & Laura Gray, Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Terry Ross Smith who she met in choir.

Nancy is survived by her two children Zachary & Angela and their spouses, Leisha & Ryan. She also leaves behind her “little doggy” Maxamillion, extended family members, friends, and neighbors. She was present for our most cherished memories and will be deeply missed in all the milestones to come.

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

-Helen Keller

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 2pm-8pm with a funeral service being held on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 11am at 37000 Six Mile Rd., Livonia, MI. Burial to follow at Glen Eden Cemetery at 35667 Eight Mile Rd., Livonia, MI.

Nancy will be missed by all who've had the privilege of knowing her.