Nancy Grist Smith

Nancy Grist Smith passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family. Born on January 20, 1939, in Austin, Texas, she was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, great-grandmother, and loyal friend whose life was centered on her deep faith and unwavering commitment to family.

Jesus was the cornerstone of Nancy’s life, guiding her every step and providing strength through all of life’s challenges. Her faith was evident in every aspect of her life, including her enduring partnership with her husband, Bubba. Their 66-year marriage was a beautiful testament to devotion and mutual support—a love so profound that Nancy felt destined to be reunited with Bubba in heaven.

Together, they built a life steeped in hard work and shared purpose. Nancy worked alongside Bubba in the family-owned Smith Produce and continued to support him in the produce industry even after the business was sold. She was his right hand for 50+ years and they were such an integrated team that the customers referred her to Mrs. Bubba. All the customers knew when they called in an order it would be taken care of with the excellence, they were known for regardless who answered the call. Her nurturing spirit ensured that Bubba, their business, and their family were always well cared for.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Nancy found joy in creating crafts. She loved making intricate jewelry, repurposed items, and meaningful crosses. Saturdays were often devoted to setting up a booth at local craft fairs, where she and her daughters and granddaughter spent hours talking with visitors, sharing the warmth and creativity that defined her passion.

Nancy’s legacy of kindness, compassion, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her. She reached out to others to bring peace and happiness into their lives, always seeing the good in everyone and making sure that no one ever felt like a stranger. Evidenced by her 15 years of ministry of greeting employees and customers while walking at HEB with a smile and ensuring they left her interaction knowing they had been heard and loved.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alice Grist, and her beloved husband, Bubba Smith. She is survived by her daughters, Jody Ray (and husband Wayne) and Jamie Smith; her granddaughter, Jennifer Seamans (and husband Shane); her grandsons, John Ray (and wife Luvena) and Raymond Keeler; and her great-grandchildren, Faith, Joseph, Colton, Nolan, and Xavier.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to St Jude’s, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or St. John’s Methodist Church, 2140 Allandale Rd., Austin, TX, 78756, in memory of Nancy Smith.

A visitation for Nancy will be held Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 N. Interstate 35, Pflugerville. A graveside service celebrating Nancy's life will then begin at 10:00 AM.