Penny Annette Smith

Penny Annette Smith, age 61 of Hampton, VA, died on Sunday, August 9, 2026. She is survived by her child Shelby Smith, her future son-in-law Nathan Cales, her soulmate Dusty Henson, her mother Patricia “Nana Pat” Foster, her sister Sonya Jones, her nephews Brandon Smith, Clayton Smith, Zachary Jones and Nathaniel Jones; her nieces LaVonya Payne and Jamie Shell, her sisters-in-law Laurie Smith, Carla Peyton, and Patsy Smith; her brother-in-law Troy Ross, many extended family members, her beloved dog Norman (affectionately known as the “Lord Mayor of Buckroe”), and countless friends whom she considered family.

Her generous and giving nature led many to refer to her as “Mama Penny.” After graduating from James Madison University (where she was a member of the Phi Mu Sorority), she became a registered nurse who offered exemplary care to her patients for decades. She carried that same kindness over to her next career helping families navigate through the process of grief and loss at Parklawn Memorial Park and Princess Anne Memorial Park.

Not only was she a devoted mother and loving aunt, but she also offered her abundant and unconditional love to those in the pageant community. Before winning a few crowns of her own, she was a pageant mom who always stepped in to touch up hair or makeup, sew someone into a dress in the case of a zipper emergency, and cheer loudly for everyone who stepped on the stage. For several years she was co-director of the Tiny Miss of America pageant system with her child Shelby.

Penny loved two places more than anything: the beach and her craft room. She was famous for rhinestoning anything and everything. Her sewing projects ranged from minor alterations to creating original pageant clothes. She also crocheted, baked, and made enamel crafts, many of which were sold in her Sea Queens Boutique small business.

Her desire to help others extended to several community service projects. Penny created angel gowns and bags from old wedding dresses, which were donated to help families who were laying to rest infants and young children they had lost. She also provided the warmest mom hugs at local Pride events.

Penny was loved by so many and will be greatly missed.

Instead of flowers, we ask that folks make a donation to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Penny’s honor. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call the 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline.