Nancy Anne Smith

Nancy Anne Smith, 87, passed away peacefully at her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

Born May 18, 1939, in Cresson, Pennsylvania, Nancy was the daughter of Donald and Theresa Hughes. She was a 1957 graduate of Cresson High. She spent most of her life in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where she shared many years with her beloved husband, Paul J. Smith.

Nancy retired from The Pennsylvania State University where she worked at Pattee Library. Prior to her retirement, she worked for Best Masonry, the Pennsylvania State Employment Office, and Gable's in Altoona. Later in life, she moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, where she resided with her daughter, Ellen. She was an avid reader, loved movies, and was a history buff.

Family was the center of Nancy's life. She cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. She was a loving mother, a proud Grammy and Great-Grammy, and a caring stepmother to Paul Smith's children. Nancy will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, her gift for storytelling, and the encouragement and comfort she offered during life's challenges. Her warmth, wisdom, and love will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Theresa Hughes; five sisters; her son, Stephen Paul Lockard, Jr.; and her husband, Paul Smith.

She is survived by one sister, Louise Deffenbaugh, of Pasadena, California, and her three daughters, Susan M. Garges (Dale) of West End, North Carolina; Ellen J. Satterfield of Raleigh, North Carolina; and Cynthia A. Benning (Stephen) of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Rachel, Brian, Bryan, Molly, Sierra, Josiah, Caleb, and Kethan; and five great-grandchildren, Scarlett, Maddie, Joey, Jacob, and Brooks.

A private Celebration of Life will be held for the family on Saturday, June 6, 2026.