Diane L Smiley
Today I was devastated to learn of the death of my lifetime friend, Nancy. She was one of the sweetest and kindest people I have ever known. She was also my go-to person for historical information regarding Englands' Royalty. Nancy, Frances (my cousin who lived across the street from her) and I spent many happy hours playing together. I received what I considered greatest dog in the world when her dog had puppies. Rudy (female) was my constant companion for the eight years she lived. We also were gifted with Tony, the parakeet from her family. I don't recall why they didn't want him but he was a character and could say "Davey Crockett" after hearing it in a song numerous times. He was allowed out of his cage a lot and lost his tail feathers once because he landed on a skillet when my mother was cooking. He also pooped on my grand daddys' bald head.
A few years ago Nancy backed into the light at the end of my sisters' driveway. I've never seen anyone more upset than Nancy. Truth be, the light was kinda in a strange position and could have easily been hit by anyone.
Both having names that began with L, we were always in the same homeroom at school and both members of Stevenson Chapel Methodist Church-such good memories! We double-dated a number of times, attended many overnight "Slumber Parties" with our mutual friends. There were eight of us girls who ran around together. There are now only three of us left (lost contact with another one).
We were also in Rainbow Girls. I became Worthy Advisor late in our senior high school year and she was my associate. When it came time for elections, she announced she would not be assuming the role of Worthy Advisor. It seems she had fallen in love with Richard and the rest of that is history. I was in Nursing school at that time so we spent less time together as our lives diverged. She was a wife and mother and, after nursing for a couple of years in Memphis, I joined the Air Force and have never since lived near Memphis. We did exchange Christmas cards when we knew one anothers' addresses.
Whenever I was in Memphis, some of us "girls" would get together. By far, our favorite place to eat was a Catfish restaurant (now closed) near her home. We also attended our schools' 50th reunion together and I visited her in her home a few times. The last time I called Nancy was shortly after her 80th birthday (I'm about one month older than her). She was telling me about her family taking her out for her birthday and what fun it had been. Other than that lovely memory, my old friend was very confused. I wanted to call Debbie couldn't figure a way to get her number.
Know that your mother was a very special person in the lives of her childhood,high school and church friends. She never gave herself enough credit for the things she could do (the only person I've ever known to make doughnuts). I love your mother. The memory of her will live in my heart.
Diane Loftiss Smiley