Nancy Braun Smith's Obituary
Nancy Braun Smith, 76, of Raleigh, North Carolina passed away on the evening of November 4, 2023, due to complications from cancer.
Nancy was born on August 25, 1947, in Memphis, Tennessee to Dr. & Mrs. Winston Braun. She enjoyed growing up in Memphis with her siblings, cousins, and extended family. Nancy attended Hutchison School in Memphis and went on to graduate from Central High School in Memphis, Tennessee. Nancy met her beloved husband, William (Bill) F. Smith, in 1968, and they were married in March of 1969. After Bill was commissioned as a Captain in the USAF, their journey together took them to several states. They started a family together in Tennessee and then moved to North Carolina where they spent the rest of their years together. While in North Carolina, Nancy studied history at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Nancy continued her studies at North Carolina State University where she obtained a Master’s of Arts degree in History.
Nancy’s commitment to education brought her back to her alma mater, Meredith College, to teach in the history department. Additionally, she co-lead several summer trips abroad with Meredith students who were studying history while touring many different countries. It was a fantastic way to combine her love for education and travel.
Nancy was an excellent seamstress who created beautiful smocked dresses for her daughter and granddaughters. She also enjoyed making baby hats and blankets for all of her grandchildren. Nancy’s love of gardening was evidenced by her green thumb. She was an extroverted person and though she was physically petite, Nancy had a personality that was larger than life. Nancy’s unique ability to remember people and places was truly exceptional. She noticed the smallest details that many would have overlooked.
Nancy spent twenty years teaching in the children’s program of Bible Study Fellowship in Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina. Nancy’s belief system came from her love of Jesus and her Christian faith. Nancy truly loved people with all her heart. She had several friends that she thought of as family. Spending time with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren, brought her immense happiness and joy. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Winston and Patty Braun.
Nancy is survived by her husband of 54 years, Bill Smith of Raleigh, NC, son Braun Smith (Stephanie) of Charlotte, NC, daughter Ellen Smith of Wake Forest, NC, and three grandchildren: granddaughters, Warner Smith and Scotland Smith and grandson, Pearson Smith, all of Charlotte, North Carolina. Nancy is also survived by her siblings, Grace Upshaw (Jeremiah), Winston Braun Jr (Debbie), and Phillip Braun. The family will receive visitors on Friday, November 10, 2023 between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery. (5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119)
Nancy will be buried at a private graveside family service on the morning of November 11, 2023, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee.
The family would like to thank all of the Nurses, Doctors and Staff at Rex Hospital, as well as everyone at Transitions LifeCare Hospice Home, for the wonderful care they provided.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials in honor of Nancy’s memory, be sent to Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh, NC (www.transitionslifecare.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
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