Nancy Richards Smith departed this life on September 19, 2020. Nancy was the daughter of the late Raymond Gordon Richards and Effa Lilly Richards.
Nancy was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, attended Sweet Brier College, and graduated from the University of Kentucky. Nancy spent a year at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, where she received her teaching degree. Nancy’s first teaching assignment was as a History and Geography teacher for seventh and eighth students at Glen White.
Nancy loved animals and nature. Her caring nature of all animals led her to become one of the original founders of the Humane Society of Raleigh county, which she also served as President for many years. Nancy was a member and former board member of the Beckley Area Foundation. After her husband’s death, Nancy became President of Joe L. Smith, Inc. and BJW Printing and Office Supply. She was also the manager of WJLS and BKW radio stations. Nancy served for 6 years as the past owner and operator of the Washington Street Inn in Lewisburg, which was located in an historical 200 year old building. Nancy was able to attain her lifelong dream of building a log cabin in the county where she frequented often, just outside of Lewisburg.
Nancy was a member of the Phymosia Garden Club. She was of the Presbyterian faith and was a member of the Beckley Presbyterian Church.
Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Joe L. Smith, Jr. Nancy is survived by her son, Joseph Luther Smith, III and his wife, Anne; cousins Ann Kirkpatrick Price and husband Donnie, Judge H.L Kirkpatrick, III and his wife Rebecca, their sons John and Rob; many nieces and nephews, Paul Smith, Suzanne Smith, and Christine Merritt.
The family desires that any contributions in honor of Nancy be given to Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Dr., Beckley, WV 25801 or the charity of your choice.
A private service will be held at Calfee Funeral Home with Pastor Monte Mitchell officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Bill O’Brien, Pete Torrico, Paul Fisher, Paul Smith, Henry Carson, Rob Kirkpatrick, John Kirkpatrick.
Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home.