Mrs. Nancy Joyce Wilson Smith, age 77, went to her heavenly home, Monday, January 31, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 27, 1944, in Cleveland, Tennessee to the late Warner Edwin Wilson and Edith Nancy Wales Wilson.

She grew up in Chattooga County, where she was a member of Chelsea Baptist Church in Menlo and graduate of Chattooga High School Class of 1962. She went on to receive a degree in Business Administration from Coosa Valley Technical College. After that she went to work in Atlanta for Liberty National Insurance and met the love her life, Lawrence. After marrying they settled outside of Adairsville. Nancy then went to work at Blue Cross Blue Shield in Chattanooga until she retired early to become a mother. She took pride in raising her two daughters and later helping with her two granddaughters. Nancy lived her life for her family and truly loved being a mother and grandmother. She was a phenomenal cook and talented photographer and seamstress. She attended Snow Spring Baptist Church in Adairsville. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Bobby McDaniel; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Guy Oliver Smith and Ella Maude Young Smith; brothers-in-law, Edwin, Oliver, Arnold, Marvin, and Doyle Smith; and sisters-in-law, Margie Mae Fletcher and Dorothy Smith.

Her parents called her their "Rock of Gibraltar". She was such a strong and steady presence to all who knew her. She was her children's biggest champion, but she also made sure they knew right from wrong.

She felt like you have to work to keep family together. That drive to try and help family stay connected was just who she was. For many years she acted as the unofficial family photographer, always trying to make sure we would have pictures to help us remember.

She organized many fun things for the kids. Her goal was to try and have a fun family time for the children where they could build bonds with their cousins and the rest of the family. She always wanted us to be close and have good family memories. She worked hard to make sure the "children" had that love of family.

She kept numerous family children growing up. They all loved going with "Aunt Nancy". She learned to swim "too late in life" and as a result didn't care for the water. She was determined that wasn't going to be the case for us. Not only did she take us, but she took all of the Wilson grandchildren who were of age. So, every summer she would have a house full of kids. She was determined all of us would learn to swim well so we could enjoy the water. She was giving us a gift she didn't have. That's just the kind of person she was.

For all her pros, Mama considered herself socially awkward. She felt like she sometimes didn't articulate very well what she was trying to say. I don't think she ever knew the impact she had on those around her. Even when I tried to tell her she'd say, "you're just biased honey". She felt like she fell short, but she said God always knew her heart and knew that she tried.

She was a good Christian woman and tried her best to teach all of the children God's word. She always quoted the bible Proverbs 22:6 "Train up your children the way they should go and when they are old, they will not depart from it". She taught us to talk to God "the way you would talk to me or Daddy". She said God is our heavenly father and he doesn't just want to hear from you when you want or need something. Tell him how your day is going and thank him for the blessings he gives you."

Every morning she started her day by saying the following:

" This is the day that the Lord has made, I will be glad and rejoice in it"

" I will be happy today. No matter what comes my way. Whether the skies are cloudy or grey I will be happy today."

" Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for God will last".

She taught her morning mantra to her grandchildren Alexis and Riley as well.

She was a big believer in making choices and choosing to do the right thing. She always said everyone has a choice. You choose how you're going to be. You can choose to be happy or mad. You don't control what life's going to throw at you, but you do choose how you react to it.

She was a remarkable woman and will be missed by all who loved and knew her.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 53 years, H. Lawrence Smith; daughters; Kristy N. Smith of Adairsville and Penny Smith Farrer and husband Brian of Rome; granddaughters, Alexis Delaine Farrer and Riley Joyce Farrer; brothers, W. Edwin Wilson, Jr. and wife, Martha of Fayetteville and Nelson Wilson and wife Brenda of Summerville; sister, Sheryl Wilson McDaniel of Menlo; brothers-in-law, Frank Smith and Jimmy Smith and wife Vera Mae; sister-in-law, Charlene Smith and several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at 3:00 PM from Snow Springs Baptist Church, Adairsville with Mr. Wayne Jackson, Rev. Rodger Whorton, and Mrs. Martha Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in Snow Springs Church Cemetery. Pallbearers include Dylan Adams, Levi Adams, James Ammons, Jason Ray, Lee Smith, Jeffery Wilson, Nathan Whorton, and Robert Whorton.

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 1:00 PM until 2:30 PM at Barton Funeral Home, Adairsville.

R. Dudley Barton & Son Funeral Home, Adairsville, will be in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Nancy Joyce Wilson Smith.