Nancy Mercer Smith, 95, of Whiteville, wife of the late Edward Lewis Smith, died peacefully on February 5, 2023 surrounded by her family, having lived an amazing life. She was the daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. William Cassie Mercer and grew up in Williamston, NC.

She was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Raleigh and Salem College in Winston Salem. She moved to Whiteville where she taught school and met and married Lewis Smith in 1952. After an unexpected death of her husband in 1960, Nancy raised her five young children with unending love and support from so many. She had a zest for life and her infectious personality filled every room she entered. She lived her life with courage, grace, dignity, and charm – a true southern lady. Nancy, along with her dear friend Virginia Powell, were always known to host parties with such elegance and grace. She was an avid bridge player, receiving her Life Master certification and always eager to teach others how to play duplicate bridge. 

Nancy was a member of First Baptist Church over the last 70 years and was honored as a pillar of the church in 2018. Her pride and joy were her family and all her extraordinary friends.

Nancy, affectionately known as GaGa, is survived by her children Edward Lewis Smith Jr. of San Antonio, TX; William Mercer Smith of New York, NY; Nancy Smith Yates (Rufus) of High Point, NC; Robert Beasley Smith (Kay) of Sumter, SC; and Betty Grace Smith of Charlotte, NC. GaGa is also survived by her grandchildren William Rufus Yates, Jr. of New York, NY; Robert Parker Yates (Carson) of Charlotte, NC; Andrew Mercer Yates (McCauley) of Raleigh, NC; Katherine Smith DaSilva (William) of Charlotte, NC; and Nancy Cameron Smith (Patrick) of Washington, DC along with her five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother, Dr. William Cassie Mercer, Jr.

Funeral service and a celebration of life will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 12:00 noon at First Baptist Church in Whiteville followed by a reception at the family home. Burial will be at 3:30 pm at Columbus Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church, 412 North Madison Street, Whiteville, NC 28472.

McKenzie Mortuary, 112 Jefferson St., Whiteville, NC is serving the Smith family.