Nancy Carolyn Smathers
May 1, 1931 ~ April 10, 2026
Born in:
Denison, TX
Resided in:
Denison, TX
Nancy Carolyn Raines Smathers passed from earthly life to eternal life on April 10, 2026. She will always be remembered for her caring nature and the joy she radiated. Nancy was born at home to parents Allen Raines and Mabel Wagner Raines on May 1, 1931. She graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1948. She was a member of the Yellow Jacket band and had fond memories of that time. In the spring of 1946, on the high school grounds, she met a young man just returning from a tour in the army- EH Smathers. She never dreamed he would be the one.
Nancy and EH Smathers married on October 15th, 1949, and decided to spend their lives in Denison. They felt fortunate to have loving family and friends nearby. They were happily married for 63 years. They were blessed with a son, Kevin Allen Smathers. One of their deepest sorrows was losing Kevin at the age of 35 in 1991. Leaving his wife, Christine and two daughters.
Nancy was a lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She was baptized and dedicated her life to Jesus on Palm Sunday 1941. She was very active in Trinity’s programs and love spending time with her church family serving her community. She loved music and was a member of the church choir for 65 years.
Nancy attended Grayson County College and studied microbiology in Minnesota. She retired from Pilsbury Foods in 1988. Nancy and EH loved traveling across the US, camping with friends and family. Nancy enjoyed decorating her home and yard for every season.
Nancy is survived by many family members that will surely miss her spirit but are at peace knowing she is now with loved ones that have passed on. She was an amazing grandmother to Dillon, Stacy and Mark and great-grandmother to Greycen, William and Lena.
Nancy was cremated and her ashes will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Denison, Tx. A service of remembrance will be held at the chapel in Fairview Cemetery on Saturday April 25th at 11am.
Honorary pallbearers: John Raines, Mark Younker, Kevin Mayo and James Conary.
“My life’s been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call.
God wanted me now- He set me free.”
The family suggests donations be made to Trinity United Methodist Church
Services
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
My condolences to the family.
Nancy and EH were special friends of ours. We did a lot of camping ⛺️ together over the years. I lost Bob in January. She and EH are sharing stories with Bob in Heaven now.
Our Dear Sweet Aunt Nancy. We always looked forward to seeing Our Aunt and Uncle EH when we came for visits from West Texas. EH always had stories to tell and Nancy always made sure we had plenty to eat and drink and a place to sleep. We kids were treated like royalty. Many fond memories, we always knew we were loved.
Jake and I enjoyed our time with her. Her outdoor decorations will be missed.