Nancy Irene Smith

Nancy Smith (79) of Rock Hall, MD, was born in South Carolina to the late Robert W. and Mildred L. Smith. She passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2023, after a short illness. She graduated from high school in Anderson, SC, and continued her education at Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BS degree. She went on to work in land development, specializing in organizing and expanding resorts. She was involved from the grassroots with Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head Island and continued with her career in helping with the development of such resorts as: Amelia Island Plantation, FL, and Wyndham Resorts, Edisto Island, SC. Her career culminated in the development of the resort in Mazatlán, Mexico. She then returned to Anderson to be a caregiver to her parents and other family members. She was both artistic and analytical, a rare combination. At this point, she pursued her interest in art, earning a BA degree in applied art from the University of Georgia. In retirement she moved to Rock Hall and built a life volunteering in Kent County. Even though she was not from here, she immersed herself and became a vital part of the community. She, along with Mayor Margo Bailey, revitalized the Democratic Club of Kent County. In 2022, Nancy received the Martha A. Holland Volunteer of the Year Award. She was an active member and past president of the League of Women Voters, Kent County. She organized and helped run LWV voter forums. She was instrumental in the startup and continuing efforts of Vote 411 (the electronic Voters Guide) for Shore Leagues and for the state. Recently, she was appointed to the board of the League of Women Voters Maryland. In 2017, she was a pivotal force in bringing the state convention to Chestertown. She volunteered at the Kent County 4-H Fair. She also volunteered with the Parks & Recreation of Rock Hall and oversaw such events as the Easter Egg Roll, 4th of July events, and the NY Eve Fish Drop. In addition, she was a member of the Women’s League of Washington College, where she volunteered. When she saw a need, she immediately jumped in and marshalled others to affect change to help the community. Up until her illness, she worked with Happy Grass property management and considered them her extended family. Nancy was a voracious reader and loved to debate and discuss politics. She was very artistic and produced many pieces of assemblage sculpture, which were exhibited at Heron Point and River Arts Chestertown. One of her greatest attributes was her unwavering loyalty to friends, which went as far back as keeping connections with her kindergarten class. The family is grateful for the caring staff at Compass Hospice in Centreville. She is survived by her sister, Bobby Sutton of Chestertown; nephews, Joel Smith of Anderson, SC, and Andy Smith (Erica) of Confluence, PA, whom she raised as a son; great-niece, Aspen Smith; and goddaughter, Mahalie D. Moore of Columbia, SC. One brother, the late Stanley Smith, predeceased her in 1987. A celebration of Nancy’s colorful life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be sent to the League of Women Voters of Maryland (121 Cathedral St. Suite 2B, Annapolis, MD 21401), Compass Regional Hospice (160 Coursevall Dr. Centreville, MD 21617), or to the charity of your choice.

Nancy Irene Smith

May 16, 1944 - May 28, 2023