| Bio | Nancy Smart, age 83, passed away on Friday, February 24, 2023 at her home in Clinton, Missouri. A private graveside services will be held at Mount Washington Cemetery in Independence when the "weather is warmer" because Nancy did not like the cold. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.
Nancy Ruth Smart (Martin) was born to Clifford Walter Martin and Rose Martin (Holtoff) on March 9, 1939 in Independence, Missouri. She was a member of the first class graduation from Van Horn High School (1957) in Independence. She married Edward F. Liley in 1957 and to this union three daughters were born; Mary Kathleen, Lorrie Marie, and Cheryl Elaine.
Nancy was remarried to Raynor Smart in 1995. They spent many years as avid Chiefs fans, and were part owners of a "Chiefs Mobile" where they spent many years tailgating and going to games with their family and friends.
She held many jobs throughout her life, but worked primarily in the food and beverage industry for most of her professional career. Nancy also had a passion for volunteer work. It was this passion that led her to work with the Kansas City area Special Olympics in the 1970's. Her volunteer work turned into the position of Regional Director. Nancy helped to organize and coach many of the Special Olympic events around the Independence area and even chaperoned/coached several Missouri Special Olympians at the International Special Olympic Games in New York in the 1980's.
Nancy was an outspoken and independent woman with a unique sense of humor. She had many friends and loved her family. She retired to Florida in 1999 where she spent many years near her older brother and his family. Retirement didn't quite suit her, so she found part-time work as a "Lunch Lady" in Pasco County, Florida where she made a whole new set of friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Clifford Walter Martin II and Glen Riley Martin, a granddaughter Sara Blevins, and a nephew Vince Martin.
She is survived by her 3 daughters, Kathy (Curtis) Colby of Osceola, Missouri, Lorrie (Scott) Woods of Edwards, Missouri, and Cheryl Hixon of Independence, Missouri, her grandchildren; Cody Colby, Nick Colby and Brittany Miller, 11 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Jane Parks of Clinton, Missouri and her children, Johnna, Mike, and Sue, her nephew Clifford Martin III (Kathy) and niece, Melissa Martin.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri. |
