Nancy Michelle (May) Smith

Our earthly angel, Nancy “Michelle” (May) Smith. 51, gained her everlasting reward and returned to her heavenly home on June 21, 2020 after a valiant battle with a long illness.  Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace.

Michelle was born on December 27, 1968 at Williamson, to her loving parents, Arnold “Bo” Ray May of Gilbert and Janice Faye May of Columbus, Ohio.  Michelle was the sunshine in her parent’s world, and, a title she delightfully wore until her last breath, “Daddy’s Little Girl”.

Those waiting to greet her at the gates of Heaven include her maternal grandparents: Nancy Ellen (Hunt) and Paris Smith Justice; paternal grandparents: Sebert and Eunice (Carter) May; father-in-law: James Edward Smith, Sr; cousins: Shanda Gail May, Chris May, Tyler May.

Michelle met the love of her life, James Edward “Eddie” Smith II, when she was a young girl.  It was love at first sight and she knew instantly she wanted to be his wife.  They were married in 1987 and soon after were blessed with two sons: James Edward Smith III and Eddie Ray Smith.  Michelle treasured her role as wife and mommy.  She could easily be found rooting for her husband at the local dirt track, cheering her boys down the football field and on the wrestling mat, or riding shotgun on Eddie’s motorcycle wearing her pink helmet.  While she adored her family, the thing that made Michelle most special washer tendency to cheer just as hard for her niece, nephew, neighbor, friend, or anyone she met.  Michelle savored life with her entire heart and her zeal for life was infectious.

One of the happiest days of Michelle’s life was the day she found out she was going to be a Nana.  She became Nana to her three favorite people: Alyssa Brook Smith, the little girl she had always dreamed of having; Brock Edward Smith, Nana’s little ball player; Logan Ray Smith, Nana’s little helper, all of Gilbert.  Michelle’s life revolved around making memories with her precious grandbabies.  Despite her ailing health, Michelle was part of every celebration, and always encouraged and inspired her babies to follow their dreams.  She was always by their side cheering them along, she was their biggest cheerleader.

Michelle’s contagious laughter and enthusiasm for life lead her down many roads.  For years, she was our local Mary Kay lady and helped many people find not only the perfect lipstick, but their inner beauty as well.  She was a fantastic cook and waitress at Maggie’s Market, a restaurant she owned and operated with her husband at Browning Fork.  She worked several years at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service and was so wonderful that people would wait in long lines to see her.  She was known for her love of chocolate and all things pink.  She and her granddaughter Alyssa always sported the most beautiful matching pink hair streaks.  Her biggest accomplishment, however, will forever be her testament to our Lord.  Whenever Michelle faced a new obstacle with her health she steadfastly called onto Matthew 17:20 – And Jesus said unto them, because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Those left to cherish and carry on the memory of our “Pink Lady” inside their hearts are her parents: Arnold and Janice May; devoted husband: Eddie Smith; precious sons: James and Eddie Ray Smith; daughter-in-law: Megan Smith, who was like her own daughter to her: prayerful mother-in-love, who considered her a loving daughter, Maudie Smith of Gilbert; special aunt: Diane Oliver of Columbus, Ohio; numerous caring sisters and brothers-in-love; caretaker: Gaynell VanNatter of Gilbert; special hairdresser and friend: Destinee Cline of Gilbert.  Michelle also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and other relatives who loved her very much.

Friends may gather with the family Wednesday, June 24, 2020 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at the Mounts Funeral Home Chapel, where funeral service will commence at 2:00 pm with Rev. Gary Starr officiating.  Burial will follow in the Carter Cemetery at Browning Fork.  Michelle will be carried to her resting place by her family and friends.

Michelle was more than a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister-in-love, aunt neighbor, and friend.  She was truly our earthly angel.  Her sweet temperament, compassionate soul, and unwavering love for our Lord and Savior made her a friend and witness to everyone.  Michelle was simply one of the ways God’s love was made manifest on Earth.

Her wonderful smile and gentle heart will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to have known and loved her.

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