Biography:

Nancy C. Smith, 86, of Little Rock, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Born on November 14, 1939, in Van Buren, Arkansas, Nancy was the daughter of the late Virgle Homer Coleman and Dorthy Berniece Merrill. She graduated from Hendrix College in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, beginning a lifelong connection to her alma mater. She remained an active member of the Hendrix Alumni community and was a proud supporter of the College throughout her life.

Nancy managed Fletcher Bensky Furs in Little Rock for more than 30 years, where she built lasting relationships and took great pride in serving generations of customers.

She was an active and devoted member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, where she generously gave her time volunteering with the Altar Guild, the food pantry, and many other church activities. Her faith was central to her life and reflected in her spirit of service.

A true sports enthusiast, Nancy especially loved cheering on the Razorbacks in football, basketball, and baseball. She was also a longtime ticket holder and supporter of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, reflecting her deep appreciation for music and the arts. In addition, she volunteered her time at Wakefield Elementary School, where she shared her love of reading with students.

Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Thomas W. Smith, a pediatrician; her parents; and her sisters, Anne Desper and Peggy Haynes.

She is survived by her two sons, Mark Smith and his wife, Denise, of St. Louis, Missouri, and Craig Smith and his wife, Lisa, of Medina, Ohio; five grandchildren, Keaton Smith, Audrey Zalick (Ryan), Andrew, Zach, and Alex Smith; her sister, Mary Jane Lasater (Bill); and eight nieces and nephews and their families.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, with Rev. Jay Clark officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Thomas W. Smith and Nancy C. Smith Scholarship Fund at Hendrix College, 1601 Harkrider Street, Conway, AR 72032, or to the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Foundation, 4823 Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home of Little Rock, RuebelFuneralHome.com