Nancy Carol Lankford Smith
Nancy Carol Lankford Smith, 73, of Gloucester Point, passed peacefully from this world to be with her Savior on October 24, 2021, at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital with her family by her side. She was born January 4, 1948, to Earl Benjamin (Benny) Lankford, Sr., and Verma McCormic Lankford, and raised in Hampton, VA. She graduated from Hampton High School in
1966. Nancy spent much of her youth and young adult life worshiping at West Hampton Baptist Church and spoke of her time there often and fondly. She worked for the VA Department of Rehabilitative Services until the birth of her children and resumed her career with that agency when her youngest daughter started school. She retired from VDRS to spend time with her family
and to be able to help care for her grandchildren as they came along. Nancy was devoted to her family and her faith, which was evident in the way she chose to spend her “spare” time. She volunteered in the Gloucester County Elementary schools and Stephenson’s Childcare Center as a music teacher before there were music programs in those schools. She was an integral part of the inception of the Children’s music program at
Bethany United Methodist Church and served as its leader for many years. She was a Brownie Troop leader for the troops of all three of her daughters and assisted with Bible School and the annual Christmas Pageants at Bethany UMC for her children and her grandchildren. She was a member of the Bethany United Methodist Church choir, the Gloucester Choral Society, several select choral groups within her church, and the Abingdon Junior Woman’s Club. Anyone familiar with Nancy knew of her love for the music of any variety. She was blessed with a beautiful alto voice and played the piano with a joy that was evident to all listening. Nancy was preceded in death by her father Earl Benjamin Lankford, Sr.; Sister Paula Lankford; and Brother Earl Benjamin
Lankford, Jr. She is survived by her mother Verma Lankford; her husband of 53 years Thomas F. Smith; daughters Coleman Conner (Aaron), Jennifer Naquin (Robert) and Susan Ward (Keith). She was a doting grandmother to 7 grandchildren; Ashley Hubbard (Ross), Jami Williams (Baker Picardat), Jennings, Ava Grace & Olivia Naquin, Ella & Emily Ward, and bonus granddaughter Audrey Conner, as well as great-granddaughter Blair Hubbard. Also left to cherish her memory are her sisters Gloria McDaniels, Dianne Bell (Steve), Kathi Christiansen; sisters-in-law JoAnn Lankford, Catherine Sharp (Howard); and twelve nieces and nephews. A celebration of life service officiated by Reverend Dr. Paul Song will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, November 2, 2021, in Bethany United Methodist Church, 1860 Hayes Rd, Gloucester Point, VA 23062. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am – 11:00 am prior to the service. Inurnment will be private. In memory of our loved one memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Bethany United Methodist Church General Fund, PO Box 527, Gloucester Point, VA 23062. Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.