DeWITT — Nancy Hord Smith,
82, of DeWitt, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2020, following a brief illness. She is survived by husband, Albert Smith; children, Kim Hord Seale (Spencer) of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Eddy Hord (Katie) of Stuttgart, and Su’Aaron Travis (Ralph) of DeWitt; grandchildren, Elliott Seale (Bekah) of Wichita, Kan., Zach Aliosio-Seale (Marianna) of Los Angeles, Calif., Lauren, Hagan and Addison Hord of Stuttgart, Tucker Travis of Dallas, Texas; and great-grandson Cassian James Seale. She is also survived by many loving and caring friends. Besides her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by husband Clyde Hord, infant daughter Lisa Hord, and bonus son Joel Smith.
Nancy was born September 13, 1937 in Springhill, Ark., to the late Ralph Edward and Swan Garner Smith. Raised in nearby Hope, Nancy graduated from Arkansas State Teachers College (now Henderson State University). She then went on to receive her Masters in Special Education from the University of Central Arkansas. On December 27, 1959, she married Clyde Hord. After beginning their teaching careers in Marked Tree, Nancy and Clyde settled in DeWitt in 1968. Her lifelong passion was helping special needs children. Nancy’s knowledge and hard work were instrumental in the founding of Patillo Center School in DeWitt. She served as the director beginning in 1972 until her retirement in 2007.
Clyde passed away April 28, 1999. Nancy found love and happiness again and married Albert Smith on June 14, 2008.
Nancy, affectionately known as Nene to her grandchildren, could light up a room with her radiant smile and contagious laughter. Her love for her family, community and church were evident in all she did. To know Nancy was to love her. She was kind, funny, smart and classy. She had a special bond with a tight knit group of friends that spanned many decades and survived many life events. These loyal friendships were so important to her and have supported her through many joyous and difficult occasions.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the celebration of Nancy’s life will be livestreamed from the First Baptist Church of DeWitt’s Facebook page (search FBC DeWitt on Facebook) on Tuesday, July 28th, at 2 p.m. A private family burial will take place following the online service.
We would like to thank the Essex family for their lifelong love for Nancy, and for the caring and compassionate way they have helped us through this difficult time. The last several months have been difficult, but the professionalism and empathy shown by the staff at both Baptist Health Medical Center - Stuttgart and Crestpark of DeWitt have been exceptional and we will forever be grateful that you treated our mom/wife/Nene with such love and respect.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Patillo Center School, 601 South Union, DeWitt, Ark., 72042, 870946-1606. Arrangements by Essex Funeral Home. www.essexfuneralhome.com