NANCY ANN HOLMAN-SMILEY
NANCY ANN HOLMAN-SMILEY
Nancy Ann Holman- Smiley was born August 31, 1947 at Bothwell Hospital in Sedalia, MO and died on August 23, 2021 at Mosaic Hospital in St. Joseph, MO at the age of 73.
She is survived by her son, Rex Smiley of St. Joseph, MO and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews from across the US.
Nancy lived her first 9 months in Beaman, MO before the family moved to Princeton, MO. Her father Eugene (Gene) Holman was in charge of building, developing and managing Lake Paho in Princeton, where Nancy and her family lived for 14 years. As a child, Nancy, along with her brother Gerry, raised Jersey cattle for milk and they showed at several fairs, including the Missouri State Fair. Also, when Nancy was young, she tap-danced at talent contests and for entertainment for several organizations. In addition, she was a member of 4-H and the Rainbow Girls.
Nancy attended school in Princeton until her freshman year of high school, when the family relocated to Raytown, MO. She graduated from Raytown South High School in 1965 and went on to college in Kirksville, MO at Missouri State Teacher’s College (now Truman State) where she graduated in 1969.
As an adult, Nancy was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, Eastern Star and the United Methodist Church and an honorary member of the National FFA Organization.
Nancy was most known for being a school teacher and crafting connoisseur. She taught school for over 26 years in the towns of Spickard, Madison, Higbee, Cainsville and Milan, all in Missouri. During her tenure as a teacher, she primarily taught Home Economics, but also taught English and was a Guidance Counselor. Upon retirement from teaching, Nancy moved back to her hometown of Princeton to be closer to her family. One of her most enjoyed hobbies was crafting that included everything from wreath & flower arrangements, quilting, painting, making jewelry and numerous other crafty creations. She even owned craft stores in both Milan and Princeton that served to provide unique gifts and arrangements to members of the communities.
She believed that one of her greatest accomplishments in life was raising her son, Rex, who ended up being her caretaker for several years. Probably her most rewarding “job” was being an amazing mother. From going to horse shows, sporting events, band concerts and other school organization events, she was always there to provide her guidance and support.
Nancy was known and loved by so many in any community that she was a part of. She has worn several hats over the years and she will be fondly remembered as “Ms. Smiley”, “Fancy Nancy”, “Princess” and “Mama Nance”. Heaven has truly gained another angel and she will be missed here on earth by so many, but most of all, her best friend and son, Rex.
Funeral services for Nancy were held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 30 at the Princeton United Methodist Church in Princeton, MO, under the direction of the Roberson Funeral Home, Princeton, MO. Burial followed in the Princeton Cemetery, Princeton, MO. The family received friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Monday at the church.
Memorials may be made to the Princeton United Methodist Church and/ or by supporting a school teacher, either in the classroom or at home, with some financial assistance to honor her memory in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 316, Princeton, MO 64673. Online condolences may be left at www. robersonfuneralhome.com
