Nancy Irving Smith

Nancy Irving Smith, age 89, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on June 13, 2019. She was born on April 16, 1930 in Morrilton to the late James Forsyth and Nanny May Irving. She was preceded in death by her siblings James Forsyth Jr., William Irving, Mary Elizabeth Davis, Tom Irving, and John Crockett Irving, and nephew Bill Davis. She graduated from Arkansas Teacher's College (now UCA) and received a graduate degree in Christian Education. She began her career as a high school teacher, then worked as a receptionist for American Airlines. A devout Presbyterian, she studied and led Christian Education in churches in Virginia, Texas, and Arkansas. She served as Presbytery Coordinator for Christian Education in Arkansas for 25 years, and she taught for many years at the Montreat Center in North Carolina. Nancy loved the arts, both visual and performing. She was an accomplished pianist, and loved singing in and traveling with the choir at Second Presbyterian Church. She also enjoyed graphic and watercolor mediums. In May of 2019 she donated many of her works to the non-profit Praeclara. She was an active member of Second Presbyterian, serving as an Elder, Pastoral Care, Prayer Shawl group, and Presbyterian Women. She is survived by nephews Mike Davis of Pine Top, Ariz., James Forsyth Irving III of Heber Springs, Ark., and nieces Betty Martin of Fayetteville, Ark., Marietta Smith of Little Rock, Ark., and Terri Gruber of Pittsburgh, PA. She loved the Irving clan, and she leaves many great, and great-great-nieces and nephews as well. The family would like to thank the staff of Home Instead and Hospice Home Care for their compassionate and skillful care. There will be a celebration of her life on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to LifeQuest at Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72227, or to Camp Ferncliff, 1720 Ferncliff Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72223 or Second Presbyterian Church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.