Obituary of Nancy Smith Francis

Nancy Smith Francis, 78, of Venetia, PA, passed away on July 16, 2025 after a short illness. Nancy was born in Boston MA on April 26, 1947, the daughter of the late Dr. Delbert C. Smith and Dr. Mary Jordan Smith. She grew up in Fairmont, attending Fairmont Senior High School before attending West Virginia University and finishing with a Masters in Business Administration. She oversaw the off-campus education program at Alderson Broaddus College, helping students arrange internships across all majors. She also organized annual off campus education in Europe for eligible students, before becoming an associate business professor. She resigned from AB to start and raise her family. She deeply valued time spent with her family, dedicated herself to volunteering at school events, and found great joy in summer road trips for junior golf tournaments. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Terry, and their children, Tyler (Kristin) of Ohio Township, PA and Zachary (Jennifer) of Bridgeville, PA, along with four wonderful grandchildren, Nolan and Oliver (Tyler and Kristin), and Amelia and Jordan (Zachary and Jennifer). She is also survived by her sisters, Barbara Smith of Fairmont and Susan Grider of Indianapolis, IN, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was a past member of First Presbyterian Church in Fairmont and Bridgeport Presbyterian Church. In addition to living in Fairmont, Nancy and Terry lived in Philippi and Bridgeport, WV, Richmond, VA and Washington County, PA. She loved everywhere she lived, but always considered herself a West Virginian and a Mountaineer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests mourners make a donation to the charity of their choice. Among Nancy’s favorites were P.E.O. and Samaritan’s Purse. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Ford Funeral Home, DeGarmo Chapel, 207 Second Street, Rivesville, WV 26588. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, July 18, 2025 from 3PM until 6PM and continue on Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 10 AM until 11AM. Funeral services led by Reverend Williams Colclasure will be held in the funeral home at 11 A.M. on July 19, 2025. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Rivesville.