Nancy Mayer Smith passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026 at the age of 85 in St. Louis, Missouri.  She suffered a fall and during her rehabilitation was overcome by subsequent ailments. Her family and a few close friends supported her in her final weeks.

Nancy was born on March 29, 1940 in Dallas, TX to Charles and Odie Mayer, and grew up in Kansas City. The deep friendships she created there in elementary and high school endured and uplifted her until her passing. She met and married her husband Michael Coulter Smith during her youth in Kansas City as well. They were married 46 years before divorcing in 2008.

Nancy was a talented creative throughout her life. She began sketching and designing her own clothes in high school. She went on to study fashion design at Washington University.  Later, she developed an interior design practice. Her artistry spanned a range of media including sewing, knitting, painting, needlework and cooking. Most recently, she expressed her talents through teaching knitting at her church and baking bread for herself and friends.

Her legacy lives on in her children and their families. She is survived by her daughter, Stacey Smith, and her son, Coulter Smith. Stacey lives in Oakland, CA with her husband Roger Solin and their daughters Melissa and Rissa. Nancy's step-granddaughter, Malena Solin, resides in New York. Coulter lives in St. Louis, MO with his wife Emilie and their three daughters Eleanor, Anna, and Lauren. Nancy is also survived by her brother Charles Mayer, of Concord, CA.

A service will be held on April 11, 2026 at 2PM, with a viewing to start at 1PM at Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd, Creve Coeur, MO.  She will be remembered alongside her former husband Michael Coulter Smith. No gifts or remembrances please.