Mrs. SUSAN NANCY VERNOR SMITH

Fort Worth -- Susan Nancy Vernor Smith, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and school principal, passed away Friday afternoon, January 22. She was 81. Susan grew up in Alice and Corpus Christi, graduating from W. B. Ray High School. She went to TCU, where she developed a great love for purple, Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, Horned Frog sports, and Fort Worth. Susan served as an educator in FWISD for most of her teaching career. In 1982, Susan married the love of her life, Jim Smith. The couple shared many interests, including a passion for education. She was appointed principal of Lily B. Clayton in 1984. During her 15 years at “Sweet Lily B,” she touched the lives of countless students, families, teachers and staff. She started many school traditions still honored today, and deservedly earned the nickname, “Queen Bee.” Jim and Susan retired in 2000, leaving many happy years for companionship, TCU football games, travel, TCU baseball games, symphonies, TCU volleyball games, and of course friends, family, and especially her eleven grandchildren who she and Jim lovingly supported. She was an active member of University Christian Church over the years, serving as an elder, a Lady of the Manor in Boar’s Head, a Sunday school teacher, and exercise leader. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Leo Vernor, and her son-in-law, William Woody. In addition to her husband, James P. Smith, Susan is survived by her daughters, Cindy McKinney Pimpo and son-in-law Steve, and their children, Stephen, Michael, Caleb, Laura, Abigail, and Grace, Lee Anjanette Smith-Woody and her children, Dalton, Dakota, and Scout and Amy McKinney Nettle and son-in-law, Austin, and their children, Luke and Callie; brother, Jim Vernor and sister-in-law, Judy; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and “adopted” children for whom she was a second mom. A virtual memorial will be live-streamed at 10:30 am on Saturday, March 27, 2021. Details will be made available later. Consideration of contributions to the Page Scholarship Fund at UCC, the Women’s Center of Tarrant County, Fort Worth Retired Teachers' Rhoten Scholarship Fund (PO Box 40414, Forest Hill, TX 76140), or the charity of your choice, in her memory, is suggested. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mrs. SUSAN NANCY VERNOR SMITH please visit our Sympathy Store.