Dr. Nancy Ruth Cook Smith

Dr. Nancy Ruth Cook Smith, widow of Dr. Robert “Bob” A. Smith, passed away peacefully at the age of 72 on Monday, January 27, 2025, at Martha Franks Retirement Community in Laurens, SC. She was the oldest of the four children of the late Dr. Malcolm B. Cook and Mrs. Mary Babb Cook.

She is survived by her daughter, Margaret Goodhue Davis (Trey) and granddaughters Mary Babb Davis and Emma Rae Davis all of Laurens, and stepdaughters Kathryn Smith and Sara Shoshannah Bonn (Rich) of Houston, TX. 

Nancy also leaves behind her sister Mary Fortune (Mike) of Laurens, brothers Malcolm Cook (Teresa) of Santa Clarita, CA, and Paul Cook (Pat) of Easley; numerous nieces and nephews; and her devoted friend since childhood Ann Patterson Clites of Silverton, OR. 

Nancy was an avid reader from early childhood and was passionate about teaching and learning. After graduating from Laurens High School, she attended Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC, majoring in history. She continued her studies at the University of Kentucky receiving her graduate degree in library science. After working as a public school media specialist in Kingstree, SC, and then in Laurens County, she moved to Columbia to pursue her Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina concentrating on educational research. Having received her doctorate, she moved to New Hampshire to teach future educators at Notre Dame College in Manchester. 

While living in New Hampshire she met the love of her life, Bob. They were married for nine years before Bob died of cancer. During their marriage, Nancy and Bob traveled, formed Triere Research Co., and raised Samoyed dogs. Later Nancy moved to Cambridge, MA, and worked as a psychometrician in the Department of Astrophysics at Harvard University. Although Nancy was able to pursue her passion for teaching and learning during her years up north, she missed home, especially in the winter months. When she retired in 2012, she returned to Laurens and moved into the family home built by her grandfather Clarence Martin Babb where she lived until she suffered a stroke in 2018.  

Throughout Nancy’s life she was devoted to the church. She was a lifelong Presbyterian and grew up in the First Presbyterian Church of Laurens. While living in Manchester, she was ordained as a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church she attended and served on various committees. When she returned to Laurens, she taught adult Sunday School, taught Bible studies for her circle, and played in the Jubilate Bell Choir. At Martha Franks she assisted with leading a Bible study for a group of ladies, several of whom were members of First Presbyterian. 

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Martha Franks and Lutheran Hospice, and Dr. Mel Patterson for the loving care Nancy received. 

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 4:00 pm on Saturday, February 1, 2025, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Mike McCracken. The family will receive friends in Hunter Hall at 3:00 pm prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials gifts may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 400 West Main St., Laurens, SC 29360 or Martha Franks Retirement Community, 1 Martha Franks Dr., Laurens, SC 29360. 

Gray Funeral Home and Crematory of Laurens is assisting the family.