Nancy “Tootsie” Smith, age 98, of Spring City, died Thursday, April 23, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born January 8, 1928 in the Old Washington Community in Dayton, Tennessee to the late Grover Jackson and Sydney Dake Aikman.

Nancy was a graduate of Rhea Central High School and M.T.S.U., where she played basketball at both. She was an educator with the Rhea County Dept of Education for over 42 years, teaching at Spring City High School, Rhea Central High School and Rhea County High School. During her teaching career, Nancy taught P.E., Typing, Business, and Health, and she coached women’s basketball, softball, and cheerleading. Nancy was the first coach of the women’s softball team at the newly-opened Rhea County High School, introducing fast-pitch softball to Rhea County women’s sports.

Nancy loved to mow her yard, and continued to until not very long ago. She also loved to quilt and cook; but her favorite time was spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Nancy was an avid U.T. sports fan, especially football and Lady Vols basketball. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Spring City.

Nancy is also preceded in death by her husband Earl Mack Smith; siblings Margaret Tallent, Elizabeth Aikman, Helen Aikman, Sue Shaver, Laverne Aikman and Jack Aikman.

Survivors include her children Jack (Melissa) Smith of Tullahoma, TN and DeAna (Farrell) Arnold of Dayton, her brother Bob (Bennie) Aikman,  also of Dayton; her grandchildren Sarah (Preston) Smith, Katie (Will Newman) Arnold, Evan (Megan) Smith and Chad (Kirsten) Arnold; great grandchildren Ensley Smith, Mack Smith, Cade Smith, Henry Newman, and Ella Smith (due June 2026). Nancy is also survived by her longtime family friend Nancy Jo McClendon of Spring City., as well as several nieces and nephews

Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 11:00am in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff Dew officiating. Interment will follow in the Spring City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Vaughn Funeral Home Monday, April 27, 2026 from 4 to 7pm.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Nancy, can be made to the Rhea County High School Girls’ Softball Booster Club or the Animal Shelter Alliance of Rhea County via https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/memorial-fund-6?lt_utm_source=lt_admin_share_link

Vaughn Funeral home is in charge of the arrangements for Nancy Smith. Please share your words of comfort and memories with her family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com