Nancy Smith Bruce, 83, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away at 3:25 a.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at her residence in the Lone Oak community. She was born on September 11, 1940, in Paducah to the late Leon T. Smith and Dortha Hocker Smith.
She graduated from McCracken County Schools and received her master’s degree from Murray State University. Nancy was an algebra and math teacher in the Paducah Independent School District and McCracken County Public Schools for a combined 27 years. She became a member of the Paducah/McCracken County Retired Teachers Association in her retirement, later holding the position of president of the organization.
A long-time member of the Southern Baptist faith, Nancy was a charter member of Friendship Baptist Church, where she served as the Sunday School Superintendent for many years. Her support for her church family was a way of life. Her joyful and steadfast faith in the saving grace of our Lord and Savior is something she shared with everyone. She did this in her everyday life and through mission trips both close to home and far away.
Nancy enjoyed cooking, sewing and crafts, and collecting antique dishes. She delighted in hosting friends and family in her home, especially during the holidays. Nancy loved planting and raising beautiful flower and vegetable gardens for everyone to enjoy, something for which she had a true talent.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Donald L. Bruce; two daughters, Holly Bruce Fox and husband, Stephen, and Stacy Bruce Stubblefield and husband, Charles, of Paducah, Kentucky; son, Timothy Donald Bruce of Paducah, Kentucky; brother, David Smith and wife, Linda, of Nixa, Missouri; four grandchildren, Travis (Adrianna Walker) Ellington, Aaron (Angelea Shute) Bruce, Lakyn King, and Dixon King; one great grandson, John Bruce; and many nieces, nephews and beloved cousins.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday on October 30, 2023, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Howard Atkinson officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah, and after 10:00 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Friendship Baptist Church Music Ministry, 146 South Friendship Road, Paducah, KY 42003.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.