RIP Nanny

Virginia "Nanny" Smith
1914 -2009

Nanny was my adopted grandmother from my mom's previous marriage to Jerry Smith. Even though I wasn't her biological granddaughter Nanny still included me in her Christmas gift list and always remembered my birthday. She wrote letters on a weekly basis up until her stroke last year. I finally met her on her 90th birthday in 2004 and then we went on a road trip to California to see her in 2006.

Even though her death didn't come as too much of a surprise it is always sad to know that someone who was once on this earth is no longer around.

These last few weeks have been odd to say the least with all of the death whether it be close friends, relatives, strangers and even celebrities. There has been a certain heaviness in our hearts and I'm so glad it's at least summer time so the sun can shed some light on these shadows.

Here's Nanny's Obituary from Stockton CA

December 15, 1914 - June 24, 2009

Virginia W. Smith, 94, was born to Ulysses Grant and Elizabeth Nell Wright on December 15, 1914 in Hutchinson, Kansas. She passed away at Dameron Hospital after a very short illness.

She lived in Stockton for 44 years and was owner and operator for Hurley's Business Service for 50 years. She was the matriarch of the family keeping us together she was Nanny or Gran to many. Nanny didn't know what an interruption was she enjoyed every visit from Family, Friends and Clients. We were able to stop by the office or the house and stay as long as they wanted. She truly cherished people. She raised her 3 sons and 2 granddaughters while running a successful business.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ulysses and Nell Wright, husband William T. Smith, son William E. Smith and grandson Christopher Lee Smith her sisters Eulah Greene, Geraldine Railsback, Marguerite Warmbradt, brother Estel Wright. Survivors: Sons, James R. Smith & Gerald L. Smith both of Stockton, CA; Granddaughters Shannon Bushnell (Chris) Redding CA, Erin Millar-Dias (Joe) Stockton, CA, Carrie Croucher (Curt) Libby, MT, Robert Smith (Theresa) Charles Smith; Great Grandsons, Matthew, Kenneth and Bretton Millar all of Stockton CA; 9 Great Grandchildren in Stockton and Libby, MT along with all those adopted Great Grandchildren in Yuba City, and everywhere else in the world. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and one very special family friend Janey Ray.

In her final days she was at home and being cared for by her to loving sons. Her presence will be missed and her memory cherished.