Mary Louise Nicholson Nicholson Smith

The world lost a treasure when God called Mary Louise Nicholson Smith home, Sunday November 23, 2014. Louise, daughter of the late Charles Archer and Rebecca Louise Entsminger Nicholson was born August 13, 1911 in Collierstown, VA. Preceding Louise in death were her parents; her husband, William Chrispen; her daughter, Maryann; and her grandson, Johnny. Growing up an only child she moved with her parents to Columbia, VA where she quickly learned the value of hard work, a good horse and Lady, her special dog. Nanny graduated high school in 1927 at age 15 in a class of four. She was the salutatorian and in the fall of 1927 attended what is now Longwood University. She then went to Massey Business College and subsequently went to work at Martin Chevrolet in Richmond as a bookkeeper where she met and married her husband Chris and inherited her daughter, Maryann, whom she loved with all her heart. In 1946 Louise and Chris had a banner year. In January they welcomed their 1st son Charles Chrispen and opened their business Gregory and Smith Auto Service on North Ave. in Richmond. In 1949 another very significant year, second son Randall Lewis was born and the business name was changed to Smith Auto Service, Inc. Louise and Chris ran the business together (Louise pumped gas, cleaned windshields and kept the books until Chris’ death in 1984, having been joined in the business by their son, Charles in 1969.) Louise was a founding member of Mechanicsville Recreation Association and the Mechanicsville Civic Association – but not just a member, an active participant in any and all organization she joined. Influential in starting her family’s reunions, she never missed a year (all 45) traveling to Collierstown, VA each June with as many family members as could possibly make each trip. A member of Shady Grove United Methodist church, Louise was a youth counselor, Sunday School teacher, UMW member and enjoyed helping in whatever capacity she could. An avid crafter, Louise donated countless hours of handmade crafts, canned goods and afghans to the UMW Bazaar and made at least 5 afghans every year to take to the family reunion as door prizes. Gardening was a lifelong passion for Louise and her vegetables, flowers and fruit trees are legend. The family always knew we would have canned apples, crab apple jelly, beans and you name it from her garden. Louise had many friends and some of the most treasured she found on the four corners of her street. Her family is forever indebted to Rita & Randy (daughter-in-law and son) for lovingly caring for Mom for the past two years where she was loved, respected and cherished. Preceding Louise in death were her parents, her husband William Chrispen and daughter Maryann. Left to make her proud are her two sons, Charles (Donna), Randy (Rita), fourteen grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren. We will all certainly miss her but, because of the life she lived; we already have shared much laughter along with the tears. A life well lived? Indeed! Family will be receiving friends on Tuesday, Nov. 25th from 2-4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. at Woody’s Funeral Home, 9271 Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville, VA. A celebration of her life will be held Wednesday, Nov. 26th at 11 a.m. at Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Mechanicsville, VA. Interment will be held at 3PM at Forest Lawn Cemetery.