Nancy Ann McCorkle

Nancy Ann Smith McCorkle, age 65, peacefully rose into Heaven on December 6th, 2019, following a three-and-a-half-year battle with ovarian cancer. Today, she finds herself showered with love by her father, Gerald Smith, and beloved dog, Bailey, whom she “couldn’t wait to play with again” in the Lord’s house.

Nancy was born on June 29th, 1954 in McAlister, Oklahoma, and she graduated from Quinton High School in 1972. Nancy then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Oklahoma State University, and a Master of Education degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, which thrust her into an impactful teaching career. She taught home economics to middle and high school students for 11 years, including schools in Oklahoma, California, Colorado, and Texas. Nancy had a “you first, me second” heart, and teaching—including in the juvenile system—exploited this selfless mindset she held so dear.

She and her family have been active members of St. Andrews United Methodist Church for 24 years. Nancy was a greeter at the church for 10+ years; served food to high school students with ‘lunch bunch’ for 4 years; taught in Confirmation for 2 years, as well as kept the nursery and taught Sunday School. Needless to say, Nancy had an affinity for the people of St. Andrews, and they loved her back.

Nancy was the definition of benevolence. She carried many roles—wife, mother, daughter, daughter-in-law, friend, teacher—and she was brilliant and shined in each. Her formula to life was simple—take care of those around you and they’ll take care of you. She knew that kindness cost nothing and made a big difference. It’s likely that anyone reading this has been touched by an act of generosity by Nancy in some way. She is the epitome of a loving, selfless person who showed us all that embracing a servant’s heart is the key to living a fulfilling life. Nancy also found great joy in her family and friends. She created many loving memories with Stewart during their 36 yearlong marriage. She loved watching her son Taylor accomplish his lifelong dream of becoming an ER doctor. She enjoyed watching her son Parker progress his career in IT in conjunction with philanthropic service around the world. Nancy was blessed with incredible friends—from her ‘book club girls’ to the ‘ARCO ladies’ and so many more. Nancy loved Italy, Santa Fe, Hallmark movies, her Plano home and brisket quesadillas from Mi Cocina.

Nancy is survived by her husband Stewart, 2 sons Dr. Taylor McCorkle of Anchorage, AK, Parker of Austin, TX, and her mother Dee Smith of Plano, TX. She is preceded in death by her father, Gerald Smith, and brother, Mark Smith.

The Memorial Service will be at St. Andrews UMC in Plano on Wednesday, December 11th at 2PM in the main sanctuary, followed by a reception at the church. She will be cremated and inurned at the St. Andrews Columbarium at a later date. Ted Dickey West Funeral Home is handling the arrangements (972-407-6070). Nancy asked that you consider a donation in her memory to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) in lieu of flowers.