Nancy Lee

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Nancy Darlynne (Smith) Lee, age 80 of Belton, MO on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Silverado in Lees Summit. She was born November 27, 1945 in Memphis, TN to the late Joe Chris Smith and Wilma Lee Roach.

Nancy was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend whose kindness touched everyone she met. She spent her life nurturing others—Those who knew Nancy will remember her for her infectious smile and overwhelming laughter and her unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone she encountered, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed her path.

Nancy loved animals almost as much as she loved her family and extended family. Her passion in life was to live on a farm and rescue dogs, cats and miniature horses. For 13 years she lived that dream and rescued at least 14 dogs, 5 house cats and several barn cats, a donkey and 4 miniature horses. Throughout their younger years, Nancy enjoyed taking her boys to the Ozarks for fishing and camping trips on the weekends.

Nancy loved to travel and she followed the Women's NCAA Final Four across the United States taking in the sights and sounds of each city. Bus and road vacations were among her favorites. She made many long-term acquaintances on each trip.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Chris Smith and Wilma Lee Roach, sisters Sharon Pratt, and Sydney Graziola, brother, Joseph D. Smith, her son Charles Jackson Lee, aka “Chuck” or “Chuckles”, her granddaughter Shaynelle Grace Lee and her life companion Phylis Ball.

She is survived by her sons David Lee (Ruben Gongora Cortes) and Robert Lee, her current life companion Kathy Fuller, and her extended family Shannon, Patrick, Eli, Peyton, and Addey George: Jason(Jennifer Walker) and Isabella Fuller; Alex and Stacey Johnston; and many grandchildren near and far.

Nancy's legacy of compassion and love and respect of the American Indigenous culture will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers,  donations may be made to Haskell University or an animal rescue of your choice.