Tributes

Smith, Nancy (Hiroko) Matsuura, age 80, of Susan Street, New Martinsville, WV, received the ultimate healing when she went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 10, 2012. Nancy was born in Osaka, Japan on December 5, 1931 to the late Hansaburo and Koto Kimura Matsuura. She was a graduate of the Hamada School and Tengachaya School in Osaka City. In 1949, Nancy met US Army Staff Sgt, Arnold "Jiggs" Smith, whom she married in 1950. After the birth of their first child, June, the couple boarded the Navy ship, the USS Patrick, leaving Japan and destined to San Francisco and later, West Virginia. In her early years, Nancy obtained her naturalized American Citizenship status. Nancy was a "giver"- many of her endless friends and acquaintances were recipients of her homemade pies and potato salad. She believed that it was truly greater to give than to receive. In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold in 1999. Survivors include her daughter and caregiver during her brief bout with cancer, June (Ronald) Goddard of Proctor, WV; two sons, Jimmy (Suzette) Smith of Youngsville, NC and Robert (Diana) Smith of Proctor, WV. After the death of her husband, Arnold, Nancy was blessed by "MB" Melvin Brookover, whom she considered her best friend. Melvin made the last weeks of Nancy's life as comfortable as he could by providing love, care and encouragement. Also surviving are Nancy's most precious grandchildren, Jason (Michelle) Goddard of Franklin, TN, Chad (Carissa) Goddard of Matthews, NC, Jordan Goddard of Proctor, Jamie (Kara) Smith, Shelly (Kirk) Palmer, and Heather Guffery all of PA, Terry Smith of Massillon, OH and Kelly (Jordan) Jenkins of FL.; great grandchildren, Cayden, Ashley, Bindy, Camden, James, Emalynn, Abby, Nathan, Corbin, Stella Grace, and Ryan who will arrive in the spring.; three brothers, Takeshi, Yukio, and Sigeo Matsuura all of Hyogo, Japan and numerous other relatives in Hyogo and Osaka, Japan. Nancy was a Christian by faith. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 11 until 1pm at Grisell Funeral Home & Crematory, 751 Third Street, New Martinsville with a celebration of life by Rev. David Snyder at 1pm Interment in Northview Cemetery, New Martinsville, WV.

Tributes

Smith, (Hiroko) Matsuura

February 10, 2012