Nancy Goldsmith
Greenville, SC – On September 17, 2026 Nancy Coffey Goldsmith passed away peacefully. Surrounded by family until the end; her life was filled with love, laughter, and quiet service to others.
Nancy was born in the small town of Monticello, Kentucky on April 29, 1938 to William Coffey and Maude Mason Coffey. There, she learned to always take care of friends and family and to decorate every single room for the holidays. Nancy’s commitment to care extended to caring for the family’s pet monkey, Joey, who consistently tried to bite Nancy above all others. She also played clarinet in the Monticello High School Marching Band.
She graduated from Sullins College in 1958 and the University of Kentucky in 1960. There she was a member of Chi Omega sorority. At UK Nancy swam competitively on the university water ballet team, The Blue Marlins. Nancy happily showed off her swim skills throughout her life. Water wasn’t necessary for a quick demonstration!
She moved to Greenville shortly after graduation. She worked as a speech pathologist for the Greenville County School District.
Nancy met the love of her life, Paul Goldsmith, on a blind date. They married in 1964. Together they traveled the world, served their church, First Baptist Greenville, and their community. Theirs was a marriage based in a deep faith in God, of trust, true love and connection with each other.
Nancy attended worship at First Baptist Greenville her whole adult life. There she served on Cradle Roll, was active in the Seminar Sunday School Class, volunteered with The Viola Street Mission Project, and many other areas of church life. Nancy always found it amusing that as a lifelong Methodist she was so active in a Baptist church. She guided her children and grandchildren toward a life in Christ by example.
Nancy and Paul had two daughters. Nancy was a gentle yet fierce protector of her girls. She taught them good manners, kindness, to always offer a helping hand, and to always look for the best in people. Nancy loved her grandchildren and was a cheering presence at all their activities even long, hot swim meets in the middle of summer.
Though she was a terrible cook, Nancy loved to gather her family for meals together. To everyone’s delight, dessert was always a box cake from the frozen foods section or store bought cookies arranged on a fancy plate. These meals were always full of good stories, laughter, and true hospitality. Many of her family and friends’ happiest memories were made around Nancy’s table.
Nancy is predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Paul S. Goldsmith. She is survived by her daughters, Sarah Stephens Goldsmith and Susan G Williams Rabon (Neil Rabon); grandchildren Spence Rabon (Jessica Rabon), Pierce Rabon (Sophie Wolman), Austin Rabon (Mairin McCleer), Smith Williams (Kylie Conlon), and Jefferson Williams; two great grandchildren, Sawyer and Cooper Rabon; and her beloved cousin Betty Mason Van Hoy. Nancy leaves behind many loving family members, cousins, and friends who are grateful she had a life well-lived and well-loved.
The family is grateful to her many caregivers particularly Bree Walker, Nikki Williams, and the team at Interim Hospice, especially her nurse, Amy Chamma.
A Memorial Service will be held at First Baptist Greenville on Tuesday September, 22, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at the Poinsett Club from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Memorials are invited to be directed to The Foundation at First Baptist Greenville, Greenville Women Giving, and Public Education Partners.
Favorite memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.
We invite you to share a memory and sign our guest book.
Published by Charleston Post & Courier on Sep. 21, 2026.
