Sunrise: February 22, 1941

Sunset: May 13, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the unfortunate passing of our loving mother, Nettie Mae Smiley. Blessings come from the Lord and to the Lord they shall remain, as with our sweet mother, Nettie Smiley. She was called home to heaven on May 13, 2024. We are thankful she went to the Lord quietly and peacefully after an extended battle with congestive heart failure. She passed in her home, surrounded by love and light.

Nettie Mae was born on February 22, 1941, in Selma, Alabama to parents Helen Tate Hamler and Malachi Hamler, Jr. Although retired at the time of her death, Nettie dedicated over 30+ years to the nursing profession and to the Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital nursing activities in Hampton, Virginia. She was known for her dedication to molding and mentoring future nurses.

Nettie was predeceased by her loving husband, Mitchel Smiley, who passed in 2003. Nettie is survived by two beautiful daughters; Susan Mitchell and Sharon Smiley; three granddaughters, Janai, Jaila, and Lauryn, and one great granddaughter, Leilani and one son-in-love; Carl Mitchell. She also leaves behind one elder sister, Etta Tricksey and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, very special friends and a community of kind neighbors at Lansdowne Woods.

This is a devastating loss, and she will truly be missed. Her life mattered to so many, and we were blessed because of her generous spirit, as she was a humble servant to God. She loved her family and friends with all of her heart and was a faithful and supportive military spouse (Air Force). Her strong work ethic was instilled in her two daughters and her immense love for all things education was also passed down to her children, as well as her grandchildren. Her retirement was filled with volunteering and carrying out her civic duties. She was an active participant within her community, and she sat on several boards since moving from Hampton, Virginia. Nettie remained active by participating in book clubs, bridge groups, and volunteering. She was prepared for anything, so she kept her Nurse Practitioner license current.

In lieu of flowers, the family is establishing a nursing scholarship in honor of Nettie; The Smiling Nurses Scholarship, being managed by The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier, is designed to provide financial assistance to aspiring nurses enrolled in an accredited nursing program within the United States. The Smiley family views this as a unique way to honor Nettie Smiley's legacy - her passion for helping others, along with her distinct love for nursing. The scholarship allows us all to celebrate and show respect for an amazing woman, now and for generations to come.

A memorial mass is being held at Saint Theresa's Catholic Church, 21370 St. Theresa Lane, Ashburn VA 20147 on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 11:00am-12:00pm. Condolences can be directed to Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg www.colonialfuneralhome.com

A celebration of life is being hosted at Marie de la Fleur, 19375 Magnolia Grove Square, Leesburg VA 20176 from 1:00pm-3:00pm, on Friday, May 31, 2024.

The interment will take place on Friday, June 7, 2024, from 11:00am-12:00pm at Peninsula Memorial Park, 12750 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606, where Nettie Smiley will be laid to rest beside her loving husband, Mitchel Smiley, who waited patiently for over 20 years.