Nina Dolores Smith was born November 14, 1932 to parents Ezra "Bud" and Mary Martin in Tulsa County, Oklahoma. Nina's family moved to California in the 1940's.

While attending High School in Ceres, Nina met her future husband of 61 years, Jimmy "J.D." Smith. After Nina's graduation they married in Reno, Nevada on June 17, 1950. Nina and J.D had two children and moved to Fullerton, California.

Nina worked as a grocery checker for Vons and J.D. became a police officer. In 1967 the family settled in Lompoc. Nina was employed by Williams Brothers Market and J.D. eventually became the Lompoc Police Chief. Nina later took the position of office manager for "Teleprompter" cable T.V.and J.D. retired as Police Chief and served as City Councilman and later Mayor of Lompoc. J.D. passed away August 12, 2011.

Nina enjoyed cooking for her family and many friends. She and her husband loved to travel the U.S. in their motor home. They also took cruises to various parts of Canada and Mexico.
In Nina's younger days she enjoyed camping and golf. She became an accomplished water skier. Later in the life, Nina enjoyed gardening and entertaining guest in the home. Nina attened the Lompoc Foursquare Church.

Nina succumbed to cancer at the age of 79 on September 21,2012.

She was preceded in death by her younger sister, Patsy J. Azevedo and is survived by her older brother, Bob Martin of Washington State. Nina will be missed by her children, Ron Smith (Peggy Howerton) and Brenda Cota as well as granddaughters, Amy Highsmith (Bubba Highsmith) and Haley Smith. Nina also had three great-grandsons, Michael (age 10), Jonathan (age 8), and Cameron (age 7).

A Viewing will be held Thursday, September 27, 2012 from 4pm-7pm at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. Memorial service will be Friday, September 28, 2012 at 10:00 am at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary following with the burial at the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery. A celebration of the life will follow at the Lompoc Elks Lodge #2274