Nayda Alicia Vega-Smith, 87, of Rock Hill, SC, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on September 6, 1938, in El Jobo, Guararé, Provincias de Los Santos, República de Panamá, Nayda moved to the United States in 1965, where she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Smith in Orlando, FL. They were married on December 24, 1967, and shared 58 wonderful years together. Nayda was a little firecracker who loved to dance. She had a playful sense of humor and was known to be a prankster. Nayda loved all animals, especially her Parrot named Pepito that she taught to sing as a girl in Panama, and the five Corgis that she and Bob raised together. Nayda was very family oriented and adored all her canine grandchildren. She cared deeply for her friends and neighbors and was always ready to help someone in need. Nayda was a devout Catholic whose life was a testament to her faith.
Nayda’s brothers and sisters, Eira, David, Dionis, and Dilis, preceded her. She will be deeply missed by her beloved husband, Bob, her loving sons, Rafael (Melissa) Smith and Dionis (Cindy) Smith, and her Panamanian Family.
Nayda will be remembered for her faith, kindness, sense of humor, family values, and love for her family.
A service will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church, 1698 Bird St., Rock Hill, SC.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Nayda to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research: https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=3474&np=true
Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net