Heather Nicole Smith

Heather Nicole Chapman Smith, 32, passed away unexpectedly on January 29, 2025 after a brief illness. Heather’s passing leaves a hole in the hearts of her family, friends and anyone who was lucky enough to have known her.

Heather always loved reading and sharing funny obituaries, so we will do our best. She left us far too soon, but in typical Heather fashion, she made sure to do it her way—with a dramatic exit that left us all speechless.

She worked as a Clinical Research Analyst for Fortrea for many years. During her time with the company, Heather worked on cancer research that resulted in some breakthroughs that made her very proud.

She along with her husband, Austin, and their children loved the outdoors. They went camping, swimming and hiking as often as they could, creating many precious memories.

Her sense of humor was only rivaled by her kindness, and as Dateline’s Keith

Morrison would say ‘she lit up every room’ with her presence. Heather and her sister, Sarah, had their own sense of humor and countless inside jokes.

She was an unrivaled armchair detective. If you needed to find something, you could just ask Heather and she would have it to you in minutes. Family was very important to Heather and she loved researching the family tree and sharing it with everyone.

Heather was preceded in death by her grandparents Wayne Jackson, Clyde &

Mary Chapman and uncle Tony Slagle.

Heather is survived by her husband of eight years, Austin Smith; daughter,

Locklyn Sage; son, Declan Raymond; parents, Ray and Cherie Chapman; sister Sarah Hutchinson (Blaine); nieces, Katie and Jennie Hutchinson; nephew, Jon Hutchinson; grandmother, Jean Jackson, her parents-in-law, Matt and Cynthia Blackwell, Aaron and Brandi Smith; siblings-in-law, Luke Blackwell, Claire Blackwell, Cooper Smith and best friend since age 5 Chelsey Vance (Heath); aunts, uncles, cousins, countless friends and her sweet dog, Lily.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and other staff in the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit at Johnston Memorial Hospital for the loving care that was given to Heather.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to “A Mother’s Gift

Enhancing the Future for Locklyn & Declan” GoFundMe campaign at

https://gofund.me/342dcb62.

A memorial service for Heather will be held at a later date.

Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Heather Smith.