Dr. Tiffany Diane Smith
- Cherokee 411 Staff
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
May 13, 1982 - December 7, 2025
Dr. Tiffany Diane Smith of Blanchard, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous three and a half year battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was 43 years old. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, Tiffany was an inspiration to all who knew her—a woman defined by her radiant spirit, passion for life and her tireless commitment to those she loved.
Born on May 13, 1982, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Tiffany was the beloved daughter of Charles and Diane Nelson and sister to Ryan Nelson. She grew up in Midwest City surrounded by family and community, forming lifelong friendships and an early appreciation for learning. Tiffany attended Country Estates Elementary, Jarman Junior High and graduated from Midwest City High School in 2000. Her passion for knowledge led her to the University of Oklahoma, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with Special Distinction in 2004, followed by a Masters of Education in 2008. In 2019, Tiffany proudly earned her Doctor of Philosophy, also from the University of Oklahoma. It was a milestone that reflected her lifelong dedication to education and service.
Professionally, Tiffany’s impact was far-reaching and was marked by excellence and purpose. She was known as a respected higher education leader, advocate and mentor whose compassion and excellence touched countless people. As a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation and a descendant of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Tiffany was deeply committed to advancing opportunities for Indigenous students, particularly in STEM fields. Through her mentorship, research and advocacy, she inspired and empowered young people to follow their dreams and take pride in their heritage.
Her work and dedication earned her numerous honors and distinctions, including the NASPA Region IV-West Rising Star Award (2010); three consecutive University of Oklahoma College of Engineering Outstanding Staff Member of the Year awards (2010–2012); the prestigious NASPA Melvene D. Hardee Dissertation of the Year Award (2021); the NASPA Indigenous Peoples KC Distinguished Service Award (2023); and her induction into the Midwest City High School Wall of Fame in 2023. In 2024, she received one of her proudest recognitions, being honored by the NASPA Foundation Board as a Pillar of the Profession.
Tiffany married the love of her life, Zach Smith, on June 14, 2008. The couple’s partnership was rooted in laughter, adventure and devotion. Together they built a loving home and were blessed with a son, Tytan, born in 2015 and a daughter, Mya, born in 2020. Tiffany cherished her role as a mom above all else, delighting in every opportunity to make memories with her family and friends. Whether it was cheering on the Sooners, relaxing at the lake, traveling to new places or simply enjoying time at home, Tiffany’s vibrant and beautiful spirit brought joy to everyone she encountered.
Those privileged to know Tiffany will remember her as someone who embraced each day with enthusiasm and strength, who gave generously of her time and talent and who never lost sight of what truly mattered: love, purpose and dedication.
Tiffany is survived by her husband, Zach Smith; her children, Tytan and Mya Smith; her parents, Charles and Diane Nelson; her brother, Ryan Nelson; her mother-in-law, Anita Padilla Smith; her brother-in-law, Nathan Smith, his wife Tara and their children; her sister-in-law, Chelsea Dunn and her husband Brad, and numerous family and friends.
A private service for family and close friends will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home in Oklahoma City, OK on Saturday, December 20th at 2 PM. Resthaven will live-stream the service for those who cannot attend.
In addition, all are welcome to attend a celebration to honor Tiffany’s life at Skyline on the Bricktown Canal on Saturday, December 20th from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Please click on the below link to watch the live stream.
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