Nora Lawrence Smith (December 25, 1885 - July 17, 1971)[1] was a newspaper publisher and activist in Ashburn, Georgia.

The boll weevil had devastated cotton farmers in the early 20th century,[7] including many in Turner County (which surrounds Ashburn).

A coalition created an alternative for farmers that became known as the "Turner county plan"[8] or the "Cow, Hog and Hen program".

[1] Smith suffered from arthritis and made annual visits to Hot Springs, Arkansas in search of relief.

Several civic organizations of Ashburn and Turner County declared "Nora Lawrence Smith Day" in April 1952.

[2] The National Newspaper Association gave her the Emma C. McKinney Memorial Award in 1968[15] for "outstanding contributions to her community and her profession.

[15] Governor Lester Maddox declared June 6, 1968 to be "Nora Lawrence Smith Day" statewide in recognition of her winning the McKinney award.

[16] She was a member of the Georgia Press Association's "Golden Club", signifying people who have worked at newspapers for more than 50 years.

[9] In 1975 a 20 foot tall peanut sculpture on a pedestal was erected in Ashburn, and dedicated to Smith for her promotion of agriculture in the town.