Barbara Anne Smith

In Loving Memory of Barbara Anne Smith Barbara Anne Smith, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, departed this life on March 26, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on July 3, 1943, in Jacksonville, FL, Barbara was the cherished daughter of Ruth Mullis Gamble and Leonard Greene. Her life's journey, marked by love, compassion, and dedication, leaves a legacy of warmth and kindness that will be treasured by all who knew her. Barbara was preceded in death by her loving parents, her brother Leonard (Buddy) Greene, brother Richard (Ricky) Gamble, and sister Lisa Gamble-Walker. She is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, James Carlton (Carl) Smith Jr., with whom she built a life brimming with love and joy since they married on April 14, 1959. Together, they raised three wonderful sons: James Carlton (Carl) Smith (Connie), Randy Lee Smith (Debbie), and Sean Scott Sr. Smith (Leanne), who carry forward her values and spirit. Her sister, Gayle Nix, remains a testament to their unbreakable sibling bond. Barbara's legacy extends through her grandchildren—Matthew Smith (Staci), Sean (Rocky) Smith Jr. (Hiba), Jacob (Jake) Smith, Shena Therien (Jonathon), Kerri Schuller, and Christian Schuller—and her great-grandchildren Maddison, Sadie, Lawson, and Weston, each of whom was a source of immense pride and joy. Barbara's professional life was one of dedication and passion. She was a proud alumna of the University of North Florida, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in education. Her career as a school teacher at Highlands Middle School in Jacksonville was marked by excellence and a genuine love for nurturing young minds. Her accolades, including being named Teacher of the Year, reflect the profound impact she had on countless students. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Barbara was a woman of deep faith, embracing her Christian beliefs and living a life that reflected her devotion to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith inspired all who knew her, offering comfort and guidance throughout her life. Barbara's kitchen was a place of love, laughter, and delicious meals. She delighted in cooking for her family and friends, creating memories with every meal she prepared. Her skill with a crochet hook resulted in beautifully crafted gifts that were treasured by those fortunate enough to receive them. Her love for family vacations at the beach or lake was a testament to her belief that family was her most cherished hobby. Barbara was known for her ability to make everyone she encountered feel special and loved. She lived by the words of Maya Angelou, ensuring that those around her would always remember how she made them feel. Her kindness, empathy, and unwavering love touched the lives of all who crossed her path. A celebration of Barbara's life will be held on April 4, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Evergreen Cemetery, located at 4535 Main Street N, Jacksonville, FL 32206. Family and friends are invited to gather and honor a life well-lived, sharing memories and stories that reflect the remarkable woman she was. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Barbara's memory to a charity of your choice, reflecting the generosity and compassion that defined her life. Barbara Anne Smith will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved her. May she rest in peace, knowing she was truly loved and appreciated by all who had the privilege of knowing her.