Barbara Anne Smith

Barbara Anne Smith, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on July 3, 1943, in Jacksonville, Florida, Barbara was a beacon of love and kindness to all who knew her. Barbara is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, James Carlton "Carl" Smith Jr., with whom she shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Together, they raised three wonderful sons: James Carlton "Carl/Bubba" Smith III, (Connie); Randy Lee Smith, (Debbie); and Sean Scott Smith Sr., (Leanne). Her legacy of love and compassion continues through her grandchildren- Matthew Smith (Staci), Sean "Rocky" Smith Jr. (Hiba), Jacob "Jake" Smith, Shena Therien(Jonathon), Kerri Schuller(Andrew), and Christian Schuller (Madeline)—and her great-grandchildren, Madison Smith, Sadie Smith, Lawson Therien, and Weston Therien. Barbara's family was her greatest joy, and her love for them was boundless. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, mother Ruth Mullis- Gamble, father Leonard Greene, brother Leonard (Buddy) Greene, brother Richard (Ricky) Gamble, and sister Lisa Gamble-Walker. She leaves behind her sister Gayle Nix, along with a large extended family that includes cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends who were touched by her generous spirit and loving heart. Barbara's years were marked by a deep commitment to education, both as a student and a teacher. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in education. She dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds as a revered teacher at Highlands Middle School in Jacksonville, Florida. Her passion for teaching was recognized with numerous accolades, including the esteemed Teacher of the Year award. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom, as she touched the lives of countless students, colleagues, and parents. A woman of unwavering faith, Barbara was a devout Christian who held her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the center of her life. Her faith guided her actions, and she lived by the principle of making everyone she met feel loved and valued. She had a unique ability to make others feel seen and appreciated, embodying the spirit of the Maya Angelou quote she cherished: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Barbara's love extended to her hobbies, where she found joy in cooking and crocheting. Her family and friends will forever remember the delicious meals she lovingly prepared and the handcrafted gifts she shared with them. She delighted in family vacations to the beach and the lake, where her warmth and laughter created lasting memories. 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. As we gather to honor her memory, we carry with us the profound impact she made on our lives and the love she shared so freely. Barbara loved flowers and they can be sent to Cedar Bay Funeral Home at 405 New Berlin Rd in Jacksonville, FL 32218. The family will receive friends and family for visitation at Cedar Bay Funeral Home on Friday April 3rd from 6pm-8pm. Barbara Anne Smith will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, kindness, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.