Lynne S. Coughlin

FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lynne Blair Smith Coughlin, who left us on May 23, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on May 13, 1939, Lynne touched the lives of many with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering spirit.

Lynne was born in Harlan, Kentucky to Kirby Smith, Jr. and Juanita Greene Smith, and raised in Middlesboro, Kentucky. She attended Converse College and the University of Kentucky where she majored in Speech and Drama. While at the University, Lynne, a mezzo soprano, was cast in the title role of “Carmen” at the Guignol Theatre. Following graduation, she became a soloist at the St Louis Municipal Opera Company. This was the beginning of her lifelong career in music.

She was married to Charles Coughlin in August of 1961. Lynne dedicated over 50 years to a career in opera and musical comedy in the greater Miami area. She has appeared as soloist with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Symphony Chorus, the Broward Youth Symphony Orchestra and the United States Air Force Chorus. Lynne performed on the South Florida circuit with the Florida Family Opera Singers and with Broadway Musicals on Tour. Lynne was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Over the years she served on the church vestry, converted the name of the Episcopal Church Women to The Guild and was its leader for several years. Lynne was the choir’s lead alto and the Church’s favorite lay reader.

Lynne, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Burmah Elizabeth and Charles Coughlin. She is survived by her brothers, Kirby Smith III and his wife Donna, of Middlesboro, Kentucky and Wilson Vance and his wife Kay, of Harrodsburg, Kentucky; her sons, Brian and his wife, Bridget of Jacksonville, Florida and Shawn and his wife Rhaena of Tallahassee, Florida and grandchildren Connor, Charles, Cormac and Maeve. Lynne is survived by nieces Meredith Smith and Kristen Kearns and nephews Kirby Smith IV, Jordan Smith and Justin Smith.

Lynne's legacy is one of love, compassion, and dedication. She wanted to be remembered as a lady, a good mother and a lover of people and music. Her memory will forever be cherished by her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched, especially in her music+.

A celebration of Lynne's life will be held on June 21,2025 at 10:00am. in Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Fort Lauderdale Florida; Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church and School, 1750 East Oakland Park Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale Florida 33334 and can be reached at (954)-563-5155. A reception will be held immediately following the service in the parish hall.

Lynne's spirit will continue to live on through the love she imparted. Rest in peace, Lynne Blair Smith Coughlin. You will be dearly missed, and your legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew you.