Marla Self Smith

Born Marla Sharon Self on January 6, 1948 in Jacksonville, FL to Lawrence and Caladonia Culver-Self. She remained a Jacksonville resident her entire life. She was a graduate of Forrest High School and also attended two years of Jones Business College in Arlington.

She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, and her older brother, protector, and confidant Larry Self.

Marla is survived by: her former husband Greg Smith and children Lisa Loverich (Rob) and their children Kalyn (Devan), Ryan, and Kelsey; Michael Smith (Carri) and their children Hunter and Katy; Rev. Mark Smith (Jennifer) and their children Damian (Dora Beth), John, Anastasia (Julian), Kevin (Alexandra), and Max. Her great granddaughters, Audrey and Oksana, melted her and brought her tremendous joy.

Marla is also survived by a host of extended family, and loyal, life long friends due to her vivacious personality.

Marla’s life legacy is one of family. She loved all three of her children, her grandchildren, and her great granddaughters. She was endlessly creative and an entrepreneur of Pet Pourri. She had a business raising and selling exotic birds. Later she worked for Wallace Forte of Forte Construction. She loved helping him decorate, and bring life to old buildings. Marla loved travel, all animals, and anything or anyone who could bring out her contagious laughter. She was a talented care giver innately.

She was a member of Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church. Jesus and talking about His Word was one topic that could capture her curiosity. It was in her nature to seek what He might think about aspects of life.

Lisa and Mark took her for lunch on Saturday May 6th and had a fantastic visit. They enjoyed her gregarious personality and laughter one final time together.

The family wishes to thank her nurses and staff at Bartram Lakes Assisted Living Facility for her care over the past few years. They also want to thank her Hospice team both the Field and Inpatient Unit at Baptist South Hospital. You all made her life and journey home to Jesus a smooth transition at a critical time of need.

The family welcomes you to offer your condolences on Saturday May 13th at 5pm. Service to follow directly at 6pm. It will be held at Corey-Kerlin, 940 Ceserey Blvd. Jacksonville FL 32211

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Community Hospice or Bartram Lakes Assisted Living Activities Program