Madonna Brickler Smith

Madonna Lou (Brickler) Smith, 92, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, in Fernandina Beach, Florida. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, music, teaching, friendship, and a lifetime of loving and serving others.

Born November 12, 1933, in Lafayette, Indiana, Madonna spent her childhood in Illinois and graduated from Lincoln Christian College in 1956. She married Fred W. Smith in 1954, and in 1959 they moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where they raised their family. Their marriage lasted 54 years until Fred’s passing.

Madonna was a devoted wife and mother and later enjoyed a 31-year career as an elementary school teacher, primarily at Englewood Elementary School. She was also deeply involved in the ministry of Englewood Christian Church, where she taught children and adults, served in women’s ministry, led choirs, and participated in music ministry. Music was a lifelong passion, and she enjoyed playing guitar, mandolin, autoharp, dulcimer, and other instruments.

Those who knew Madonna will remember her for her generosity, kindness, quick wit, wisdom, and especially her ability to listen. Her home was a gathering place for family, friends, church members, and countless others. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome and special.

Madonna is survived by her sister, Georgia Ray (Bill); her four children, Jaye Tracy (David), Joy Mitchell (George), Jan Lup (Jack), and Fred Smith V (Becky); 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren, with another expected in December 2026; and many beloved extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred W. Smith; her parents, Albin and Lucy Brickler; and her siblings, Kathlene Clark, Stanley “Stan” Brickler, and Tina Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Englewood Christian Church, 4316 Barnes Road, Jacksonville, FL on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026. Visitation with family will be at 4:00pm, followed by a Celebration Service starting at 5:00pm.

Madonna's life was a gift to her family, her friends, her church, her students, and the many people who had the privilege of knowing her. Her love will continue through the generations of family she leaves behind and through the countless lives she touched along the way. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Englewood Christian Church Faith Promise Fund, Community Hospice of Nassau County https://thefoundationcares.org/give/ or a charity of your choice.