Addie Elizabeth Smith

Addie Elizabeth Smith, age 86, entered into eternal rest on June 8, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family. Born on December 31, 1939, in Alma, Georgia, she was the beloved daughter of the late Cecil L. Cothern and Cleo Newman Cothern.

Addie lived a life defined by faith, devotion, service, and unwavering love for her family. A proud military wife, she shared a beautiful marriage with the love of her life, Robert C. Smith. Together they built a life centered on faith, commitment, and family, sharing 62 wonderful years of marriage until his passing. Their enduring love served as an example to all who knew them.

Family was the centerpoint of Addie’s life. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, treasured great-grandmother, and beloved great-great-grandmother. Nothing brought her greater joy than gathering with her extended and ever-growing family, celebrating milestones, sharing stories, and creating memories that will be cherished for generations to come. Her loyalty to those she loved was steadfast, and her generous heart touched countless lives.

Born and raised on a farm, Addie learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and caring for others from an early age. Those qualities guided her throughout her life and inspired her calling in healthcare. She dedicated many years to serving her community through nursing and retired as a Certified Nursing Assistant from Moosehaven Retirement Community in Orange Park, Florida. Her compassion, kindness, and servant’s heart made a lasting difference in the lives of those entrusted to her care.

Addie was a woman of many talents and simple joys. She loved crocheting and needlework, creating beautiful handmade treasures for family and friends. An excellent baker, she became especially known for her delicious fruit cakes and homemade cookies, treats that became a treasured tradition among those she loved. She had a special affection for bluebirds and found comfort and companionship in her beloved cat, Stormy.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. She loved gospel music and treasured the many memories made traveling with her husband as he served as the driver for the Canaanland Boys Gospel Quartet. Those journeys, filled with music, fellowship, and shared purpose, remained among her fondest memories.

In addition to her husband, Robert C. Smith, Addie was preceded in death by her father, Cecil L. Cothern; her mother, Cleo Newman Cothern; and her sisters, Yvonne Sowell and Mary Lee.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Robert C. Smith II (Tara), Ryan C. Smith, Sharon E. Hurst (Darrell), Sheila D. Smith, Sonya E. Thomas, and Sylvia D. Murray. Her legacy continues through fifteen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, with one more precious blessing on the way. Addie is also survived by her brother-in-law Randy L. Smith (Barbara). She also leaves behind a host of loving relatives and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory and the impact she made on their lives.

Though her earthly journey has ended, Addie’s legacy of faith, love, service, and family devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She leaves behind a family strengthened by her example, comforted by her memories, and inspired by the life she lived.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Holly Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, Florida 32068. A Funeral Service will follow at 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with the Committal Service taking place at Holly Hill Memorial Park immediately following the conclusion of services.

"A woman who builds her family with faith and love leaves a legacy that time cannot erase; her kindness becomes their strength, and her love becomes their foundation."