Shanna Babb Smith

Shanna Babb Smith went to be with her Lord on May 30, 2024. She leaves behind her two sons (Randy and Andy), two sisters (Martha and Carolyn), nieces, nephews, several cousins (including Norma and David), and her dog Jack. She was born 9/26/47 in Gainesville, FL, and lived here all her life. She married the late Ronnie Smith. She graduated from Gainesville High School in l965, then went to Central Florida Junior College, and completed her college degree in education at the University of Florida. She taught at Duval Elementary for several years and, also, at Metcalfe Elementary, where she retired. She loved the Gators and dressed many times in her Gator clothes, much of which she either made or crafted. She enjoyed crafting, making scrapbooks, and decorating apparel, among other things. She was very patriotic. She was proud that her husband had served in Vietnam. She and her husband enjoyed many camping trips. Shanna had many friends, including teachers she taught with and classmates she knew for many years. She ate lunch every Tuesday with four of her former teacher friends. One of her biggest loves were her dogs, Wilbur and Jack. She constantly talked about her love for each dog. She was extremely sad when she lost Wilbur. Shanna was an outstanding cook and would go to a Farmer's Market and other places to get her fresh vegetables, especially silverqueen corn and white acre peas. Many raved over her food. Sometimes she had neighbors or friends over to watch a Gator game and/or eat her great cooking. Her sons sure loved her food. Shanna helped organize and plan the l965 GHS monthly class dinners, where she always handed out name tags. She had to make sure she got each one back before she left the dinner. Also, she always had leftovers from the dinners. She was a charter member of Parkview Baptist Church, which started in 1959, and where she and Ronnie were married. A funeral service was held there on June 21, 2024. Shanna will be greatly missed!