Ann Lucas Smith

Ann Lucas Smith lived up to the beauty of her name. "Ann" means "grace" and "God has favored me," and those who knew her would say she embodied both-grace poured out abundantly, and favor carried gently with every step. She had a way of caring that never asked for credit and a heart that opened wide to the forgotten, the hurting, and even stray cats that crossed her path. Her generosity wasn't loud, but it was deep and constant.
Her maiden name, "Lucas," means "giver of light," and that too defined her. Ann carried the light of Christ with her-quietly, confidently, and without fanfare. To encounter Ann was to encounter kindness, patience, and the unmistakable sense that you were seen and loved. People often walked away from her presence feeling they had met not just a good woman, but the Jesus who lived within her.
Ann was born in Jacksonville, Florida to Marguerite Hamilton months after the death of her father Captain William Frances Lucas, USMC. She was raised by her mother and Stepfather George Stallings with her sisters Margo and Debbie. She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School. She went on to attend Stetson University in DeLand, FL. There, her life took on even more beauty when she married James Lawrence "Larry" Smith, her beloved partner in life and faith for more than 63 years.
Ann will be remembered for her quiet strength, her selfless spirit, and the joy she found in family. She adored her children-Daryl Anne DeBolt (Doug), Michelle Smith Cambron (Todd), James Lawrence Smith Jr. (Laura), Stephanie Elaine Metzel (Neal), Jennifer Christina DeRosa (Bob).
She cherished her grandchildren: Emily Usina (Stephen), Ryne Cambron (Emily), Rachel Beggs (Daniel), Micah Metzel (Katie Sue), Joshua Munn, Jay Smith (Regan), Jake Cambron (Carolina), Silas Metzel, Aaron Smith (Esther), Grace Sharp (Cameron), Laine Smith, Jonathan Munn, and Elizabeth Justine DeBolt Carrin (Talon).
Her heart overflowed with joy for her great-grandchildren as well:
Charlie, Titus, Johnny Lee, Ivy, Myra, Josie, Maisie, Matthias, Tatum, Sullivan, and two unborn great grands known to God but not to us yet, Nova and Harrison.
Music was another thread in the fabric of her soul. Even as her memory faded, the melodies never did. She continued to play the piano, sing hymns, and worship with unwavering devotion. In her final days, surrounded by Larry and their children, the room was filled with prayers, praise, and the music she so loved. Her love for the Lord didn't waver, it endured completely.
Ann's life was a living testimony of grace and light. Her memory will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.
A Celebration of Ann's life will be held from 10:00am until 11:00am, Monday, September 15, 2025 at Grace Anglican Church.
The family requests that we celebrate Ann by filling the church with shades of blue, which is her favorite color.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in her memory.