Rhonda D. Smith

Rhonda Dee Smith, 65, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, after a long, brave battle with lung cancer and COPD.
She was born in Lutz, Florida on October 15, 1960, to Earl J. Howard, Sr. and Shelvery J. Howard. Rhonda was the oldest child of three with two younger brothers to keep in line. Rhonda served Polk County Schools for over 30 years as a school bus driver and area manager, where she retired in 2023. She spent her life in central Florida but loved to travel. Her jobs as a charter bus driver and truck driver allowed her to see the country, meet new people, and led her to her husband, Jackie Smith. She and Jackie were married in 2002 and together built a life of love and loyalty.
Rhonda loved her people, family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors alike! Anyone who met her would rave about her kindness and compassion. Rhonda loved fiercely and was happiest when she was surrounded by family or friends enjoying each other's company. Halloween was her favorite to celebrate, followed closely by Christmas. She and Jackie would go all out each year to decorate their home and yard so their grandchildren and neighborhood children could enjoy the fun of the holiday. Her grandchildren were her soft spot. She cherished being a grandmother, attempting to make every event, spoil them every chance she got, and showing them all the love in the world.
Rhonda LOVED her puppies too! She had a few dogs over the years, but Rascal was the most recent and most cherished by her. She treated him like her third child, and he believes he is human because of her love and care.
Her absence will leave a deep void for everyone who knew her as she was such a presence in the lives of everyone she ever met. She entered Heaven and was greeted by many family members. She is surely rejoicing in being reunited with her parents and her youngest daughter, Heather, whom she missed every so much.
Rhonda is survived by her husband Jackie Smith, siblings Joey and Charlie Howard, her eldest daughter Jennifer (Michael), and her step-children, Stacey (Shane) and Kevin (Chasity). She also leaves behind six grandchildren, Riley, Conner, Makenna, KJ (Sarah), Michael (Savannah), and Zackary, and two great-granddaughters, Renee and Lainey. Rhonda also leaves behind a niece Kayla (Drew), many aunts, cousins, friends and co-workers, all of whom she loved and cherished.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at Gentry Morrison on Sleepy Hill Road in Lakeland on Saturday, November 22, at 2pm. All are welcome to this casual gathering as we reminisce and celebrate Rhonda Dee Smith!