Rosa Mae Buck Smith

Rosa Buck Smith passed away peacefully on May 13 after a short illness. Rosa lived a remarkable life and loved to tell stories about her youth growing up in North Carolina as the youngest of 12 children and the only girl! She survived her older brothers by many years. Rosa was at Pearl Harbor on the day that will live in infamy. Although the experience was a traumatic one, she loved to tell stories of the day, recalling the low flying planes and the visible faces of the pilots.In later, happier times, Rosa traveled with her children and husband, Sam I. Smith, Jr., respected Jacksonville educator, to Italy, France and England. She last visited Italy in 2013 at the age of 91 where she was greeted like royalty everywhere she went.Family was the most important thing in Rosas life and she cherished the time at home with her two sons, daughter, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook, and her family enjoyed nothing more than gathering at the dining room table for one of her unforgettable dinners. She loved classic movies and music, serving as president of Friday Musicale in Jacksonville from 1989 to 1991. Rosas beloved husband preceded her in death by 9 years. She is survived by her sons Jonathan Pearson of Seattle, Ronald Buck Harrison of San Francisco, daughter Karen Sims of Nashville, two grandsons and two great-grandsons.George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4140 University Blvd., S..