Charlotte A. Smith

Charlotte A. Smith was born December 1, 1950, in Jacksonville, Florida to the union of Nathaniel and Pearline B. Heyward. She graduated in 1968 from Florida Junior College of Jacksonville where she obtained her high school diploma. 

Charlotte entered into the financial industry shortly after graduating high school where she held multiple positions at prominent companies such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Florida National Bank. With her love of service to the community, Charlotte became the owner of a highly renowned housekeeping service in the early 90's.

While attending night school at Stanton Vocational Center for Adults and Veteran Education, Charlotte met Leroy Smith. The two later committed to each other November 15, 1969, where they spent 23 blissful years together. She was a devoted wife and mother to her three children Cynthia D. Smith, Lonnie L. Smith, and Brandon D. Smith. Charlotte was known for her big heart and her love for people and the lord. 

After losing her beloved husband in 1992, Charlotte retired her housekeeping service to dedicate her life to serve her community and pursue her ministry of feeding and clothing the homeless. April of 1996 Charlotte invested her life savings and started Good Shepherd Outreach Ministries. Her organization was dedicated to support and service those within her community that were elderly, disabled, and homeless. Through her organization she coordinated multiple food and clothing drives. She developed partnerships with local parks where she would serve hot food daily. One of her greatest joys was serving the homeless of Confederate Park (Northside Jacksonville) every weekday at 12 noon, from 1996 -2003, sometimes serving upwards of 50 plus people in need. Charlotte told her local newspaper, when asked the reason why she does this every day, she stated, "So many people just want love. And I give love."

Due to onset illness Charlotte retired from the day-to-day operation of her organization in 2004, but her ministry continued to flourish within her community and city that she built, through her family, friends, and most importantly her community.

Charlotte was called home by her lord Friday, September 1, 2023. She was preceded in death by her father, Nathaniel Heyward; mother, Pearline B. Heyward; and beloved husband, Lonnie Leroy Smith.

Charlotte leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy, daughter, Cynthia D. Smith; sons, Lonnie L. Smith, and Brandon V. Smith; sister,  Wynetta Brown (Jimmie); brother, Anthony Heyward (Maxine); granddaughters, Monica M. Covin, Chelsey J. Marion, Saige Smith, and Skylar Smith; grandson, Brandon Smith, Jr.; great-grandson, Caleb Marion; great-granddaughter, Melody Blocker; niece, Temeka Stroud; great-nephew, Christopher Campbell, Jr.; sister-in-law, Nancy Myrick; close friends, Betty Drain, Patricia Conway, Patricia Lockett-Felder; and a host of family and devoted friends.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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