In Loving Memory Of
Linda Jean (Smith) DeBaecke
October 7, 1955 -
June 13, 2026
In the care of
Fraser Funeral Home
Linda Jean (Smith) DeBaecke of Jacksonville, Florida, was peacefully ushered into the arms of her Heavenly Father on June 13, 2026.
Linda was born on October 7, 1955, in Columbus, Ohio, to Ralph H. Smith of Bridgeport, Ohio, and Mary M. (Shannon) Smith of Sunbright, Tennessee. Her father retired from Penn Central Railroad as a conductor and engineer, while her mother was a devoted homemaker.
Linda married Charles E. DeBaecke on September 30, 1972, in National City, California. She was a proud military wife to Charles, who retired from the United States Navy in 1991 as a Chief Petty Officer. Throughout the many moves and challenges of military life, Linda faithfully supported her husband and family with unwavering love and dedication.
Linda was a dedicated employee of Lowe’s, joining the Jacksonville store on opening day in 2003 and serving faithfully until her retirement in October 2022. During her years there, she received numerous recognition awards and was affectionately known by many as “Ms. Linda.”
Linda was the definition of a Proverbs 31 woman. She honored her husband all the days of her life, faithfully cared for her household, and raised children who called her blessed. She was a woman who feared, honored, and glorified the Lord every day of her life.
A faithful member of Evangel Temple Assembly of God, Linda devoted herself to serving the Lord and others. Over the years, she served as a children’s church teacher, Sunday school teacher, nursery director, and in various other ministries wherever there was a need. Her love for children, families, and the Gospel touched countless lives within her church family.
Linda’s compassion extended beyond the church walls as she also served for several years as a counselor at a local teen pregnancy center, offering encouragement, guidance, and Christ-centered support to young mothers during some of the most important moments of their lives.
Linda leaves behind her devoted husband of 53½ years, Charles DeBaecke. She also leaves behind a legacy of faith and love through her family, including:
Her son, Michael S. DeBaecke, and his wife, Melissa (Brown) DeBaecke, along with their children Chase, Kaylin, Lauren, and Makenna.
Her daughter, Kelly A. (DeBaecke) Hewitt, and her husband, Kent Hewitt, along with their children Noah, Elijah, Luci, and Hailey.
She is also survived by her sister, Janet (Smith) Barr, and her brother, Ralph Smith Jr., both of Columbus, Ohio.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph H. Smith and Mary M. Smith, and by her beloved twin babies, whom she lost during pregnancy at seven months gestation.
Her passing leaves a deep emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her. Yet her family rejoices, knowing that she is now in the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ, hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Her legacy of faith, love, service, and devotion to God and family will continue for generations to come.
Linda was born on October 7, 1955, in Columbus, Ohio, to Ralph H. Smith of Bridgeport, Ohio, and Mary M. (Shannon) Smith of Sunbright, Tennessee. Her father retired from Penn Central Railroad as a conductor and engineer, while her mother was a devoted homemaker.
Linda married Charles E. DeBaecke on September 30, 1972, in National City, California. She was a proud military wife to Charles, who retired from the United States Navy in 1991 as a Chief Petty Officer. Throughout the many moves and challenges of military life, Linda faithfully supported her husband and family with unwavering love and dedication.
Linda was a dedicated employee of Lowe’s, joining the Jacksonville store on opening day in 2003 and serving faithfully until her retirement in October 2022. During her years there, she received numerous recognition awards and was affectionately known by many as “Ms. Linda.”
Linda was the definition of a Proverbs 31 woman. She honored her husband all the days of her life, faithfully cared for her household, and raised children who called her blessed. She was a woman who feared, honored, and glorified the Lord every day of her life.
A faithful member of Evangel Temple Assembly of God, Linda devoted herself to serving the Lord and others. Over the years, she served as a children’s church teacher, Sunday school teacher, nursery director, and in various other ministries wherever there was a need. Her love for children, families, and the Gospel touched countless lives within her church family.
Linda’s compassion extended beyond the church walls as she also served for several years as a counselor at a local teen pregnancy center, offering encouragement, guidance, and Christ-centered support to young mothers during some of the most important moments of their lives.
Linda leaves behind her devoted husband of 53½ years, Charles DeBaecke. She also leaves behind a legacy of faith and love through her family, including:
Her son, Michael S. DeBaecke, and his wife, Melissa (Brown) DeBaecke, along with their children Chase, Kaylin, Lauren, and Makenna.
Her daughter, Kelly A. (DeBaecke) Hewitt, and her husband, Kent Hewitt, along with their children Noah, Elijah, Luci, and Hailey.
She is also survived by her sister, Janet (Smith) Barr, and her brother, Ralph Smith Jr., both of Columbus, Ohio.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph H. Smith and Mary M. Smith, and by her beloved twin babies, whom she lost during pregnancy at seven months gestation.
Her passing leaves a deep emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her. Yet her family rejoices, knowing that she is now in the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ, hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Her legacy of faith, love, service, and devotion to God and family will continue for generations to come.
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