Nancy Smith Bowen Quina

Nancy Smith Bowen Quina, 72, peacefully passed away in her sleep surrounded by family on June 3, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Nancy was born on May 8, 1951 to Roland Eugene and Jean Dawson Smith at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. The eldest of five, Nancy was passionate about caring for others from an early age and took pride in helping raise her siblings: Michael (Shirley) Smith (deceased), Stephen (Terry) Smith, Judy (James) Harper (deceased), and David (Jodie) Smith.

Nancy was studious, intelligent, and steadfast in her Catholic faith growing up. Her creativity was contagious through her love of art and music, but especially The Beatles. Nancy’s unwavering spirituality, organic connection to nature, and tender-hearted demeanor was evident through her immense love and generosity for the innocent — from infants to animals and more.

After graduating from Andrew Jackson High School in 1969, Nancy married Charles Bowen(deceased) in 1970. Together they had four children: Stacey Bowen Carns-Aby (Scot), Jennifer Bowen, Charles Bowen Jr., and Christi Bowen (deceased).

After her first marriage came to an end in 1982, Nancy met James Quina (deceased) and remarried around 1984. They built a beautiful life together, owned and operated a small business, and even welcomed eight healthy grandchildren into the family: William Hester (deceased), Jessica (Zak) Bryan, Taylor (Travis) Ballard, Travis Guy, Noah Aby, Roxanna Bowen, Holli and Conner Strauch/Smith.

Oftentimes you could find Nancy and Joby picking fresh vegetables from their backyard garden or having a Tom Petty dance party in the kitchen with their grandbabies. Nancy can especially be remembered for her holiday celebrations — they were intentional down to the smallest detail, all to make everyone that attended feel special and included.

Nancy dedicated her life to being a homemaker and spent her days caring for her family while remaining a dedicated member of the Church. She raised not only her children, but also left an ever-lasting impact on the lives of her grandchildren and those close to her — all of whom will remember her for her unconditional love, life lessons, and infectious laugh. To some Nancy was a sister, a daughter, a Moma and a Mema, but most notably — she was a model Matriarch to her family and will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday June 17^th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5752 Blanding Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32244.  Reverend Fr. Luke McLaughlin will be the celebrant.  The family well be receiving guests beginning at 10:00 am in the vestibule for visitation.  After the Mass, family and friends will have a celebration of life gathering from noon until 2:00 pm on the grounds of Sacred Heart.  Family will then reconvene at 3:00 pm for the burial at Evergreen Cemetery, 3545 Main Street, Jacksonville.

Nancy’s family requests that any flowers be sent directly to Sacred Heart Church on Saturday.