Rachel Hunt Smith

From all eternity, the Lord Almighty knew and loved Rachel Hunt Smith, who entered Heaven, beholding her Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 20, 2026. She is glorified in His presence, in Union with Him by the Holy Spirit, and she continues to worship, now free from the presence of pain, with all of His beloved people forever.

Rachel Ann Hunt was born December 21, 1989 in Winter Haven and grew up in Lake Wales. A member of the 2007 State Championship softball team, Rachel graduated Lake Wales High School and then the University of Florida. After marrying Mackay, Rachel moved to Georgia where she taught as a sub and helped the ministry of the White Oak ARP Church in Senoia. In 2017, Rachel followed her husband back to Lake Wales when he was called to minister to her childhood community at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales.

Rachel loved to teach children. She taught her own children the precious truths of the Gospel from their very first days. In deep mourning, their Momma leaves them firmly planted on the unshakeable ground of the Truth.

She led the Musical Beginnings class at church for many years, teaching God’s love to mothers and babies through music. She taught PE at the First United Methodist Preschool for one year, and loved to talk about watching her students grow and develop. Rachel led a mother’s Bible study and directed VBS. More than just leading events, she trusted in the Lord to do ministry of hospitality to so many. She leaned on God though she felt inadequate. Her cooking was fabulous and full of love. Countless families were blessed through her.

Rachel was an athlete. She loved exercise and hiking. The Bonclarken Conference Center in Flat Rock, NC was her second favorite place, after her home. She loved working in the yard and watching things grow, no doubt a part of her heritage from a citrus growing family. She sang constantly. She was artistic, creative, and handy, with a wonderful sense of humor.

Rachel was preceded in death by her son. She is survived by her husband of 13 years, Mackay Smith, and their four daughters: Cecilia Carrere, Evelyn Carolina, Annelise Dorothy, and Mackay Amelia. They were each her joy and crown. She read to them every night (unless they were up too late), sang of God’s love to them every day, and raised them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

She is also survived by her parents, Laura and Frank M. Hunt III; her grandmother, Margaret Nelson Hunt; her siblings, Julia Berkau (Michael), Daniel Hunt (Adrian), and Peggy Miller (Richard). She was Aunt Rachel to Gracie and Laura Lynn Berkau, Hailey and Audrey Hunt, and Henry and Laura Rose Miller. She leaves behind many cousins and other relatives as well as two church families who loved her dearly.

The family will receive visitors Wednesday, August 26 from 4:00-6:00pm in the chapel of First Presbyterian Church. A service of worship will be held in thanksgiving for Rachel’s life on Thursday, August 27 at 10:00am at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales, with a graveside to follow. Rev. Garison Taylor and Rev. Matt Joldersma will officiate.

This verse has stood in the Smith kitchen for many years: “The LORD is near to all who call on Him…” - Psalm 145:18

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales, and/ or Bonclarken Conference Center in Flat Rock, NC. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.