Eartha Jean Ert Smart, 54, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life unexpectedly, Monday, May 17, 2010, at Putnam Community Medical Center.

Ert was born, Wednesday, Sept. 7, 1955, as the daughter of Johnny Webb and Rosa Lee Smart.

She was a native and lifelong resident of Palatka who was educated in the Putnam County School District, Central Academy High School Class of 74. Ert (as she was affectionately known) has always resided on Eagle Street and devoted her lifetime vocation to caring for children. Although she was not their biological mother, Ert either raised or provided motherly care to countless children within the family, spanning virtually four generations. She served as the familys pillar of love and strength, was a shining example within the community, and welcomed everyone in her home. Ert said a daily prayer on behalf of her family, calling each of them name by name. She enjoyed cooking, planning family events and working crossword puzzles. Her favorite soap opera was The Young and the Restless. She is already greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Ert was preceded in eternal life by her parents; maternal grandparents, Tony and Helen Shephard; Aunt, Cecelia Hunter; and best friend, Dorothy Hill.

To cherish her memories, two devoted sisters, Sharon Smart, Linda Gail (Larry Sr.) Hall, Palatka; brother, Henry Webb, Jacksonville; aunts, Sadie Thomas and Linda (Rudolph) Bowens, Hartsford Conn., Shirley (James) Hendrieth and Constance Margaret McRae, Palatka; four nieces (raised as daughters), Lashawn Alexander, Cheryl L. Colson, Helen Webb; Michelle Wiggins; nephews, Mark (Kristy) Webb, Crescent City; Darryl Jones, Tori Smart, Thomas Wiggins Jr., Johnnie Batts Jr. and Lee Hall, all of Palatka; great-nieces and -nephew (raised as her own children), Rosa and DeMarien Hall; Vontiece and Nasteria Cohens, all of Palatka; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-8 p.m. Friday (Today) May 21, and Saturday, from 9-11 a.m. at the Chapel of Serenity. Homegoing celebration will be 1 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Ave, Palatka. Her beloved cousin, the Rev. Theodore McRae, Pastor of Mt. Tamo Missionary Baptist Church, Pomona Park, is the eulogist. Interment will be in Oak Hill East Cemetery.

Friends may sign the Smart familys guestbook at www.flaggserenitychapel.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Karl N. Flagg Serenity Memorial Chapel, 2400 Madison Street, Palatka.