Naomi Ann Hernandez

Naomi Ann Hernandez, 73, of Orange Park, Fl, passed away November 14, 2022. She was born March 12,1949 in Martins Ferry, Ohio to the late Kenneth and Thelma (Hildreth) Carter.

Naomi Ann was always proud of her father. He was a WWII flying hero. Defying tremendous odds, Kenneth returned home from the war and married Naomi Ann’s mother, Thelma Hildreth of Cadiz, Ohio.

Naomi Ann met the love of her life, Arthur Hernandez, who was stationed at NAS Albany, Georgia, with her brother Ronald E. She and Arthur married in 1973 and their son Michael Carlos was born a year later. A devoted Navy wife, Naomi Ann kept the home fires burning and raised two young boys (Ronald L.E. through a previous marriage) while Arthur went on two long sea tours. She studied at Pensacola Jr. College and received her Bachelor of Science degree from The University of West Florida. When Arthur retired from the navy in 1984, she received her master’s degree from the University of North Florida while employed by the Duval County School System for 20 years.

Naomi Ann was selected as her school’s teacher of the year for her tremendous success in reaching problem students. A testament to her devotion to her students was the fact that some kept in touch with her years after leaving her classroom. Among Naomi Ann’s many accomplishments were creating a Sunday school program for her church in Pensacola, becoming den mother for a cub scout troop, leading a girl scout troop, and playing Mrs. Claus to Arthur’s Santa at various charity organizations. She also twice received a volunteer of the year award from the Dye-Clay YMCA.

An avid quilter, Naomi Ann once remarked that her sewing creations would last 100 years after she was gone! She left a legacy of caring and generosity through her gifting of quilts to teachers, bus drivers, doctors, family and friends throughout many years.

Naomi Ann is preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by Arthur, her husband of 49 years; her sons, Ronald L.E. Smith and Michael Carlos Hernandez; grandchildren, Alyssa M. Smith, Peyton Payne, Cadence Payne and Ian Smith; great granddaughter, SwaeLynn; her brothers, Ronald E. and Edgar Carter; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

A private celebration of life service will be held at a yet to be determined time and location.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to research breast cancer, the disease that took her mother Thelma at age 52.

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