Barbara Lee Bickford

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – Barbara Lee Bickford, 79, of Green Cove Springs, Fla., passed away on May 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Barbie was born in Waterville, to Ernest and Louise Merrow. She moved to Florida in 1965 as a Navy wife and built her life and raised her family in Lake Asbury.

She was predeceased by her parents; her loving husband of 43 years, Linton G. Bickford Jr.; her sister, Sandra Cummings (Tom); and her brother, John Nichols (Delores).

Barbie is survived by her children, Melissa Strode (Nathan), Michele Luthin (Spencer), and Charlie Bickford (Keri); her brother, Geoffrey Merrow (Gayle); her special love, Jack Davis; her grandchildren, Keller Smith (Jesse), Shea Bickford (fiancé Michael), Hadley Strode, and Logan Bickford; and her great‑granddaughter, Bailey Jo.

Barbie enjoyed a stellar 30‑year career as a real estate agent and broker with Watson Realty in Orange Park and Fleming Island. Specializing in the Lake Asbury area, she earned numerous awards, including Multi‑Million Dollar Sales Agent, Top Listing Agent, Top Sales Agent, Certified Site Agent, and recognition for Most Homes Sold. She had a true passion for real estate and for the many people she met along the way – many of whom became like family.

Of all her accomplishments, the roles she cherished most were wife, mother, Nana, Great‑Nana, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be remembered for her loving heart, her gift for making others feel seen and valued, and her remarkable ability to bring people together. She was known for hosting large holiday gatherings, always opening her home to anyone who didn’t have a place to go. Her generosity wasn’t just something she practiced – it was something she lived. She encouraged everyone around her to notice the good in life, and she created a home where every person felt welcome, accepted, and cared for.

Barbie loved the Florida Gators, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Boston Bruins, watching basketball, and doing word searches and puzzles. She also loved the beach, traveling, and watching hummingbirds at her feeders.

Services for Barbie will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery. Please gather in Lane #3. A Celebration of Life reception will follow at the Lake Asbury Community Center at 12:30 p.m.