JEWELL SMITH

Jewell Ronnice Smith was born on August 2, 1998, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Donta L. Smith and LaTanya Regina Camp. From the very beginning, Jewell’s life reflected strength, individuality, and purpose.

Jewell accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at New Beginnings under the direction of Pastor James Jackson. Her faith was a foundation in her life and remained a quiet source of strength and guidance.

She graduated from New Castle High School in New Castle, Indiana, and was enrolled in the Paralegal Program at Ivy Tech Community College. Jewell was proudly on the honor roll and eagerly anticipating her upcoming internship. Determined and focused, she aspired to become an attorney and was passionately working toward that goal.

Jewell was truly one of a kind. Her quirkiness may have seemed unusual to some, but as she would often say, “There’s a method to my madness.” She embraced who she was unapologetically and brought a unique light into every room she entered.

She had a deep love for musicals and fantasy shows, especially Dreamgirls, Wicked, and Hamilton, which she could watch repeatedly without ever growing tired. Jewell also enjoyed going to the movies and loved karaoke, where she could express her vibrant personality. Traveling the world brought her immense joy, and her favorite adventures were cruising the sea with her beloved Uncle Daddy. On those cruises, she made lasting friendships with many who adored her and remained in touch.

Above all, Jewell’s greatest joy was spending time with her three little stepbrothers—Rome, Montana, and Derek Jr. She lovingly planned activities for them, made sure they always had snacks, and showered them with affection. They were her pride and delight.

Jewell cherished the countless hours spent talking on the phone and in person with her cousin, Louis Jr., as well as conversations with the many friends and associates she met throughout her travels. Though she valued her relationships deeply, she also treasured her alone time and would occasionally distance herself to recharge.

She loved all four of her brothers through both good and challenging times, even when her stubborn streak showed. Jewell shared a very special bond with her father, Donta L. Smith; through every season, she stood by him with love and support. She also treasured her time with MaMa GG, playing dress-up and watching their favorite shows together. Jewell would always say, “That’s my favorite girl.”

Jewell was preceded in death by her mother, LaTanya Camp; grandmother, Antionette Malone; grandfather, William Perry Smith; and uncle, Preston Adams Jr.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her father, Donta L. Smith; uncle daddy, LaRue E. Artis; four brothers, Donta L. Smith (Alyssa), Kam’Ron Avery Smith, Kenyon Issa Smith, and Tayshawn LaRue Smith; sister, Kylee Rochelle Brinck; three stepbrothers, Montana Williams, Rome Williams, and Derek Scisney Jr.; maternal grandmother, Janice Williams; uncle, Anthony Camp; aunt, Teresa Williams (Sharvis), Renee Reeves, and Rita (James) Burns); 5 nieces; 2 nephews; The Artis/Bey Family – GG Antionette (Anthony Allen) and granddad LaRue Bey Sr.; aunts Roberta Black (Donta), Tara Jenkins (Rev. Tauro), Erica Franklin (Dejuanis), Venesha Daniels, Antoinette, and Teqeria Johnson; uncles: Terrance Bey (Keisha), Rob Whitaker (Tonya), Clarence Griffin, Rodney Bey (Cheryl), and Eric Bey (Chanel); favorite cousins: Louis William, Ladeja, Tayveon, Asia; two cousins she greatly admired, Jade and Taylor; and a host of relatives and friends who loved her dearly.

It truly took a village to help raise and support Jewell. Special thanks to Carrie Rush Cook, Shane Haywood, Angela Hood, and Jodi Brinck, who each played an important and meaningful role in her life.

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