Jada Naomi Smith Jada Naomi Smith was born on March
20, 1999 to Louana Wilson and Gainsford Smith at Hackensack University Medical Center. This day was a very special day. It was love at first sight. Jada as a child was known for her BIG Afro Golden Blond ponytail and beautiful face. She lit up any room with her presence. Jada was so loved; everyone wanted to keep her to themselves. Jada spent a portion of her childhood living with her godfather Sean Honegan and his family. As a child, she was especially loved by her grandmother Dorothy Honegan. It was her who introduced Jada to her church family, Teaneck United Methodist Church, and provided Christian nurture in the formative years of her life.
Jada attended Hawthorne elementary school from K-5. Excited to move back to Brooklyn; Jada joined cousins and childhood friends at Wingate Campus (Human Rights) High school. However, due to circumstances Jada moved back to Jersey and attended Teaneck High School. Jada was so happy and blossomed into an even beautiful rose. After high school, she began working and showed herself to be a person of dedication, commitment and great ambition. Whether it was being a waitress, a restaurant hostess, clerk at Walmart, assisting her family business as a teacher assistant, children party host, or transporting children from school; she was stood up to the challenge every time and showed herself to be responsible and trustworthy. Jada loved being in the company of family and friends and cherished spending time with her sisters and cousins. When Jada received a car from her dad Gainsford as a gift, she was appreciative and enjoyed her new freedom as she traveled all over the tri-state. Jada loved to cook and bake for her siblings and cousins. Jada was a Big Baby who gave some of the softest kisses and warm hugs. She was like a thief at night as she stole everyone’s heart with her charm and amicable personality. She valued her family and counted on their love and support. Jada was also brave and fearless! Corona couldn’t STOP our JADA! Nothing could STOP her independent spirit, from working to support herself or from enjoying the goodness of life. In her last days on earth with us, Jada achieved some more goals. After receiving her keys to move into her new apartment in New Jersey with one of her best friends, she worked and spent time furnishing her new apartment. She was also probably planning future BBQ’s amongst family and friends in her backyard. Jada was taken away from us way too soon, but she left her mark on so many people. Jada was a “Hood celebrity”. Her death left an impact on people in many states and countries. Jada may not be with us in the flesh; but she will always remain with us in spirit in our hearts. And we will continue to share endless stories of the moments that we had with Jada. She will truly be missed. We love you Jada and miss you already! Jada Naomi Smith leaves to cherish her memories: father, Gainsford Smith and mother, Louana Wilson; godfather, Sean Honegan; godmother, Josseth Henry; siblings, Shanice Smith, Daquan Smith, Jewel Wilson, Jaz-Myne Wilson Smith, Jayce Smith, and Vanea Smith; grandfathers, Denham Wilson and Phillip Honegan; grandmothers, Pernela Haynes, Dawn Wilson, Dorothy Honegan, Yvonne Rodriguez, and Cheryl Campbell; aunts, Vanetta Wilson, Melina Wilson, and Jada Wilson; uncles, Glewort Smith, Ian Cameron, Audwain Campbell, Keiron Campbell, Ovid Wilson, Darryl Wilson, Haynes Family, Rodriguez Family and Rivera Family; and a host of cousins, extended aunts, uncles, best friends, childhood friends and many, many, more.