Jayden Lamont Smith

Jayden Lamont Smith was born in South Bend, Indiana on May 3rd, 2009. He was the fourth child of Alisha Smith. He was raised in South Bend and attended Xavier School of Excellence, Hay Primary Center and Harrison Primary Center.  The family relocated to Gary, Indiana in late 2021 where Jayden attended Gary Middle School for the Visual and Performing Arts. His eighth-grade graduation will take place in late May 2024. He was a good student who was well liked by his teachers and classmates.

Jayden attended Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in South Bend under the leadership of Reverend H. Gregory Haygood. Although the family moved to Gary, they continued worshipping at Pilgrim traveling to South Bend on Sundays.

Jayden enjoyed playing basketball, taking selfies on his phone, frequently hijacking his mother’s cell phone to record himself reciting rap lyrics. He loved eating -- especially his mama’s good cooking. Jayden also loved drinking pop, juice and Kool-Aid. His favorite line was, “Ma, you got something to drink?” He was a young kid who enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a bit of a jokester and loved making his sisters and brothers laugh by telling silly jokes and pulling pranks.

Jayden passed away following a car accident in Gary on Saturday, April 20th, 2024; he was 14 years young.

Jayden leaves to cherish his loving memory, his mother, Alisha Smith; his stepfather, Christopher Kelly, both of Gary; his birth father, Darryl McGee of South Bend; seven siblings, Jayonna Smith Muhammad also of South Bend; Janiah Winston, Jeffery Winston, Jordinn Bennett, Journei Bennett, Josiah Bennett and Jar’Eylle Bennett all of Gary; his special Granny, Ida Armstrong of Maywood, Illinois; his aunt who was also his Godmother, Barbara Edwards; a special aunt, Linda Smith Johnson; special God grandparents, A.D. and Forestine Jackson all of South Bend; along with many other relatives and friends.

Jayden was preceded in death by maternal grandmother, Terrion D. Gary; maternal grandfather, Ivory “Soapy” Smith and maternal great grandparents, Robert and Shirley Lewis.

Jayden’s life and memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved and knew him.

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