X'zyla Jeru Smith

Lumberton

X'zyla Jeru Smith, age 25, formerly of Lumberton, NC, was separated too soon from this earthly life on Friday, September 27, 2024. To know X'zyla was to love her. With a smile that could brighten any dark or troubled day, she met only friends. When X'zyla laughed, you could not help but to laugh with her, for her joy was intoxicating. She brought with her, wherever she went, a joy for life and living. Heaven is made richer for calling her home as an angel and the earth is made sadder for the loss of such a dear sweet and loving spirit.

Funeral Service will be at 12:00 pm on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Western Assembly: Disciples of Christ Church, 9766 US-701 Hwy, Newton Grove, NC 28366. Burial will follow in the Piney Green Disciple Church Cemetery, 2937 W Darden Rd, Newton Grove, NC 28366.

Visitation will take place 2:00-6:00 pm on Friday, October 11, 2024 at Whosoever Will Disciples of Christ Church, 76 Shirley Lane, Newton Grove, NC 28366. The family will receive visitors other times at 166 Holiday Lane in Newton Grove, NC.

X'zyla, the daughter of Jerome Henry Smith of Newton Grove, NC and Kimberly Washington of Charlott, NC, was born December 23, 1998 in Clinton, NC. "Zyla", as she was affectionately called by her family and friends, was raised and grew up a native of Sampson County. Zyla,  from a young age, was nurtured and encouraged to love God and attend church by her Great-Grandmother, Adelaide C. Williams and Grandmother, Willie Mae Smith. Zyla joined Whosoever Will Disciples of Christ Church as a teenager and actively participated in the church all throughout high school. A Sunday School scholar, a member of the Youth Gospel Choir, an actress in several church plays and a gifted praise dancer.

Zyla was an accomplished student, academically. From the time she started elementary school throughout her community college years, Zyla loved learning and she loved to read. This was a love shared and encouraged in her younger sister, Lyrik to develop. Throughout elementary and high school, Zyla maintained an 'A' average. Zyla was inducted into the Clinton High School Beta Club as a Freshman. Zyla graduated  with honors from Clinton High School in 2017, while helping out with her younger siblings, Aasim and Lyrik, before and after school when called on. As a sister, she never forgot to say "I Love You" to her siblings; Big Boy, Emaun, Aasim and Lyrik, calling them on their birthdays and helping out when and where needed.

Growing up, Zyla was instilled with a strong work ethic by both parents. Zyla embraced work with a smile, a true provider for her family. She began working at Taco Bell after graduating high school. Zyla started out as a cashier, but over the course of three years she would advance in her position and capacity to the role of assistant general manager. Additionally, to maintaining full-time employment, Zyla returned to school to successfully complete an Associate of Arts degree from Fayetteville Technical Community College, while simultaneously fine tuning her maternal skills, caring for a new born, Maison. When Zyla put her mind to anything, it was well done. She will be forever remembered, cherished and loved.

X'zyla is preceded in death by: Maternal Grandmother: Emma Washington of Clinton, NC; Maternal Great-Grandparents: Queen Ester Wilson & Haywood Bryant of Clinton, NC; Paternal Great-Grandparents: Elijah & Callie Smith of Benson, NC and Willie James (Buddy) & Adelaide (Granny) C. Williams of Newton Grove, NC; Paternal Aunties: Willa Mae (Little Foot) Rodriguez (Luis) of Newton Grove, NC; Paternal Great Uncles: James Crumpler Fennell of Newton Grove, NC; and Maternal Great Uncles: Charlie (Sweet Ebony Diamond) Wilson of Clinton, NC, George ( Roll-a-bug) Wilson of Clinton, NC, James (Possum) Wilson of Clinton, NC.

X'zyla is survived by: Son: Maison Williams of Charlotte, NC; Mother: Kimberly Washington of Charlotte, NC; Father: Jerome Henry Smith of Newton Grove, NC; Brothers: Kenny (KP) Parker of Clinton, NC, Emaun (Elmo) Washington of Charlotte, NC, Jerome (Big Boy) Smith, Jr. of Newton Grove, NC and Aasim (Baby) Wilson of Charlotte, NC; Sister: Lyrik (Mama) Wilson of Charlotte, NC; Maternal Grandfather: Lee Washington of Clinton, NC; Paternal Grandparents: Jimmy (Poppy) and Willie Mae (Mema) Smith of Newton Grove, NC; Maternal Aunties: Regina Williamson (Frankie) of Clinton, NC, Crystal Melvin (Lasharna) of Clinton, NC and LaKisha Vann (Damein) of Charlotte, NC; Paternal Aunties: Mary (Goodie) Cuevas (Nelson) of Newton Grove, NC, Akasha Ajacia Adams of Newton Grove, NC, Veronica (Puffy) Battle (Nick) of Greensboro, NC and Karissa Smith of Murfreesboro, NC; Maternal Uncles: Lee Washington Jr. (Kameesha) of Clinton, NC and Kevin Washington (Marie) of Clinton, NC; Paternal Uncle: Jonathan (Kat) Smith (Sameilla) of Newton Grove, NC; Maternal Great Uncles: Jimmy Wilson (Darlene) of Clinton, NC, John (Stud) Wilson of Clinton, NC, Billy (Ray-Ray) Wilson of Clinton, NC, Lindell Wilson of Clinton, NC and Elester Wilson of New York, NY; Maternal Great Aunties: Faye Wilson of Clinton, NC; a special friend: Nigel of Lumberton, NC; babysitters: Tammy Whitted, Labriea Reid and Terresa McDuffy; and a multitude of nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to name them all. 

Hope Valley Hawkins Funeral Service & Cremation of Clinton is honored to serve the Family of Xzyla Smith 

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