“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalm 37:4

We celebrate the extraordinary life of Taunya Juanette Smith, the second born into the union of her parents, Laura Harris Smith and Thirkield J. Smith, on August 9, 1969, in Washington, Louisiana.

Taunya spent her school years (K-12) in the Compton Unified School District, where she participated in multiple school activities, including the gifted and talented education program, public speaking competitions, and student body president her senior year at Centennial High School. Taunya was a member of Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Compton, California where she was a member of the choir and participated in youth activities. Taunya received her Bachelor of Psychobiology and Master of Public Health degrees from UCLA- University of California, Los Angeles.

Taunya brought exceptional passion and dedication to her pioneering work, as a Senior Study Manager at TRIO - Translational Research in Oncology, where she played an integral role in managing clinical trials for innovative cancer treatments. Her colleagues describe her as exceptionally motivated with sharp leadership instincts. She had an influence on the lives of patients, which remains deeply impactful.

Taunya’s adventurous and vibrant spirit was infectious to all fortunate enough to know her. Whether immersing herself in new cultures during worldwide travel escapades with her friends, or sharing laughter with loved ones closer to home, she embraced each moment with contagious vitality. Her natural curiosity and concern made Taunya a trusted advocate for many seeking perspective and insight. Whether she was hiking, playing tennis, golfing, running a 5K, going to concerts, or simply enjoying the company of her loved ones, she was always the dependable voice of reason and advisor in any situation that required foresight and planning. Taunya was always there with a listening ear and practical advice.

Taunya is preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, Rev. and Mrs. James Smith and Edward and Mable Harris Sr., her stepfather Calvin Brown, father Thirkield J. Smith, brother Terry J. Smith, and others. She will be gravely missed by a host of friends and family, especially her mom, Laura H. Peete (Johnnie), and nephew, Tylus Jerrell Smith (Maggie).