Taunya Juanette Smith

TRIO sent Dreams From the Heart Bouquet for Taunya Juanette Smith - January 05, 2024

We are all very deeply saddened to learn of Taunya's passing. We very much appreciate Taunya's dedication to her work. Our deepest condolences to Taunya's family and loved ones. From the team at TRIO

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5 Trees were planted in memory of Taunya Juanette Smith - January 04, 2024

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Taunya, today would have been your 55th birthday. I miss you and look forward to seeing you again in heaven one day. Love, Jacqueline

I deeply saddened by Taunya Smith's passing but thankful to have met and worked with such a beautiful soul. I first met Taunya Smith in 2021 working on TRIO035. She had such a welcoming spirit. Very easy to speak with, a delight to work with and truly hardworking. We worked hard on that study but she made the work seem so easy. It is an honor to have met and worked with Taunya Smith. My deepest and warmest condolences to the family of Taunya Smith. Though the loss of a loved one leaves an eternal void, I pray God comforts you all in your time of need - Jesselyn Onye

I was deeply saddened of hearing of the passing of Taunya. We grew up together at Citizens of Zion Baptist Church, and attended the same school for both Junior High and High School, and later connected via social media. We shared spots on the cheerleading squad at Centennial High School and she offered me rides home after late practices on many days. We corresponded and connected over social media, about frequent visits to Disneyland. I had much admiration for her and she offered encouraging words throughout our days in high school and on the cheerleading squad in high school, as I needed a lot of help learning routines, and she was patient with me, as we learned routines together. One specific memory that stands out was her learning the dance choreography from Janet Jackson's music video "Control". She watched the video over and over to master every dance step, in order to teacher it to the squad, and she was tenacious in getting each step perfectly. You will be missed, we never got to go on that Disneyland visit together, but hold a spot for me in Heaven, and we'll meet up again, but not too soon! We'll "hold it down" on Earth, while you run the streets of Heaven up there. Go ahead and sing your solo, I'm sure God needed a soloist, so sing away friend, and we'll see you later in Heaven! -Sending Love to Laura Harris Peete and Family -Davin Bourgeois

On behalf of the Gaston family, we extend our condolences and prayers. Words cannot express how special Taunya was and still is. Her kindness, presence, and support blessed us throughout the years. We will keep her memory alive by following her example of giving, and loving with a pure heart. To Mrs. Peete and family, may God continue to comfort and strengthen you through this difficult time.

With Love, Vincent and Lois Gaston

I met Taunya when her family began attending Citizens of Zion. She had a zest for life and determined to be the best she could be. She participated in our Youth Ministry and I was one of her supervisors. We had open and honest group discussions with her and the other young ladies about life and boys. Our relationship flourished over the years and I became one of her mentors. As she grew and matured as a woman our relationship changed to mentor/friend. Proverb 27:9 says "Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice." One of my fondest memories is her reading a poem to my soon to be husband, Walter, at our wedding in 1988. I had given her the poem my cousin wrote for me, she worked her magic and made it a masterpiece. She delivered it so beautifully that it brought tears to our eyes. Taunya lived a full life. In all that Taunya accomplished, she never forgot those who touched her life. Taunya will forever be in my heart. Rest well my sister, my friend. Sending love and prayers to her mom, Laura Pete and the family. May you be comforted during this season of your life. Love Gwendolyn & Walter Bouffard, Long Beach, CA💜

My dearest friend and sister, Taunya with a "u" in it. Friends since middle school. Served on the student council together in high school. Shared a limo ride for prom and stood by my side in my wedding. Words can never express how grateful I am for "u" being in my life. I'm reminded that, to everything there is a season and a time for everything under the Heavens. I thank God for over 35+ years together. You will be truly missed.

Words can express my feelings right now what the passing of Tanya. Growing up in church together singing in the choir, Sunday school, Young ladies Auxiliary was priceless so many wonderful memories. Her smile will light up a room 😁. Her kindness, empathy and loving heart will be missed. If we didn't do anything else we sent celebratory birthday blessings, its an AUGUST thing that will never stop 🥰. Heaven gained another Angel. Forever remembered, forever missed. Sending my sincere condolences to the breaved family and friends ❤️.

Marla McDowell-Monette

My sincerest condolences go out to Taunya's family.The world has lost a beautiful person. I had the pleasure of working with Taunya at TRIO. Her dedication to improving the lives of patients and their loved ones was second to none. Taunya was excellent at her job. One thing I really loved about Taunya was that she spoke up when something needed to be said or done and she asked the tough questions. I will never forget her infectious smile and the wonderful conversations we had. She will be deeply missed. Launa Aspeslet

Please accept my sincere condolences. Charles Jagneaux

I met Taunya at Citizens of Zion. She was a very nice and friendly young lady.I would always share with she and Angela that they would do great things in life. It was many years later that I had the privilege of escorting Taunya out to dinner and a movie. We had developed a good friendship. We would talk periodically about life. Taunya had shared with me that she had started going to the gym. I told her not to get into too many body competitions. She would laugh! I learned of her passing from Angela,this past weekend. Immediately I said to myself, she's in Heaven. We we truly miss the beautiful presence of Taunya. My prayers for Sister Laura Peete and family that the Lord will bring comfort during this time. Much love ❤️ Danny Smith

I am so grateful to God for placing Taunya Smith in my life. She was my best (and only) friend in elementary school (grades 4th-6th). After school she would stay at my house until her mother got off work. After elementary school we continued to develop a close relationship and over the years she remained true blue loyal. In usual "Taunya Form", she was always there for me - she even attended my mom's celebration of life service in 2018. After that devastating loss in my life, she was also there to witness the best time of my life - when my now husband was courting me for marriage. I will miss Taunya's voice of reason, practical advice, beautiful smile & spirit and supportive nature. You left an indelible print on my heart, my friend. I love you. ❤️

I was honored to have been a babysitter for both Taunya and Terry long ago. Their mom entrusted their care to me and I appreciate being a part of their lives. We were also neighbors on Butler Ave and active members in our youth department at Citizens of Zion. We kept in touch via social media. My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to her mom, other family members and friends.

I was blessed to have a front row seat to Taunya growing up. She and my daughter, Angela,  were good friends, and my sister, Nadine and I were often their personal chauffeurs- movies, concerts, etc. She became a part of our family celebrating the good times and the sad times. We will miss her chats and her vibrant personality. We, however, submit to GOD'S Will and look forward to the great reunion around the throne of God. Sending my love and deepest sympathy to Laura and family.  Love, Wilma G. Hairston, Carson, CA

Taunya was an AMAZING human being — kindhearted, intelligent and and a dear friend. I miss her and am still in disbelief that she is gone. However, Isaiah 54:17, 1-2 gives me peace: "The righteous perishes, And no man takes it to heart; Merciful men are taken away, While no one considers That the righteous is taken away from evil. He shall enter into peace; They shall rest in their beds, Each one walking in his uprightness." I pray that the peace of God comforts you during this very difficult time. ~Marlo Lewis

I was blessed to have a front row seat to Taunya growing up. She and my daughter were good friends, and my sister, Nadine and I were often their personal chauffeurs- movies, concerts, etc. She became a part of our family celebrating the good times and the sad times. We will miss her chars and her vibrant personality. We, however, submit to GOD'S Will and look forward to the great reunion around the throne of God. Sending my love and deepest sympathy to Laura and family.

My memory of Taunya was the times when I would pick her and girl friend, Angela up and take them with me to workout at a place called Exsom's, and remembering being in a big Musical play call "Singsational Servant" for at Citizens of Zion during her early and youth years. Her big, bright beautiful smile would always light up a room no matter when or where. Her Presence brought joy, life and laughter, and will be greatly miss. She has moved from this earthly home to a heavenly mansion with the Father who made her, the Savior who saved her and the Spirt who set her free.

Our Condolences to Mrs. Laura Peete and family. Taunya was a beautiful spirit . Even tho she was younger than myself, my siblings and I grew up together with she and Terry, at our Home Church, Citizens Of Zion MBC., where so many memories were created. May our Father in Heaven comfort and keep you during this season. We love you and are praying for you. Rev. Joseph & Ollie Rice, Joy, Broderick & Patrice

My sincere prayers and condolences to Mrs. Laura Peete and Family.

I am so glad to have had the pleasure of knowing and growing up with Taunya in Church, Taunya and I participated in some of the same Church ministries. I will never forget how supportive and very encouraging Taunya was to me when I suffered the loss of my Brother, I will be forever be grateful to her, and will never forget her act of kindness. I am always sad when someone passes away, however the comfort that I have is that she was saved and is now resting in the arms of God the Father.

I first met Taunya when my Mom Wilma and I first moved to California from Alabama. We attended the same church and Junior High School and shared many special times and moments together as young girls, teens and adults. She was a beautiful person - inside and out - and will be greatly missed. We are the same age so this is a reminder that life is not promised and that we should live each day with a zest for life as Taunya did. My heart goes out to her mother Laura Peete who played a pivotal role in my life and development. We wrap her in love and lift her up in prayer. We will miss you Taunya and miss seeing and following your adventures. But we/I am comforted in knowing that you are resting and safe in Jesus' arms. See you on the other side my friend. I love you forever and appreciate all you have been to me and contributed to my life. - Angela Reddock-Wright of Los Angeles/Carson, CA

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.