Shante Monique Smith

Obituary For Shante Monique Smith

Shante Monique Smith, 35, of Lithonia, Georgia, entered eternal rest on Friday, February 13, 2026. She was born on October 29, 1990, in Mansfield, Ohio.

Shante was the beloved daughter of the late Torrey Cockrell and ChaCha Smith. She was preceded in death by her father, Torrey Cockrell; her daughter, Michaiah, Jestee Elisabeth Smith; her maternal great-grandmother Jestee Smith, and great grand-father Hubert Peters; her grandmother, Zina Marie Smith; her paternal great-grandmother Hazel Minard; great grand-father Henry Minard and her grandmother, Gatha Cockrell and grandfather Thomas Cheeks.

She leaves to cherish her memory to her devoted son, Nyizerik Smith, who was the pride and joy of her life, her mother, ChaCha Smith, her siblings, Torrey Cockrell, Jr., En'Nacynt Love Ward, Aun'Nesty Ward and her maternal grandfather Leon Nixon. She is also survived with a host of family members and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.

Shante was a woman of strength, resilience, and unwavering determination. Strong-willed, driven, goal-oriented, and independent, she refused to let circumstances define her future. She earned her GED from Turner Job Corps in Albany, Georgia, demonstrating early on, her commitment to building a better life. In 2013, she obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant certification and continued to pursue her passion for healthcare by becoming a patient care technician and earning her phlebotomy certification in Atlanta, Georgia. At the time of her passing, she was employed at Centerwell Pharmacy and was diligently working towards her bachelor’s degree in healthcare management at Walden University.

Because of her strong will and determination, Shante accomplished many of the goals she set for herself. She created the life she envisioned—one built on perseverance, growth, and love. Her journey was a testament to what can happen when faith meets focus and hard work. She truly beat the odds.

Above all, Shante loved spending time with her son. Nyizerik was her greatest accomplishment and the center of her world. She was most proud of being his mother and wanted nothing but the absolute best for him. The bond they shared was unbreakable, and her love for him will continue to guide and protect him.

Shante’s life reminds us of the powerful message found in “The Dash” poem—that life is not measured by how it begins or how it ends, but by the dash in between. Shante’s story is not defined simply by October 29, 1990, to February 13, 2026, but by what she accomplished and what she meant to everyone during her dash. During that time, she elevated and became a phenomenal woman who left lasting memories with those she cared for—especially her son. Her dash was filled with determination, growth, and perseverance.

Services have been entrusted to Tri-Cities Funeral Home in Lithonia, Georgia.

A special acknowledgment and heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Erin Quick and Mrs. Jodi Peterson, for their love, support, and encouragement. Your presence and kindness will never be forgotten.

Shante’s legacy lives on through her son. Her dash was meaningful, and her memory will forever remain in our hearts.

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