Maya LaFonn Smith

Remembering Maya Maya LaFonn Smith, age 14,while sleeping quietly away to be with the Lord on September 6, 2019 at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health Systems in Richmond,VA. Maya was born on July 27, 2005 to the parents of Ronald L. Smith, Jr. and Melissa LaFonn Smith. A strong intelligent, born leader that loved the Lord. ,her family and friends. At the age of four she began attending Landmark Christian School, in Richmond Va., receiving perfect attendance and honor student status until her diagnoses. Maya accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized at Little Elam Baptist Church on August 26, 2012 and became a member of the youth choir. To know Maya was to love Maya. She believed in excellence; mediocrity was not an option. She was an author, dancer, cheerleader, athlete, band member ,mistress of ceremony, worship leader, public speaker, and the family personal assistant and activities director. Her dad calld her Thumper; her poppy called her Miss Molly; her GiGi called her Miss Wiggles but most called her Maya. God Filled her with about as much love for life and tenacity as she could hold. During her two- year battle with brain cancer Maya co-authored a book called "Flight of Friendship" which will be in the Library of Congress Control number 201990202. She raised over 15,000 for the Children' Hospital Foundation to support programs for the Children's Hospital of Richmond (CHoR) at VCU. Maya became the spokesperson for the 2018 Anthem Lemonaid Stand fundraisers. In addition .she made appearances on numerous television station and radio broadcasts educating viewers and listeners about her faith, and the importance of giving to support childhood cancer. Maya,with her generous heart,donated a portion of her book proceeds to two foundations that supports kids with cancer and their families: ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation and Conner's Heroes Childhood Cancer Foundation. Maya was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather Ronald Smith Jr.; and maternal uncle, Alfred L. Jones Jr. In addition to her parents, Maya is survived by her brother, Ronald (Trey);maternal grandparents, Alfred and Frances Jones, paternal grandmother, Barbara Smith; maternal great-grandmother, Vernice Wade; aunts, Rhonda and Ronette Smith, Shelly Jones (God mother); God fathers, Stanley Richards and Vernardo Brooks; adult best friend (as name by Maya),Martia Gains; and a host of other special great-uncles and aunts; two extra special, Larry and Carolyn Easley, cousins and friends. Maya never complained nor did she experience the horrible side effects predicted during the last days. She will be terribly missed and never ever forgotten. You will find yourself smiling and telling countless stories of her honesty and directness, talent, smile, energy ,confidence, resilience and overall love for life. Maya told her family I’ve accepted Christ and I have a relationship with him. I know where I am going; I am going to be okay. Trusted in the Lord and they were inseparable! Kept her in perfect peace!

Tributes

Maya LaFonn Smith

July 27, 2005 - September 6, 2019