Renzo Smith's Final Rites

Renzo Rendale Smith, 36, transitioned from his earthy life on June 6, 2023. Mr. Smith and his son Shaw Jackson lost their lives in a mass shooting incident in Richmond, VA, after a graduation ceremony. Renzo Rendale Smith was born on December 25, 1986, in Monroe, LA to Joseph and Grenda Smith. Renzo was baptized as a young child at St. James Baptist Church under the direction of Pastor J. J. Stewart. He was a devoted Christian that participated in Sunday School and sang in the youth choir. He was a treasured youth and sheltered by all as he was a kind-hearted individual. Renzo has always excelled in his accomplishments and was Valedictorian of his Head Start class. He loved fishing and riding his bike and was instrumental in helping raise his nieces and nephews. He attended Carver Elementary and Wossman High School, where he played and excelled in many sports, including track and field and football. Renzo was a very courageous, humble, and strong individual. He had the strength of a warrior. He broke his arm while playing football. It mended wrong in his elbow, which caused him to have a short component, and he got the name Nemo. He played ball and never quit, even though he was hurt and in pain. He completed his senior year at Richwood High School class of 2005. After graduating high school, he completed a short tour in the United States National Reserve in Vicksburg, MS. He later decided to enlist full-time in the United States Army. He did his basic training in Fort Sill, OK. While serving in the military, he completed several tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guatemala. While serving his country, he became ill and received an honorable discharge. During his military stint in Virginia, he met his wife, Tameeka Jackson, with whom he gained a daughter Destiny Jackson and a son Shawn Jackson. To that union, they were blessed with a daughter Renniyah Smith. Renzo departed this life with his son Shawn Jackson. He was preceded in death by his brother Joseph Smith Jr., his maternal grandfather Jadie Hall Sr., his paternal grandfather Solomon Smith Jr., and his two Godmothers, Bobbie Joe Hunter and Pauline Washington. He was also preceded in death by his two aunts, Valerie Rena Smith and Dianne Hall, and uncles, Solomon Smith III and Jamie Hall. Renzo leaves to cherish his memories: his beloved wife, Tameeka Jackson-Smith, and daughters, Destiny Jackson and Rennyiah Smith; his parents, Joseph and Grenda Smith; two sisters - Gweneshia Smith and Rennada (Bobby) Bass; and two Godbrothers Brian Givens and Donald Elmore Jr. Also, he leaves his maternal grandmother Annie Hall and paternal grandmother, Clara Smith. He leaves behind to always cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. Visitation will be held in the chapel of Hester Central State Funeral Home, 811 Louise Anne Avenue, Monroe, LA, 3:00 - 6:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Saint James #2 Missionary Baptist Church, 2665 Richwood Road #2, Monroe, Louisiana. Mr. Smith will be buried in Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA 22172.