J'Mere Ridley-Smith

A Life of Love, Service and Unwavering Devotion
On January 17, 2000, Jamala Ridley and Jaime Smith were blessed with a baby boy named J'mere T. Ridley-Smith in Rochester, NY.
From the moment J'mere entered this life on that cold winter's day, J'mere brought warmth, rhythm, and an undeniable presence. He lived guided by love, devoted to family, friends and lifted by music. He affectionately became known to his family as "Buddha" and to his friends as "Mere". As a kid J'mere loved to dance, play basketball and video games.
J'mere danced through life with a rhythm all his own, always humming a tune, cracking a joke, or making sure nobody in the room felt left out. For anyone who knew J'mere, knew he liked to stay fresh and fly, always ordering online or having something custom made keeping up with all the latest fashion trends and sneakers. J'mere loved his family, music, and friends. Whether it was vibing to beats, creating playlists that told stories better than words ever could, or simply being the life of a family gathering, J'mere showed up with heart, humor, and a whole lot of soul. J'mere didn't just make memories, he made moments count. He touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with leaving a lasting impression. His laugh was contagious, and his opinion was fixed. He always considered his view the only right one and always had to have the last word. If J'mere wasn't at work, you could always find him recording his music at the studio or doing a video shoot. He loved being with his friends and cousins at their favorite hangout spot. His love and affection for his little sister, Kamea, AKA, "Mae the Don," had no limits. His mother, AKA "Ma Dukes," will always treasure his expressions of love and appreciation he had for her and the sacrifices she made for him and the family.
J'mere's life was cut short on July 26, 2025, at the age of 25, Predeceased by: his maternal great grandmothers Anne Ridley and Eva Hall, great grandfather Donald Hall; paternal: great grandmother Elizabeth Freeman and great grandfather, Donald Hart.
He leaves to cherish his memories: his mother, Jamala Ridley; father, Jaime Smith; siblings: LaPrece Lawhorn, Chance Smith, Jaime Smith, Jr., Availyon Rios, Jayden Ridley-Smith, Zakai Smith and Kamea Johnson; aunt, Eulice Ridley; grandfather, James (Ethel) Ridley; grandmothers, Marie (Arthur Davis) Hall and Rosemary Smith; and host of uncles, aunts, cousins and friends, including his special friend, Yamitza "Yami" Maldonado. J'mere made his own way in this life and his family is so proud of all his accomplishments. J'mere will be deeply missed by everyone.
Though his physical presence may be gone, J'mere's spirit will continue to play on through his music like a favorite song-familiar, comforting, and impossible to forget.
May his spirit continue to dance among us, reminding us of a love that is never lost, only transformed.