Kayla Jo Smith

Kayla Jo Smith, 51, of Gulfport, MS., passed peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on December 19, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport after a courageous battle with cancer. Kayla was born on August 14, 1974, in Woodville, Texas to her parents Larry Clark Sr. and Carolyn Jo.

As a child, Kayla participated in 4H Horse Club and showed llamas. Later on in high school, she found passion in cheerleading and color guard until she graduated in 1992. After moving to Mississippi, Kayla helped to run her family business, Armorthane Linings of Gulfport, for many years. She eventually found her home and second family as an office manager selling lift kits and truck accessories at All Jacked Up. Kayla’s cherished the friendships she made in her life. She made a genuine effort to stay connected to those who touched her life along the way, whether it was friends from her childhood in Texas or new lifelong friends in Mississippi. Kayla also devoted her free time to volunteer work with Casa of Mississippi, supporting children and families in need. 

You could never deny Kayla was a family woman. She cherished her “Three Beauties,” her beloved daughters, and poured her heart into every moment spent with them. Their childhood summers were spent in Destin, Florida. As her daughters grew and found love in sports, she found a way to be at every game and practice, even when that lead to three different ballfields. That same enthusiasm followed her when she was blessed with her grandchildren. As “Mimi,” she was her grandchildren’s loudest and proudest cheerleader - always seen on the sidelines or heard above the crowd.

Kayla's favorite two things were baking and holidays. Every single family gathering, she brought some kind of themed dessert, often paired with her festive holiday nails. Christmas was her favorite time of the year because she could spoil her daughters and grandchildren. If she wasn’t baking up her famous desserts, you could find her riding around looking at lights, spending time with loved ones, or cozying up at home watching Hallmark movies.

Kayla is survived by her father, Larry Smith Sr.; her mother, Carolyn Batten (Dicky); her brother, Bubba Smith (Merideth); her niece and nephew, Brady and Peyton; her sister, Chelsea Smith (Alex); her aunt, Kay Waldrep (Bubba); her cousins, Mellissa and Dusty, and each of their kids. Above all, Kayla leaves behind her greatest loves, her daughters, Bailey Beech (Shelby), Shelbi Mitchell (Kent), and Kenzee Ladner (Michael); and her grandchildren: Bentley, Laine, Josie, Karson, and Levi.

Kayla was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Willie Mae and James E. Taylor; her paternal grandparents, Dorothy Smith and Emmitt L Smith Jr.; her aunts, Alice and Linda; and her uncle, Butch.

Kayla Jo Smith leaves a permanent mark on the hearts of all who knew her. Her spirit of giving, infectious laughter, and unwavering love for her family will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.  Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Smith family and we ask that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.