Tomeka Donyella Smith

Tomeka Donyella Smith was born to Margaret Oatis and Floyd Smith on July 31st 1975 in Monroe, Louisiana and lived in Winnsboro, Louisiana until the age of 4. She later moved to Seattle and then the east side of Tacoma where she met alot of her childhood friends while attending Lister Elementary. Tomeka was apart of the Lister Sky Skippers jump rope team. She went on to attend Stewart Middle School and then graduated from Foss High School. Tomeka was a gentle giant with a big heart and her presence was felt every time she came into a room. Tomeka struggled alot growing up, especially with who she was. Coming out at the age of 18 was a big relief for Tomeka, she finally could be herself. In 1998 Tomeka lost her mother, she needed a distraction so she decided to go to college. She graduated with her Associates Degree in Criminal Law. Shortly after she got her first job helping people and she loved it! She loved helping her family, friends and the ones she loved. After losing her dad, Tomeka suffered a stroke and had to deal with her new normal that she struggled with but never gave up and never stopped helping people. Although Tomeka didn't have any biological children of her own she would often day " I have the most kids of that makes sense" she would say ". Dontay was her first child and she loved him just like she loved her other children and nieces and nephews. Tomeka was that aunt that would let you get away with anything and help you get out of trouble with your parents at the same time. You would often find Tomeka with friends or family, listening to music or watching a movie. She loved watching all the latest TV shows and eating the latest snacks or cookies. Tomeka was in pain daily and never gave up but that changed when her nephew Ja'Pree was killed on her birthday and that devastated her. Once again Tomeka needed a distraction and decided to go back to school. She also found comfort in baby Kory," Kory with a K" is what she would call him. He brought so much joy and comfort to her life more so he was with her when she took her last breathe. Tomeka had a dream to open a non profit organization to help the homeless. We will miss you and we love you and we know your still going to be watching over us. The battle is not hers anymore, it's God's. Tomeka proceed death of her mother Margaret Oatis and father Floyd Smith, Ja'Pree Marcus and her dog Gizmo. Survived by brothers: Cedric Oatis, Jerrelle Hernandez. Sisters Kenyetta Oatis, Lekitah Wilson and her partner Danielle Wilson. And host of nieces, nephews, children, cousins, family and friends.