Tyra Smith

Tyra Smith was born on August 2, 1970, in Cincinnati Ohio at Bethesda Hospital, to parents Kenneth Smith Sr and Brenda Anderson Nelson. She transitioned peacefully on July 14, 2024, in her home with her daughters India & Naarah (Arabya) Yisrael by her side. Along with her sister Tammy via Facetime. Her daughter Aysa Royals, Brother David Seals, Nephew Kenneth Smith III, and stepfather Charles Nelson preceded her in death.

Tyra attended North Avondale Elementary, Eastern Hills Middle School, and Withrow High School. She then went to Job Corp where she received her Welding Certificate and GED. Later she attended Southwestern College and received her Associate of Art degree in Business. She later worked as an Office Manager at a Chiropractic Office. A Mixologist (Bartender) where she met multiple people. She enjoyed interacting with the public. She then became a driver for Cincinnati Metro until her illness prevented her from working. While in school she participated in multiple extracurricular activities. She was a cheerleader captain, the drill team, ran track, modeled, and the marching band.

Tyra attended First Antioch Baptist Church and accepted Christ at an early age. She participated in various activities including singing in the church choir. Later in life, she took an interest in watching classes with her daughter at The House of Yisrael School for Higher Learning. Due to her health, she would attend classes online.

Tyra loved her family; She was always very protective of her daughters, India, Arabya, Aysa and her grandchildren. She was also protective of her nephews and nieces (she was the cool aunt). Although Tyra was the middle child, she always thought she was the boss of Tammy and Kenneth. She and each of her siblings had a special bond. Tyra and her aunt Alice had a special relationship. Sometimes she was not the easiest person to have a conversation with, she was passionate about what she believed. She stood on business all the time. She Loved her dog “Chance” He was the son she never had. She continued to care for him until the time of her illness. Her best friend Yolanda took care of him as she became sicker. Yolanda brought Chance to see Tyra regularly.

Tyra had multiple hobbies. She loved to cook. She loved to watch The Television Show and Bizarre Foods. She would make a grocery list and then make a dish. She wanted the family to try the dish. She often stayed on the phone with her daughters watching cooking shows and they would try weird foods. She loved to go to Fresh Market and buy exotic foods. She loved to travel. Her last trip was a Mother’s Day cruise to the Bahamas. Although she was tired, she mentioned she had an enjoyable time. Her favorite place to travel was Las Vegas. She did not go to Vegas to gamble; she went to Vegas to eat.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving and devoted daughters India & Naarah (Arabya) Yisrael, Grandchildren Kandarie Smith, Cornelius Hunter Jr (CJ) Eliyah (Howard Jones) Yisrael, Yahcob (Jamari Jones) Yisrael, Ahiyah (Jaylin) Yisrael, De’U’EL Yisreal Mikel Warren, Jaymion Hill, Myonn Royles, Parents Kenneth (Renee) Smith Sr and Brenda Anderson (Charles) Nelson, Siblings Tammy (Bobby) Griffin Sr, Kenneth Smith Jr, Angela Carloss, Kareem (Tiffany) Smith, and Maya Smith, a special aunt Alice Fields, several aunts and uncles and a host of cousins.

She also leaves to mourn two of her best friends Tara Beckwith and Yolanda Twyman. Ex-husbands Byron Allen, Williams Chambers, and Mike Carter.

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