Mr. Cedric Smith

It was with God’s peace that Cedric Adell Smith departed this life on January 4, 2022, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 38.

Cedric was born on March 12, 1983, to Lewis and Brenda Smith of Kansas City, Missouri.  He was affectionately nicknamed “Ceddy Red” by his father because of his complexion and reddish-brown hair.

Most of his life was spent in the Kansas City, Missouri area.  He attended St. Monica School through the eighth grade.  While at St. Monica, he was a member of the Alpha Omega mentor program.  Archbishop O’Hara High School was the next step in his education, graduating in the class of 2001.  He also attended Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri.  He also recently completed his OSHA Safety certification at Dallas College in Dallas, Texas.

While growing up, Ced tried many sports; tee-ball; baseball and basketball, but football was his passion.  He proved to be a force on the football field by playing intramural sports as a child and continuing throughout high school.  At O’Hara, he lettered in football and ended his senior year with 18 unassisted tackles, 73 assisted tackles, 3 QB sacks, and 2 recovered fumbles.  He received various honors as well as a scholarship to Missouri Valley College.  Later, he volunteered his time as an assistant coach for the Titans, a little league football team.

Always a student, Cedric was an avid researcher and “great” debater, especially regarding religious and political issues. Those who knew him best have colorful stories about their debates.  His favorite saying was “you need to study”. A preacher’s kid, he accepted Christ at a young age and continually searched for spiritual understanding during his life.  He grew up in the Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Kansas City, Missouri, where he participated in their youth choir, usher board, the youth department (Y.P.D.) and was Youth Worship Leader of the A.M.E. Northwest Missouri Conference.  As an adult, he joined Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri, serving as the Pastor’s Armor Bearer and working with the youth ministry.  The Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church in Dallas, Texas is the place he was worshipping at the time of his death.  His life was a testament to “train up a child in the way they should go and they will not depart from it”.

Whether he’d known you all his life or you had just met, it didn’t matter because Cedric loved his family and friends.  He became a father for the first time in January 2011 when his daughter, Cenea Joy, was born.  He was so proud of his little princess and was enjoying raising her.   He eventually moved to Dallas where his big heart and belief in love, led him to Danielle “Nikki” Cheatem.  They were joined in matrimony on May 29, 2016.  It was a joyous occasion that was matched only by the birth of their daughter, Czaria Aleigh on February 2, 2018.  Most people would say Czaria is his “twin”.  He was devoted to his house full of women and cherished their family life.

Ced liked “Old School” music and “Old School” cars but didn’t like “Old School” clothes; he dressed in the latest fashions.  A self-proclaimed chef, he took great pleasure in firing up the grill and smoker for family gatherings.  Sorry Chiefs fans, Ced wished them well, but his heart was with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a gregarious young man with a love for life and people.   But most importantly, he was a child of God.

Cedric’s maternal and paternal grandparents welcomed him in eternity. 

He is survived by his wife, Danielle Smith; two daughters, Cenea Joy and Czaria Aleigh of the home.  His mother, Reverend Brenda J. Smith, his father, Lewis A. Smith both of Kansas City, Missouri; a sister, Kim Smith Harrison, Kansas City, Missouri; four brothers, William (Iris) Freemon and Melvin (D’Angela) Williams Sr. of Dallas Texas; Mark Reed and Kevin Lewis of Kansas City, Missouri; god-sisters, Ronica Smith and Serita Hill, and a god-brother, Mikal Hill both of Kansas City Missouri.  A host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, as well as his beloved dog, Rocket.

Funeral Service will held Saturday, January 22, 2022, 10:30am at Bethel AME Church. Interment XII Gates Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 9:30am-10:30am at the church. Service conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

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