In Loving Memory of Myla Zuria Smith

Myla Zuria Smith was born on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 1:16 a.m., to her loving parents, Milan Zuria Ginyard and Derek Smith, Jr. She passed away peacefully on Monday, August 4, 2026.

Although Myla’s time here on Earth was far too brief, she filled it with so much love and joy. She was deeply loved by her family and friends and touched everyone who had the blessing of knowing her. From the very beginning, Myla knew how precious she was. Her mommy and daddy told her countless times how much they loved her, and there was never any doubt that she was surrounded by love.

Myla came into the world with attitude and a beautiful spirit all her own. She was active, playful, affectionate, and full of personality. She loved listening to music and dancing, running and playing basketball, boxing, riding around in her toy BMW, and going to the park. One of her favorite games was running up the street so someone would have to run after her and catch her.

Myla loved to cuddle and especially loved being tickled by Mommy and Daddy. She was famous for the two bows she wore at the top of her head. She enjoyed playing with her friends at daycare. She loved wearing her stethoscope, hugging her stuffed doggie, and keeping her favorite baby doll close. Myla loved to eat. She had opinions about her food, too: crispy lettuce was a definite no, but she loved her cooked greens.

Myla brought happiness wherever she went. On her final night, she was surrounded by her mommy and daddy, who held her close, hugged and kissed her, and reminded her once again just how deeply she was loved. She left this life with her favorite baby doll close beside her, just as it had been so many times before. Her beautiful spirit and the joy she brought to this world will be missed more than words can express.

Myla has joined a loving host of ancestors, including her grandmother, Kenyetta Smith; her great-grandparents, Emily Maddox, Diania Jacks, Robert Jacks, Rebecca Ginyard, and Frederick Ginyard.

Myla Zuria Smith leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving parents, Milan Zuria Ginyard and Derek Smith, Jr.; her grandparents, Derek Smith, Sr., Darryl Ginyard, Sr., and Amani Frazier; her great-grandparents, Debra Edley and Aaron Carter; her aunts and uncles, Kayla Ginyard, Makai Whitlock, Danielle Ginyard, Dior Ginyard, Darryl Ginyard, Jr., Dezarae Smith, and Devin Smith; her godfathers, Jamal Speaks and Nasiah Turner; her godmother, Miya Spenard; and a host of cousins, loved ones, and friends.

Revelation 21:4 - New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures

“And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

Matthew 5:15-16 - New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures

“People light a lamp and set it, not under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it shines on all those in the house.

Likewise, let your light shine before me, so that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens.”