Keia Syreta Smith
1973 - 2024
Keia Syreta Smith was born March 27, 1973, in Winston-Salem, NC to Patricia Powell Smith
and the late Don Charles Smith. Keia passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness on
Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
Left to cherish her legacy and to honor her memory are her devoted Mother, Patricia Powell
Burton, her beloved Son, Kendall Jaylon Williams, and a loving Brother, Marcus Dennard
Burton. Additional dedicated and surviving family members include her Step-father, Pierre
Burton, Grandmother, Emma W. Shouse, Cousins, LaTonya McCummings (Michael Johnson),
Chandler McCummings, Aunts, Intisar Bilal (Amin), Evelyn Shouse, and Yvonne Abdullah.
Keia was cherished and loved by a host of additional relatives and friends too extensive to
mention, including Shelton Williams, as well as devoted Sisters-in-Love Jacqueline Hunter
Richard and Tameka Waiters.
Keia was a graduate of Parkland High School. The majority of her working career was in the
banking industry; her last employment opportunity was with the State of North Carolina,
Department of Transportation. Keia was baptized and a lifelong member of Grace Presbyterian
Church here in Winston-Salem, NC.
Keia’s passing will leave a void in the lives of many, especially the young men with whom she
mentored and supported along with her Son, Kendall, as they navigated life from Pop Warner
football, AAU basketball, high school football, college, and now young adulthood. The name
“Team Mom,” as she was known, will forever be her calling and brought her such pride and joy.
A Memorial service to celebrate Keia’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 24,
2024, at Grace Presbyterian Church, 390l Carver School Road, Winston-Salem, NC with
Reverend Dr. Pamela S. Mitchell officiating. The family will receive friends and loved ones from
1:00 to 2:00 p.m.