Tasha Lynn Smith was born on August 20^th, 1971, to George Lee and the late Norma Jean Smith in Wheeling, West Virginia. She was preceded in death by grandparents Clarence and Evelyn Smith and Robert and Lucille Lee. Siblings Kartika, Maurice, Eric, Carlos, Malachi and aunts and uncles. During her teenage years, her family moved to Cleveland Ohio, where Tasha graduated from Glenville High School in 1989. She would later attend Tri-C Community College where she obtained her Associates of Arts degree in Health and Human Services.

Tasha dedicated her life to the care of others. She dedicated years of service as a direct care personal while working at Northeast Care Center (Beta House) where she cared for the individuals in a residential setting. Later, she became an employee of the Cuyahoga County Board Department of Developmental Disabilities where she performed duties as a transportation monitor ensuring the safe transportation of clients. Tasha showered each patient with love, compassion, joy and treated them as family. She easily reached her goal of making sure her patients felt loved and supported while in her care. Tasha’s ultimate dream of becoming a nurse was deferred due to her battle with Lupus. However, she was proud to see her dream fulfilled by her eldest daughter Brittany Martin.

Tasha loved music, dancing, good food, shopping, traveling with family, and most of all having fun. No matter what state she found herself in, she was able to make a joke and laugh through it. She had a good sense of humor and with one look, could cause everyone nearby to burst out in hysterical laughter. Her presence and personality were strong enough to bypass words and directly touch the person.

No matter where she was, Tasha would talk and put a smile on someone’s face. If you had not known, you would think her, and the person were lifelong friends and not passing strangers. She loved people enough to tell them the truth to their face, embrace them despite their flaws, and encourage them to be better than they were. She was willing to share her heart and all she had with anyone in need.

Tasha lived a fulfilling life as a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She leaves everyone with her legacy of resilience, determination, strength, honesty, straight forwardness, genuineness, and laughter.

Tasha will be lovingly remembered by her children, Gino, Brittany, Tiara, Ciara, Sabion and Romelle. Her grandchildren Gino, Ariana, Johann, Charm, Theresa, Chase, Jaiden, Joirdyn, Peyton, Knox, and Dallas. Sisters, Roxanne, Regina, Sharmin, and Chelcee. Also, nephews Johnelle and Myles.

Tasha had a profound love for her cousins that were more like sisters, Rose, China, and Rica. Tasha dedicated years of love and friendship to her best friends Anjanece, Jackie, Lynelle, and Joann.

The family expresses appreciation to the staff of Cleveland Clinic who grew to know, love, and care for her as family. The family would also like to express gratitude to the staff at Hospice of Western Reserve (David Simpson Hospice House) who provided kind, gentle, exemplary care during her transition.