Darius DeJuan K. Smith, 29, was born May 17, 1989 to Katherine Johnson and Derrick Smith in Kansas City, Missouri.

Darius gave his life to Christ and was baptized on March 4, 2001 at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. He was a graduate of Hickman Mills High School class of 2007. He then began his employment with Tenneco as a line assembler. Darius loved kids and couldn't wait to have his own family. He was later blessed with a beautiful daughter, Jaia Destiyne Gee on March 1, 2010.

Darius was a big-hearted kid who enjoyed being, funny, cracking jokes and being goofy. He was known for his logical humor, smooth dancing and gift for mathematics. He had the ability to make anyone of any age laugh, even finding humor in critical times. Darius was very intelligent; he received a President award from President Clinton for his passion for numbers in his early education. He knew the birthdays of all his close family and friends and could add up almost any math problem in his head within a matter of seconds. His artistic personality allowed him to express himself through fashion, dancing and drawing. Darius enjoyed playing basketball and was physically fit for the sport, but he did not like to lose. Darius was always the life of the party and no matter what was going on, good or bad he would have a joke about it and make you forget why you were even mad. He carried the confidence and ego the size of giant, yet his gentle loving spirit touched so many people. Darius's big personality and sense of humor was loved dearly and will truly be missed.

Darius departed this life on May 25, 2018. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Carol Johnson and paternal grandmother Jamesetta Smith.

He leaves his memories to be cherished by his mother, Katherine Ashley (Kevin); father, Derrick Smith; four brothers, Darien Smith, Dru Smith, Monty Wallace, Jr. and Monte' Wallace; grandfather, Charles Johnson; God- sisters, Saron Long and Ranesha Wiley; lifelong best friend, Dontez Jackson and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.