Reflection of Life

Akela LaShall Blair was born to Vakea LaShae Blair and Albert Smith, Jr., on July 11, 1995, in Memphis, Tennessee. She was baptized at Wiggins Chapel CME Church, Olive Branch, Mississippi, and a proud graduate of Southwind High School, Memphis, Tennessee.

Akela was born into a world that said she couldn't, and she proved she could throughout her life. Akela embraced life. She loved to smile and laugh. She was a bright light, a free spirit, who loved her family immensely. Akela said, "Family is music, some high notes, some low notes, but always a beautiful song."

Akela transitioned peacefully on August 24, 2021, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 26. She leaves to cherish her memory, her mother, Vakea LaShae Blair Bond; father, Albert Smith, Jr.; brother, Keelyn Clark; sisters, Ashley Smith and Nikieva Collins; grandfathers, Gene F. Blair and Albert Smith, Sr.; grandmother, Ruthie Carr ; great-grandmother Juanita McNeil; aunts, Veda LaShall McNeil Ajamu ( Olori ) and Lenna Sanders; a host of great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins, and friends. Her grandmother Lillie Mae McNeil Blair and brother Albert Smith III preceded her in death.