Alkeshia Shamar Smith, 51, of Coatesville, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at home.

Born in Coatesville, PA, she was the daughter of the late Sheila Elizabeth Trowery Wright and the late Tyrone Powell.  She was affectionately known as Keshia by her family and friends.  Keshia was the wife of Michael Smith.  They began their journey together in 2007 and shared 14 years of marriage.

A lifelong resident of the Coatesville area, Keshia touched many lives with her vibrant spirit and boundless compassion.  During her early years, Keshia attended the Coatesville Area Public Schools and would later earn her GED.  Despite early challenges, Keshia demonstrated resilience and determination as her quest for knowledge and self-improvement led her to briefly study at Immaculata University, earn a cosmetology certificate from the Pulse Academy in Downingtown, and finally, she studied dentistry to become a dental hygienist.

However, Keshia always possessed a creative spirit and was known for her creative flair.  Her creativity and diverse interests ultimately led her to the culinary arts.  Keshia would work in fine dining for over 10 years and her love for cooking was not just her profession, but a way that she could connect with others.  Oftentimes, with a love for hosting, Keshia would bring people together with her delicious meals and professionally inspired recipes.

Beyond her professional life, she was a woman of impeccable taste and known as a true fashionista.  Her effortless style and radiant smile would light up any room.  Keshia enjoyed listening to the smooth sounds of jazz, R&B, and Motown, which she often placed in the background, setting the soundtrack of her life.

Most of all, Keshia was a God-fearing, family-oriented woman at heart, who was deeply devoted to her loved ones, especially her mother, her late great-grandmother Rosa Bell Devault, her late grandmother Elizabeth, and her late uncle Louie.  Keshia was instrumental in rearing her nephew and Godson, Jayquon Wright, and played a major role in her sister, Keonna, and brother, DL's life with the passing of their mother at such an early age.  For Keshia, family was her pride and joy and she nurtured those bonds with every ounce of her being.

Keshia is survived by her husband Michael Smith; siblings: James Nathaniel Wright, II, Keonna Cooper, DL King, Jr., Tyronne Allen, and Terran Powell, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Homegoing Services will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at New Hope Glad Tidings Church of God, 80 Foundry Street, Coatesville, PA 19320. A viewing will be held from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM.

Interment will be held in New Evergreen Cemetery in Coatesville.

Family and friends may share condolences at the guestbook link on this memorial page. All are welcome to light a candle in her memory.  Flowers may be sent to the church on the morning of the service.