Chaz Andrew Delaney

Chaz Andrew Delaney was born at Gardena Hospital on January 16, 2000 to his loving parents Shannon Y. Smith and Chaka Delaney Sr. Chaz was a bright baby that kept a smile on his face. He was eager to play sports and at one point at age four was begging to go into the gym to play basketball. During that time, Chaz was lucky enough to be able to be at the Boys & Girls Club due to the age restriction. He was blessed to attend Holy Cross Elementary in Long Beach, CA before transferring and graduating from Garfield Elementary. Chaz continued his education at Lee Middle School in Texas, Hoover Middle School and Poly High School in Long Beach, CA. He graduated from Hoover middle school and proceeded with trying to earn his GED. During his education teachers would describe Chaz as a bright and smart kid who excelled in mathematics when he truly applied himself. One teacher even described Chaz as a Math genius.

His parents knew early on he was a special kid who began showing signs, as early as one years old that, he could handle a ball. Chaz thrived and soared for high performance in sports and loved every minute on the football field and basketball court. Anyone that knew Chaz would say he was definitely a beast and the MVP on the field and court. He loved trying new things and was a very talented person with big dreams in life. He had a smile so bright and a heart made of gold that would warm your heart once you got to know him. He was once also described as being a coach's dream, “an individual that understands the meaning of the sport”. He exemplified teamwork and dedication on and off the field.

Chaz was blessed twice-over when he became a father to his beautiful daughters Chasidee, who was born in 2017, and Kai Lynn, born in 2021. The love Chaz had for his daughters was unconditional, immeasurable, and never went unnoticed. He definitely left his twins for us to treasure.

Chaz was preceded in death by (both maternal grandparents) Regina Jenkins and Robert  Smith, (maternal great grandmas) Theresa Jarreau-Brown and Rose Smith, (maternal great-grandfather) Otis Brown. and (paternal great-grandma) Bernice Delaney, Chaz is survived by his (mother) Shannon Y. Smith , (father) Chaka Delaney, (two sisters) Brandee Warren and Tatiana Weston , (brother) Chaka Delaney Jr., (daughters ) Chasidee Delaney, Kai Lynn  Delaney, (nieces) Chasity Knox, Cali Powns, and Ja’Miyah Perry, (nephews) Carter Ross, Cordero Powns, and Cuban Baker, (grandmother) Floretta Pruitt, (grandpa) Drexel Delaney, and a host loving family and friends.