Gennifer Ron'Chay Smith

Our world became a brighter place when Gennifer Ron’Chay Smith was born on January 13, 1983 to Tracy Willliams-Nicholas and Henry Thompson. When she was 6 years old, Gennifer’s family relocated from St. Louis, MO to Burbank, CA, where she and her older sister, Janell, were raised. Gennifer attended St. Finbar Parish School and Burbank High School, where she was a good student. While still in her teens, Gennifer demonstrated exceptional heart and maturity as she took on the role of caregiver to her beloved grandmother, Marlene Williams, until her passing.

Shortly thereafter, Gennifer began her life with John Wright, Jr. and became a loving stepmother to John’s son, Brandon. In 2006, Gennifer and John welcomed their son, John C. V. Wright (JJ), into their lives. Gennifer and John married in 2007 and, although they would ultimately part ways, they shared custody of JJ and lovingly co-parented him.

In 2013, Gennifer and Jeffrey Smith, Jr. met while they were both working at West Covina mall. They developed a friendship which soon blossomed into a strong and lasting love. They started a life together in Jeff’s hometown of Riverside, CA and, in 2016, they were blessed with a daughter, Makayla Michelle Smith. Gennifer and Jeff worked hard to maintain a loving and supportive home where JJ and Makayla grew and thrived. After more than a decade of building and sharing their life together, Gennifer and Jeff were wed on July 22, 2022. Gennifer was a devoted wife and mother. She loved her husband and children with all her heart and soul and showed them her love every day in ways big and small.

Few things brought Gennifer more joy than spending time with family and friends. In lieu of a honeymoon, she chose to celebrate her marriage to Jeff with a family cruise to the Caribbean, which took place in May 2023 and filled her heart with happiness. She was always up for family dinners, taco nights and poolside barbecues. Gennifer especially loved family games - darts, dominoes, dance parties, board games - it really didn’t matter. She was “all in,” played to win (which she usually did) and kept things fun and lively with her “trash” talk.

Throughout her life, Gennifer showed herself to be an intelligent, understanding and generous person whose strength was only exceeded by her kindness. For her, nothing was ever too much to ask. She was a dedicated daughter, a caring sister, loving aunt and a good friend.

On June 24, 2023, Gennifer passed peacefully into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She leaves behind her husband Jeffrey Leroy Smith, Jr.; son John C. V. Wright; daughter Makayla Michelle Smith; ex-husband John Wright, Jr.; stepson Brandon Wright; mother Tracy Nicholas; sister Janell Brown; nephew Cristian Quintero; uncle Kevin Guillaume; auntie Carla Caldwell; cousins Carly Jones and Cahri Jones; godmother Bettie Madison; mother and father-in-law Jeffrey and Dena Smith; sister and brother-in-law Nikia and Michael Turner; grandmother-in-law Loretta Branker; cherished “bestie” Jessica Smith; and a host of family and friends whose lives were touched and made better by her presence.

Gennifer was predeceased by her step-father James Nicholas, aunt Carlene Caldwell, and uncle Jacques Guillaume.

As an option in lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a memorial donation in Gennifer’s honor to:

• Lupus Foundation of America: Gennifer Ron'Chay Smith Tribute Page

• Feeding America Honorary Donations Page