Tayvon Smith

(From Parker Mortuary)

Tayvon Derek Smith, age 30, formerly of Joplin, passed away on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Bowling Green, MO.

Tayvon was born on October 16, 1991 in Joplin to Sherry (Hughes) Smith and the late Tyretha Smith Jr. He grew up and attended school in Joplin. 

During his school years, Tayvon enjoyed playing sports and being with friends. 

He was a gifted sketch artist and in later years used his talents to express his love and friendship for others. Tayvon was also an avid card player and was always up for a challenge from friends and family. 

During his time at the Northeast Correctional Center, he worked hard and completed over 15 certifications and classes for rehabilitative services. 

On March 17, 2022 he was united in marriage to Lauren Elizabeth Crane, in Bowling Green. She survives. 

Also surviving are his mother, Sherry (Hughes) Smith; grandmother, Judy Payne; siblings, Tyler Smith, Colby Hughes, Tyretha Smith III, Calvin Spratt, Johneisha Huggins, J’essence Huggins, and Princinia Thomas; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

These are the times that hurt the most, When days seem to long

Thinking about all the times, We may have done you wrong

And how we wish, We could take it all back

But life, It doesn’t work like that

We have to live by the words we say

And by all the choices we make, It’s all written in stone

Nothing you can do can change it, We just have to keep going on

No matter how much it hurts, We must stay strong

Distract ourselves from painful memories, If it’s meant to be

It has to be done

We lost a brother friend and son, But your memory lives on

We will miss you, Watch over us and keep us safe

Help us make it through each day, You may be gone

But we will never forget you, May the lord bless, protect, and

Give you all the love we never, Got a chance to give you

Fly high Tayvon, Until we meet again

in heaven

Colby Hughes

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 24, 2022 at 12:00 PM at Parker Mortuary in Joplin with private family burial to take place at a later date. 

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Friday, beginning at 11:00 AM until service time at Parker Mortuary.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin. 

***

The new book, Remembering: People Who Touched Our Lives, featuring 56 stories about people who left a lasting impact, is available now at Always Buying Books, The Book Guy and Changing Hands Book Shoppe in Joplin and the Lamar Democrat office in Lamar and can be purchased from Amazon at this link.

Signed copies can be ordered at the PayPal link below or by sending $25 (including sales tax and shipping) to Randy Turner, 2306 E. 8th, Apt. A, Joplin, MO 64801.