Michelle Nikita Smith

Michelle Nikita Smith was born April 23, 1975, the beloved daughter of the late John William Smith and Patricia Ann Whitmire Smith. She departed this earthly life on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Michelle was educated in the public schools of Richland County and was a 1993 graduate of Columbia High School. She continued her education and graduated in 2008 from Limestone College with an associate degree in liberal studies with a concentration in criminal justice and business administration. She continued her matriculation at Limestone and graduated again in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management.

Throughout her academic journey she attained several professional licenses, including a license to sell Life Insurance in 2019; and in 2021, she obtained her Real Estate license, both for the State of South Carolina.

Early in her life Michelle displayed a special musical aptitude for playing the Tuba and Euphonium. During her middle and high school years she received many accolades that were bestowed upon her by the State of South Carolina. She competed and placed among young musicians throughout South Carolina for All-State Band, annually from 1987-1993. Her musical abilities afforded her a music scholarship to South Carolina State University where she was accepted as the first female Tubist at the university. She would also become the first female to play the Sousaphone for the “Marching 101 Band” at SC State University.

Professionally Michelle spent the preponderance of her career working for the state of South Carolina government as an executive with the Department of Health and Environmental Control, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the SC Department of Corrections. Through her professional duties she held and displayed an affinity for Procurement and Contract Management functions through which she thrived and experience immense professional delectation.

Michelle was a faithful member early in life of Greater Trinity AME Church where she was Christened. At the age of fifteen she joined Young’s Chapel Baptist Church where she attended faithfully and regularly. During her tenure at Young’s Chapel, she was afforded the opportunity to teach Children's Church, assist with Vacation Bible School and she was a member of the Youth Advisory Board. Michelle also displayed her vocal talents singing on the choir as an Alto and Soprano.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her grandparents, James E. Whitmire and Emmaline Whitmire;  brother-in-law, Merritt D. Harris; and uncle, Charlie Neal.

Those cherishing fond and precious memories of Michelle are her loving son, Deshawn Edward (Nicole) Smith of Columbia, SC; loving daughter, Deshae’ Elisa (Daniel) Smith of Augusta, GA; devoted sister, Devonne Harris; her only most loved and cherished nephew, Christopher Ralphael (Terri) Branch; a very special first cousin who she loved like a brother, Christopher Edward Neal; uncle, David Edward (Loretta) Whitmire; aunt, Emma Delores Neal; best friend, Dr. Kenyetta B. (Antoine) Morgan; godchildren, Keshaunna, Keosha, Kelijah, Keyonna and Antoine, Jr. and a host of other loving relatives and dear friends, all of whom join the family in sharing the grief caused by her departure but rejoice that she has left a legacy of love to all those who loved and knew her.

No more grief or sorrow, no more suffering or pain. Now there is everlasting peace because the Angels came. Only God knows what is best and He gently holds my hand,

guiding me to a better place because the Angels came. When the sun rises tomorrow and

 I answer not my name, please don’t cry, rejoice with me because the Angels came.

So please don’t mourn for me as new wings I now claim.

I can take my flight to heaven because the Angels came.

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