Jayla Ashawn Smith, 9, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. She was a resident of Hahnville.

On Sept. 29, 2006, Jayla Ashawn Smith was born as a gift from God to Keyoka Joseph and Jessel Smith III.

She was a proud fourth grade student at Luling Elementary School and attended the St. Charles Parish Writer’s Camp.

She also extended her helping hands into the community. She was an active youth member at Mt. Airy Baptist Church, where she participated in church activities.

She is known and will be remembered for providing care packages to the homeless and using her donation from National Lemonade Day.

Jayla always had an immaculate smile, big heart and giving spirit, which will always be treasured by everyone who knew and loved her. She enjoyed quality time with her baby sister, Kaysha, cousins and friends.

She is survived by her parents, Keyoka Joseph and Jessel Smith III; sister Kaysha Smith; grandparents Charlene Thigpen, Patricia Ballansaw and John Sandolph; great grandmother Audrey Joseph; aunts Jovanna (Chad) Harris, Lashawn Joseph, Stacia Joseph, Trajai (Sydney) Jasmine; uncles Jerod Joseph, Justin Sandolph and John Sandolph Jr. and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Jessel “Bosco” Smith Jr.

The family extends an invitation to all neighboring churches, Luling Elementary School, AM-PM Staffing and Owen & Minor INC. to attend the funeral services on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, at Mt. Airy Baptist Church, 13635 Old Spanish Trail in Boutte.

Visitation is from 9 to 11 a.m., with services immediately following. Pastor Clyde Stars is officiating.

Interment is at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Boyd-Brooks Funeral Services.