It was a joyous occasion when JOHNATHAN JAMAR SMITH made his debut on March 7, 2000.  Exciting and climactic was the birth of the fifth child of Gaye Williams --- the lone son, and “baby brother” to four sisters, which afforded him a very special position in the family.

     From Johnathan’s early days it was apparent that he was destined for the stage.   As an energetic, ever-smiling, rambunctious child who loved people, Johnathan delighted in entertaining all who visited the family home.  Whether telling jokes, playing pranks, imitating Michael Jackson’s singing and moves, or enjoying karaoke, he was always enthused to be “front and center”. 

     Sports, too, were a significant part of Johnathan’s life.  At age four he took up football, learning the game from some of Indy’s best coaches in the Lawrence, Indy PAL, Wheeler Boys’ Club and Tab Leagues. His middle school days saw him as a proud contributor on Coach Matt Apple’s and Coach Scott Opal’s undefeated Creston 7th grade team and Coach Andy St. Laurent’s 8th grade team that suffered only one loss.  This winning attitude continued at Warren Central High School where Johnathan would often proclaim with pride, “I play defense!”   He realized the high standard of “The Warren Tradition” and worked hard to meet expectations.  

   Another of Johnathan’s great loves was music.  Coming from a family of musicians and singers, music was in his DNA.  His high tenor voice and falsetto could be heard wherever you found him. In addition to being a member of the Connection school choir, Johnathan could often be found in his sister’s or God-father’s recording studio laying tracks before receiving equipment of his own.  He was proud of having traveled to Chicago’s Navy Pier to audition for “The Voice” and also thrilled at flying to Los Angeles, California to meet Indy’s own Kenneth “Baby Face” Edmonds through the Make-a-Wish foundation.  While visiting Johnathan at Riley Hospital, “Baby Face” even volunteered to write a duet for the two of them.  After traveling extensively with the gospel group, Zion’s Joy Johnathan often spoke of becoming their next member.

     Johnathan’s educational journey took him from Amy Beverland, on to IPS #105 and Cold Spring Academy, Monument Lighthouse and finally settling into the MSD of Warren Township in the 6th grade.  Though his schools afforded him the opportunity to pursue two of his three passions, his first love was “The Greatest of Love of All”!  Johnathan loved the Lord deeply and was not ashamed to let others know.  He professed his love for Christ and was baptized on April 29, 2017 at the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church of Marion, Indiana.  He had attended there for over 12 years and was an integral part of its Youth Ministry.  Even during his illness Johnathan returned his tithe and offerings, studied his Bible, asked questions, witnessed to others and held to an unwavering faith and belief in his Lord and Savior and in the power of prayer.  Johnathan never complained! 

      Constantly surrounded by a throng of visitors, the love of so many was surely felt even when he fell asleep in Christ on the afternoon of October 17, 2017.  Although among us for only seventeen short years, the impact of Johnathan’s life  is far-reaching and immeasurable.

     Johnathan Jamar Smith leaves to cherish his legacy of love and the precious memory of a life well-lived a devoted mother, Gaye Williams, sisters, Toya Flagg (Flo), Mica White, Geena Williams, Jessica Smith, Maternal uncles, Arvelli and Jason Flagg, nephews, Michael, Jarmon and Erron Elijah White, constant care-giver and mentor, Kudzai “K” Meki, dedicated BFFs, Jaylon Moore, Heavenly Moon, Erin McBride, Syncere Terry and Shelby Westerfield, “adopted Family” Joelle Hunter, Sanchez, Hunter, Eden and Caleb, God-parents and God-brothers, Richard, Jeanette, Julian and Jared Jackson, his Ephesus SDA Church Family,   and a host of teachers, coaches, teammates and friends. He was preceded in death by his dad, Johnathan W. Smith, just four months prior.  We look forward to the greatest family reunion of all when we will see Johnathan Jamar Smith again.

Funeral Services for Jamar will be at 6 PM, Sunday, October 29, 2017 at Caring Place, 2901 N Post Rd.  Visitation will be from 4 PM until the hour of service.

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