Deon Lavonte King-Smith

Mr. Deon L. King-Smith of Edwards, N.C. entered into eternal rest on March 5, 2023.

DEON LAVONTE KING SMITH, affectionally known as “Block”, was born October 29, 1990, to Kerry Hue Smith and Lorita King in New Bern, NC. He was reared from an infant to adulthood by his grandparents, Donald and Lillian Bell in the Edward Community. He departed from this earthly journey of life on Sunday, March 5, 2023, in Pelham, Alabama.

Being reared in a Christian home, Deon decided at a young age to be baptized and joined Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, where he served on the Junior Usher Ministry. He was raised on the foundation to read the Bible and pray. It was required of him to learn “Psalm 23, Psalm 27, and The Prayer of Serenity”. His favorite song as a child was called “Heavy Load”. 

Deon received his formal education in the Beaufort County School System, graduating from Southside High School in 2010. While in high school, he was a member of the varsity basketball and football team. Deon realized the need to further his studies and enrolled in Pamlico Community College earning a certificate in Welding. Deon worked various jobs and had a love for construction. He owned a construction and demolition business for a few years. He also had a love for driving trucks.

Deon was the happiest when he was with family and friends, or just chilling with his “Road Dog”. He enjoyed cooking his favorite foods on the grill while listening to music with the TV on mute. His grandmother was his heart, and he enjoyed preparing her meals and riding her to the beach. They enjoyed watching their favorite basketball team in action, “The Carolina Tarheels”. He also enjoyed dining out with his mother, trying new restaurants. Often, Deon would challenge himself by cooking his mother’s favorite recipes. This interest, shared by the two of them, led to lengthy conversations and many laughs.

Deon realized the importance of being a responsible father, and desired to be a better “Dad” to Janae and Mariah. He wanted to be a part of the solution, and became part of a network called “Fathers Forever-Healing Fathers Saving Families”.

Preceding Deon in death were: his father, Kerry Hue Smith; his paternal grandfather, Mahue Smith; his maternal grandparents, James and Annie King; his “Granddaddy”, Donald Bell.

Deon leaves to cherish his memories: his grandmother that reared him, Lillian Minor Bell of Edwards, NC; his mother, Lorita King of Bayboro, NC; daughters, Janae Williams of Aurora, NC and Mariah King-Smith of Edward, NC; four brothers, Bishop Dr. Ron King (Tracy) of Bayboro, NC, Travis King of Bryson City, NC, Juwon King of Ashville, NC, and Jerell Jarvis (Ebony) of Rolesville, NC; three sisters, Ebony Smith of Rocky Mount, NC, Princess Moore of Greenville, NC, and Shonda Coffey of Dallas, GA; his step-grandmother, Hazel Smith; six aunts, Ivia Thomas Aiken, Lenette Chapman (Irvin), Verdie Mae Gibbs, Runell King, Rudell King, and Sylvia Clemons (Eugene); seven uncles, Bruce Marshall, Tyrone Smith, Jerome Smith, Isaiah Gibbs, Marlow Gibbs, Frank Gibbs, and Maurice King; two great aunts, Beatrice Minor and Dicie Smith; twenty-two nieces and nephews; his godparents, Cathy Jarvis, Mahue Davis, Eugene and Sylvia Clemons; a cousin-brother, Darius Chapman; a host of cousins to include a devoted cousin, Chiquita Smith, classmates, and friends to include devoted friends; Sherra Moore, Brandon Peed, and Kevin Pearsall.

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