Ian Rodney Smith's Obituary
Ian Rodney Smith-El was born September 18, 1971 in Nuremberg Germany to Iarvin
R. Smith, Sr. and Helen Cotents Hawkins (step-father Nathaniel Hawikns preceded
him in death). Ian also had a dedicated mentor and father figure, Mr. Ronald King,
who encouraged his athletic gifts and was Ian’s go to person when he wanted
instruction and guidance, whether it was about sports or life in general. He graduated
from Vashon High School in 1989 and attended some college at Lindenwood
University. Ian could express himself through his writing. He has written a book of
poems among other writings on his thoughts.
He studied with Moorish Scientist. Ian Smith was loved and known by many. Family
was very important to Ian. He loved his children dearly, although he was not in their life
as much as he wanted to be. In addition to his biological family, he also had an inner
circle of kindred brothers he strongly bonded with and cared deeply for: Juan Barnes,
Courtney Randle, Tim Smith, James Charles and Stanley Frison (his brothers from
other mothers if you will). And across the river in Illinois Ian also bonded with his other
circle of brothers: Tim Smith, Trevon Williams, Jessie Lenard, Mark Crochwell, Eric
Mayweather and Ronzell Williams. One of Ian’s most memorable attributes was his
athletic prowess.
Ian leaves to cherish his memories: his mother ~ Helen Cotents Hawkins; father ~
Iarvin R. Smith, Sr.; siblings ~ Iarvin R. Smith, Jr. and Ira R. Smith, Greg Pruitt of
St. Louis, Missouri, Pamela Hawkins-Williams (Dave) of Hoffman Estates, Illinois and
Dawn-Hawkins Cox of Fairview Heights, Illinois; children ~ Tyler Smith of St Louis,
Missouri, Whitney and Britney Shipp of Kansas City, Missouri, Ian Rodney Smith, Jr. of
Memphis, Tennessee and Jetta Smith of Washington State; four grandchildren ~
Taryn Smith and Autumn Smith, Ka’leah Shipp and Kaden Shipp; niece ~ Erington
Smith; grandmother ~ Alma Jean Woods; grandfather ~ Edward Hardiman (preceded
him in death); aunts and uncles ~ Samuel (Birdia) Hardiman, Sherice Ewing (Carlos),
Darlene Cooper, James Hardiman, Joe Hardiman, Terry Hardiman and Selia Keel
(preceded him in death); close cousins ~ Rachel Sanders, Samuel Hardiman, Jr.,
Shelondia Hardiman and Sonya Ladner; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and
friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Ian?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ian?
Share a story where Ian's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ian you’ll never forget.
How did Ian make you smile?