Monica Tara Smith was born on June 18, 1963, to Mattie L. Smith and Morris W. Smith in Columbus, Ohio.
Monica grew up in the Linden area of Columbus and graduated from Linden McKinley High School. She met and married Ronald Hager. Monica later continued her education at Columbus State Community College where she received her licensure as a certified phlebotomist. She worked with American Red Cross for a period of time before turning to her true passion in childcare. In addition to raising her own children, Monica was led to become a foster parent to four additional children.
Monica was a God-fearing woman with a big heart. She was ordained as a minister and dedicated her time to prison ministry in several institutions across Ohio. In 2009, Monica founded The Light Haven Project where she provided housing and counseling services to numerous men and women over a 10-year span.
On May 3, 2023, Monica went home to be with her Lord and Savior. Preceded in death by her parents Mattie L. Smith and Morris W. Smith.
She leaves to cherish her memory sister Sheila (Lawrence) Stevens, daughters Sinay (Dimitri) Simba-Kai and Alana Lyons, sons Antonio (Jasmine) Smith and Amon Smith, grandchildren Ka’Leah Miller, Zayla & Zen Smith, Souline & Kairo Simba-Kai, and a host of other relatives, family and friends who loved Monica dearly.
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My condolences to the Smith family. Keep in mind that we will see our love again where there will be no more pain, outcry’s of death just living forever.
Monica was a beautiful woman. She was creative and fun to be with. I met her when I was eight years old at her mothers house and we made Christmas cookies she was my friend when I first met her. Through the years, me and Monica always spent time together, shopping, decorating, share our life stories together, church events, and prison ministry. Monica was a beautiful woman. Monica will always be in my memories. Love you forever Torya Yvette Stillwell Ross ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sheila, mom and I want to offer our condolences for loss. We will be praying for you and your family. God bless
Monica was a beautiful woman. She was creative and caring. Monica and I use to do everything thing together in our young age and older age shopping, church, and prison ministry. I had the most amazing time of my life with her. I’m going to miss you. LOVE YOU ALWAYS ❤️ Torya Yvette Stillwell Ross
Our Hearts are sadden for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Smith Family for your strength in Gods Will…
Brian and Stephanie Davis
Hey cuz, sorry for your lost. She may be gone, but we still have the laughter and memories that we grew up with. So I hope you and your family keep those good memories in your hearts and minds and we will continue to pray for you and your family. Love you.
Sending my deepest condolences to the Smith family. Monica and I were really good friends in middle school. Monica kept herself very tuck in, hairstyles and all. She could drive a car in middle school and I was so amazed by that. Monica will always have a place in my heart❤. Rest in Peace.
My heartfelt condolences to the Smith family. Monica is a beautiful woman who loved people. I had some fun times with her. Monica loved clothes and was always looking grand. My condolences to the Linden Community who loved Monica. I will miss you my friend.
Monica i will miss you dearly, your smile and those heels. Remembering when you founded Light Haven Project and came to my looking looking for clients at Rebeccas Place where you and I and the late Kristen Lokey had opportunity to interact, put resources together and link you with some clients. The last time i saw you was at my birthday 2021 and i saw you couples times later. WoW ” You will be missed immensely. RIP and you will never be forgotten!!!
My Sincere condolences to the Smith Family. I also knew Monica before & during our Linden area years. We had a ball. Like my younger sister Dana stated , “she was amazed that Monica could drive in middle school”. That shows a person how well you watched the road, how you were determined & driven to be a phenomenal woman. As Monica was. Sadly, we ALL have an expiration date and I know Monica is with Our Father God in one of His many mansions. Till we meet again my sister keep watch over US.
To the family,
May God’s peace comfort you at this time of your great loss. We love Monica.
Sincerely,
Rev. Clarressa Thompson and
Saliou Kane ( from Sunoco)
To the Family of Sis Monica Smith-
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the memories of your Mother, Sister, Grandmother and the love of family surround you and give you strength and comfort in the days ahead. Only God can know what you are feeling in your heart now, and only He can restore your spirit. Although we are saddened by your loss-we celebrate the wonderful life of your loved one.
It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of my old friend from High School Monica Smith. She was one of the nicest and kindest people I knew and whenever we saw each other we greeted one another with a big smile. Although its been many years since I last saw Monica I know she was sharing her joy and smile with everyone she met. Rest peacefully in Heaven Girlfriend…You will be missed! Brenda D. Spencer & Family
I would like to send my deepest sympathies to Monica family. Monica was truly a nice beautiful person. Monica was a good friend to me. I can’t remember if we met in school or at her grandfather whom lived 3 houses away. Had good times elementary, Junior High, High school and as an adult . I will never forget Monica Smith and will Truly Miss Her. From Toni , Todd ,Tynya , Angela
My sincere condolences, I’ll cherish the memories. Rest in Heaven dear cousin.
Love Vangie
My deepest condolences to the family. Monica was such a blessing to so many of us. Her classy style, her beautiful laugh and her big heart. I’ve known her since elementary school and have so many memories of us. RIH my beautiful classy friend. Till we meet again and I’m certain we will. Love you and I will miss the beautiful smile. You were so happy to see me the last time I saw you and you hugged me so tight if I would’ve known…. ❤️❤️❤️
So sorry to hear of your loss, Monica was such a Beautiful woman, sending heartfelt condolences and my deepest sympathy praying for peace, comfort and strength during this difficult time in Jesus Name I pray
My condolences to the whole family.
The Lord gave and The Lord has taken away
Be blessed the name of The Lord.
Monica rest in peace.
Rest in peace my friend , until we meet again. My love to Sheila and Monica’s entire family. I will continue to pray for peace and comfort for you. God Bless
To my Smith family I yall you all are in my through this time of grieving R.I.Paradise Monica Tara Smith you will be truly missed I u
Dear cousins,
I am deeply sorry for your loss of Monica. My sincere condolences at this difficult time. May God comfort you and may Monica’s soul rest peacefully.
With love,
Portia, BJ and Evelyn
I write to express my sympathies, prayers and deep condolences to the Smith Family.
Monica and I have been friends since we were five (5) years old. Oh, the great memories I hold dear to my heart of Monica. We spent many days together in the Linden community and Windsor Pool. Monica was a good swimmer, having taught me how to swim. She also taught me how to drive a manual stick-shift, having driven since she was twelve (12) years-old.
We spent many days together at the original St. Stephens Community House on Cleveland Avenue. Monica was always a sharp dresser too. Monica loved children and babies, having helped me tremendously with my first-born child. She had so much greatness as a young person that continued into her adult life.
Monica will be greatly missed on this Earth, but I am comforted to know that she is now among the great cloud of witnesses.
To Monica’s Children & Family:
We knew one another from Believer’s Assembly Church in Columbus, OH. I spent many days with Monica while she & I were both pregnant; she with Amon & myself with Nicolas. I lost track of her over the years, but never forgot our friendship. May God be close to those that loved her & give you peace & comfort in the days to come.