Service Details
A Celebration of Mekhi’s Life will be held in his honor on Saturday, March 19, 2022, 1:00pm at Festival Hall, 5 5th Street, Racine, WI.
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Our beloved son, brother, cousin, friend and Champion, Mekhi Lee Smith, peacefully transitioned to heaven on Friday, March 11. Mekhi was born in Racine, Wisconsin to the parents of Aris M. Claybrook and JR Smith on October 16, 2004.
Mekhi began his life with an early passion for Language and Mathematics. At the tender age of three, Mekhi begun to partake in a love for reading and number recognition. He prided himself on his ability to fluently read sentences and vocalize complex numerical configurations with ease. Mekhi continued to dedicate himself to his schooling as an active part of the Unified School district, Gifted and Talented Program, allowing him a space for continuous expansion of his naturally inquisitive mind. He attended Jefferson Lighthouse, McKinley Middle School, Starbuck Middle School and concluded his educational journey at Case High School as an International Baccalaureate (IB) student in the Academy of Computer Science, Education and Technical services. His projected academic performance granted him acceptance at Marquette University’s School of Engineering.
Khi prided himself on shining in subjects such as elite level mathematics and advanced Spanish. He served as a committed member of his school band as a trombone player. Aside from his rigorous academic load, Mekhi was an enthusiastic peer mentor and tutor. He was an active participant in robotics, the Engineering club, and E-Sports, while still leaving time for gaming and his infamous Tic Toks. On February 26, 2022, Mekhi was honored for his academic performance by awarding him with a personalized graduation ceremony at J.I. Case High School.
Aside from Mekhi’s educational devotion, he was heavily vested in his family. He found joy in forming everlasting bonds with many and adored being amongst the “favored” by his family, peers, and school officials. Although Mekhi was universally embraced, he found his “sweetest spot” alongside our loving Granny. He possessed the ability to navigate between the young and old using his charming grin and light-hearted demeanor. He was well-known for effortless ability to convert a routine settling into one filled with belly aching laugher and ongoing humor. Aside from his comedic abilities, Mekhi possessed a natural advocacy for people, frequently speaking positivity and hope into other- despite his individual adversities. Mekhi’s life was true humanitarianism and academic excellence. His infectious smile and positive perspective will forever be cherished.
Mekhi will by his parents Aris M. Claybrook (Kerry Thomas) and JR Smith (Angela Bridgeman); his siblings: Isiah Marks, Kennedy Noelle, bonus siblings Aria Jones and Kerry Thomas Jr; Maternal Great Grandmother Barbara Hicks and Paternal Great Grandparents Thelma (Suge) Marks; Maternal Grandparents Wanda Hicks and Melvin (Mattie) Claybrook; Paternal Grandparents LaVerne Smith, Dennis Dawson and Rayford Smith Sr.; Maternal Aunts & Uncles, Nic (Joy) Fleming, Melvin (Bree) Claybrook Jr., Verena Herron and Caron (Andrea) Butler; Paternal Aunts & Uncles, Nicole Smith and Robin (Stan) Menzie; and a host of Great Aunts & Great Uncles. Special family members include Uncle Ronnie (Karen) Hicks, Uncle Troy Collier Sr., Aunt Lucy Curtis, Aunt Denise Jackson, Aunt Lois Ward and Grand-God mother Melinda Eaton. Special cousin & friends; Mahzi Evans, Malikai Willard, Payton, Jordon and Jewel.
He is preceded in death by Maternal Great Grandparents Curtis E Hicks and, Corrine and Melvin Claybrook; Paternal Great Grandparents Gladys and Frank Robinson; other Maternal Family Sherylene Hampton, Alvane Moody,Uncle James Dearing, Stephanie Claybrook, Billy Smith, Robert and Lula Hicks and Opaleane and Amos Smith; Sherylene Hampton and Alvin Moody. Paternal Family Tammy Collier, Dennis Doss., Dolly Bennett, Paul Robinson, Darien L. Smith. Special Aunt Helen Clark.
A Celebration of His life will be held in his honor on March 19, 2022, 1:00pm at Festival Hall, 5 5th Street, Racine, WI.
Snoop and Tracy Oliver says
Our sincere condolences to Mekhi’s Parents and entire family… Laverne we are praying for peace and comfort at this time of sorrow. We love you all.
Ann Kirkwood and Family says
Sending prayers and condolences to the entire family of Mekhi. May God grant you comfort and peace🙏🏾☀️♥️🙏🏾
Diana L Dearring, Long Beach, CA says
Aris,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your son. May God bless and comfort your during your time of grief. I love you Cousin!
Kevin and Dena McCormick says
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Mekhi. May you find peace and comfort through faith.
Yolanda Tatum-Walrup says
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
🙏🏾Blessings from Trina Dearring-Weaver and the Detroit Cousins says
Praying for Mekhi’s family and friends. Rest Little Angel. ♥️ Cousin Melvin we’re sending you love & strength from your cousins in Detroit.
Tameka Abdullah says
My condolences to you all. Praying for strength in your time of need.
Anonymous says
My condolences to the family. Praying for you and your family.
Edward Hooks Jr. says
My heart is so overwhelmed, I am keeping you & the family Aris. You just brighten up the room your presence and God knows that you took very good care of Mekhi through his 18 years of life. I Love You to Life 💜💛💜
Dana Gruender says
My sincerest sympathies to the family. Mekhi was a classmate of my son’s since middle school and we know how hard he fought over the years. May you find peace and know Mekhi was loved by so many 🎗️
Sharon Thompson says
Our thoughts and prayers to Mekhi’s family and friends during this difficult time.
The Thompson family,
Sharon, Brandon and Ava
Chenita Scaife says
Sending love prayers & strength .
My condolences to you & the family.
Shiellynn Dearring says
Sending my love and prayers to you Aris. I love you cuz. We are keeping you lifted in prayer.
Love.. The Chuck Dearring family in Michigan & Georgia 💜💜🙏🏿
Jana Zickus says
My daughter Natalie is a good friend of Mehki’s from Jefferson Lighthouse, McKinley, Starbuck, and Case High. We are so sorry for your loss. He was an awesome person. Sending you love and prayers.
Charles and Glorious Hicks says
The Hicks Goldsmith Family send our sincere condolences to our Family. When you lose a Child the pain is extremely hard and almost unbearable. Our prayer is that you gain and draw your strength in the best way you know how. Much love and concern at this time. We love you.
Jillian Imoehl says
Mekhi was one of my favorite students. He always had a smile on his face, love in his heart, and a great joke on hand to share with the class. I will miss his positivity and kindness. My thoughts and prayers are with you, his family, and all who loved and cared about Mekhi.
MeShawn Gardner says
Sending my prayers and condolences .
Maya Avila (care partner) says
I didn’t know Mekhi for a very long time, but I could tell how bright and funny and how magnetic his personality was since the day I met him. I’m very sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.
Stanley & Shewanna Johnson says
May God provide peace and strength during this difficult time. Praying for the family 🙏🏽
Susan Jacobs says
Big heart ❤ with tremendous wit and charm – Mehki will be missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with the family.
Much Love,
Susan, Robyn & Jacob in Georgia
Latasha Wilson says
My prayers and deepest condolences are with you Aris, your family, and the Smith. I pray God gives you comfort and peace during the trying times ahead.
Susan Kennedy says
Aris,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, my arms around you.
Tia & Robert Starks says
Our deepest condolences to the Claybrook & Smith family May God grant you all peace in this time of sorrow 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Sherie Canady says
My deepest condolences. Mekhi was a GREAT LIGHT in this world. His smile was contagious and loving. Praying for peace and strength during this difficult time🙏🏽
Karen Goodwin says
We would like to send our heartfelt condolences and prayer to the family. Karen and Lil Karl
Cherri, Lana, Aubrey, Cori says
Dear Aris, Melvin, and all of my family I am praying for you. Our family is so sorry for your loss .
Precious memories will help, even when there are tears..
Sending love your way, praying that God strengthens you all.
nurse brigid says
i feel so blessed to have been able to care for sweet mekhi❤️ he was truly one of a kind and will forever hold a special place in my heart😇 sending love and prayers to you all.
Linda Simpson says
R.I.H
Mekhi. Aris my heart goes out to you and your Family always keep your Faith.
Valencia Tucker says
My Condolences in the lost of your beautiful son/ grandson ; RIPiH. God’s Angels’
Dadra Lockridge says
I am praying for the family, my heart hurts for my friends….Rest in peace Mekhi.
God bless you all, I love you….
Stacey Moore says
Sending prayers to you and your family
Jenny Petricek (Starbuck IB) & Tim Petricek (Case IB) says
Aris, we send heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family. We consider ourselves to have been richly blessed by Mekhi’s presence in our lives. He will remain in our hearts forever!
Mia Lieske says
Ive been friends with him since middle school, he’s been there for me a lot in 8th grade.
We split off when we went to different high schools, haven’t had many emails from him, but there were times where he said hi and happy birthday.
I never expected anyone to remember my birthday and for him to say that after so long made me happy.
its been a while since there was another email from him, i saw on the news that he graduated and i was excited and proud of him.
To graduate from engineering takes much intelligence and dedication, i was joyous from his accomplishment.
But I was not aware of his passing, it was devastating hearing that. No one told me what happened until i emailed a teacher from middle school for an errand. When she explained about Mekhi, I just felt…numb, writing this now, I regret not talking to him more.
I should have been more grateful for his company, he was a genuine human being that went through so much and still chose to be happy and successful, still chose to be my friend. Mekhi, whatever afterlife you are in, I want you to know im sorry for not reaching out enough, but I have never forgotten you. I hope you’re in a much better place, and I hope your family will overcome their grief.
Diane says
Sending condolences and prayer to entire family
Dennis Thompson says
My prayers and condolences to Mekhi and the family. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
H.C says
I will never forget this smile. Mekhi was a student on my bus. I dropped him of at his junior high school. There were days I didn’t see him and wondered how he was. He had very concerned friends that would assure me. You will be missed Mekhi.
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