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 5 ^th Street, Racine, WI.

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 5 ^th Street, Racine, WI.

Order Flowers from Family Selected Florists