Minister KoShema Lynn Smith

KoShema Lynn Smith affectionally known as Koky was born on June 20, 1972, in Alexandria, Virginia to Kathleen V. Smith of Columbus, Ohio and Kenneth F. Smith of Savannah, Georgia. KoShema’s family moved to Delaware in 1989 where she attended and graduated from Wilmington High School in 1990. She would continue her education at Star Technical Institute where she was certified as a Medical Assistant and received her business degree from Delaware Technical Institute. KoShema began her career in the healthcare industry in 1996 working for multiple healthcare providers until she went to work for the state’s largest healthcare provider Christiana Care Hospital with 21 years of service. KoShema was loved and respected on her job. She also worked part-time for We Care Home Care of Delaware for 5 years as a home healthcare provider. As one would expect, her clients loved and thought of her as family. KoShema was committed to doing her job well and caring about others—those who knew Koky would say she was just being herself as caring for others wasn’t really a job for her. KoShema grew up in church, at an early age she was baptized at Mount Zion Baptist Church of Garten, WV. where she was very active in various activities such as the youth choir, fundraising initiatives, and acting in youth plays. After moving to Delaware, she attended a few churches before becoming a member of New Birth Ministries (NBM) under the leadership of Bishop Francine Baise. Over KoShema’s 21 years with NBM, she has served as an Usher, Youth Leader, Trustee, and Vice President of the Church on the Rock Youth Convention. KoShema was licensed as an Ordained Minister on November 9, 2013, at the Holy Convocation by the Overseer Bishop Marcia Pitts. She was a spirit-filled dedicated servant of the Lord. Her ministry included a love for the word of God, a heart for the youth, and compassion for all. She was a prayer warrior; she would pray for anyone in need instantly. Koky was a strong woman of God, never wavering in her faith and belief in Jesus. KoShema was an amazing mother to two beautiful children. She would bend over backward to make sure they were taken care of and taught them to never give up and to always put their best foot forward. She was understanding but stern and loved to spoil her grandchildren every chance she could. She loved her children and grandchildren wholeheartedly. Her family was the main source of her joy. She kept them close and loved on them, they knew for certain that their mother/grandmother loved them and raised them to be independent and self-sufficient. Koky had a larger-than-life personality; she would light up a room with her smile and laughter. She was a fantastic conversationalist and had an amazing sense of humor. She was dedicated to and protective of those she loved and wouldn’t hesitate to defend them. KoShema made friends feel like family and family feel unconditionally loved. She had a way of having a conversation with you and making you feel as if you were the most important person in the world. She was generous and kind with a heart of gold. Let’s not forget KoShema’s flare for fashion and style. She did not just represent a brand she lived it being a Virtuous Woman. Almost any day of the week you could find Koky wearing the flyest ensemble with accessories to match. Now don’t forget about her hair styles. You would never see her without her hair done or a new hat on. Her beautiful smile and spirit will be missed. KoShema is preceded in death by her grandparents; Thomas and Juanita Booker; Charles Smith Jr and Leara Helen Woody. Her Aunts Betty Jean Coleman, Coquella Smith and Gwendolyn Smith. Uncles Thomas Booker, Gregory Booker, James Garrison, and Kioshi Smith. She leaves to cherish her memory a Son, Khaliel Barner and Daughter, Kasiah Black; three grandchildren, Angel Nicole Rosa, Khaliel Barner, Jr. and Tony Harrison aka Papi; her Mother Kathleen Smith and Father Kenneth F Smith (Theresa); Brothers Kenneth L Smith and Kennell Smith; Sisters Adele Young, Sherita Smith and a Step-sister Valencia Byers; Aunts Betty Jean Howard, Joyce Williams, Barbara Gibson, Karen Guishard, Marsha Riley, Cheryl Thompson, Gloria Dykes Smith, Minister Dannetta Wright-Cooper, Muriel Bryant, Vanessa Bryant, and Charlene Cumdiff; her Uncles Charles Smith, Tim Smith, Carl Smith, and Delbert Booker; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. KoShema also leaves to cherish her memory a fiancé Richard Carpenter to whom she was planning to wed on December 31, 2023

Minister KoShema Lynn Smith

June 20, 1972 - October 21, 2023