On June 4th, 2022, our loved one Zahira Amaya Smith passed away at age 16, a victim of gun violence. The article is linked here . During this trying time, our family and friends are justifiably devastated. This is a circumstance that we didn't believe would ever happen to someone we loved and so young.

Zahira was a vibrant, fun-loving and kind 16-year-old high school student. For those of you that knew Zahira, you were witness to how kind and full of life she was. She was always an ambitious and motivated girl, and she had just begun her first job at Red Lobster a few weeks ago. Our loved one brightened the lives of every person she encountered. She was preparing for a carefree summer full of all of the fun a sixteen-year-old girl could experience. The night that she died was the first teenage party that she ever attended, it being her best friend's sweet sixteenth. June 4th was supposed to be the kickoff for an epic teenage summer. But, unfortunately, that night marked the end of a beautiful life.

As you can imagine, our family was not at all prepared for the emotional burden that comes with a situation like this. No one ever thought that we would be making arrangements for the end of a sixteen year olds life. This is why we are reaching out to you all in hopes that you'll show your support for her mother and family.

We plan on giving Zahira a homegoing fitting of the young woman that she was and will be celebrating her life with a "Diva Day".

Thank you all for your consideration and for taking the time to read about the beautiful soul that is Zahira. On behalf of her mother, Allie Forest, I want to wish you all peace, blessings and love.