Kayrel L. Smith

Click here to watch Livestreamhttps://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/celebration-of-life-for-kayrel-smith

Kayrel “Kay” Smith

Beloved mother, daughter, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, at the age of 57. Born on January 13, 1968, in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and raised in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Kay lived a life defined by grace, quiet strength, and deep devotion to her family and faith.

A proud graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School (CAHS), Kay later moved to New York City to pursue her education, earning an associate degree from Taylor Business Institute and a bachelor’s degree in business from St. Francis College. During her college years, she also pursued modeling, an endeavor that reflected her natural elegance and radiant beauty.

While living in New York, Kay welcomed her beloved son, Dylante DeHaarte, into the world. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001 though, her life took an unexpected turn. At the time, she was employed at St. Paul Reinsurance Management Corporation, located just one block from the Twin Towers. Soon after, Kay also lost her home in a fire, yet she faced these immense hardships with remarkable courage and unwavering faith. Through her strength and determination, she returned to St. Thomas in the hopes of rebuilding her life and beginning a new chapter with her son.

For nearly two decades, Kay served the St. Thomas community with dedication as a Diagnostic Technician, working full-time at the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital and part-time with Dr. Weisher and Dr. Nelson. Known for her patience, professionalism, and gentle care, she touched countless lives through her work. Her compassion extended beyond her duties as she treated every patient with kindness and dignity, always believing that true healing began with the heart.

A woman deeply rooted in faith, Kay was a longtime member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and later the Redeemed Christian Church of God, where she found peace and joy in worship. Her Sundays were sacred, being filled with song, prayer, and gratitude for God’s numerous blessings.

Kay will be remembered for her warmth, radiance, and steadfast love. She was reserved yet generous, gentle yet powerful, a woman whose calm presence and quiet resilience inspired all who knew her. She was also a true fashionista, graceful, poised, and effortlessly stylish; her elegance was reflected not only in her appearance but in the way she carried herself through life.

She is survived by her loving mother, Margarita Smith, and father, Ashton Smith; her devoted son, Dylante DeHaarte; and her beloved sisters, Blondell Vanterpool, Jasmine Hodge, Avarel Smith, Amariel Smith, and Lakeisha Smith.

She is also survived by her caring aunts, Sonia Smith and Cecily Smith; her uncles, Ariel Smith, Selvin Smith, and Elton Smith; and her special cousins, Gloria Hodge, Gerda Hodge, LaTisha Hodge, Garna O’Neil, Dawn George, Jacqueline Mctavious, Kharid (Darlene) Cameron, Joanne Vanterpool, Kimberly Copaceanu, and Charlene Powell & Family.

Kay also leaves behind her life-long friend and sister-in-spirit, Avril Scott, along with her special friends, Nina & John, the Scott Family, and a host of other family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory and the love she so freely gave.

Though she has departed this earthly life, her light continues to shine deeply within the hearts she touched, the love she gave, and the peace she now rests in.

May her soul rest in eternal peace through our Lord Jesus Christ.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kayrel L. Smith, please visit our floral store.