Courtney LaVell Smith, age 35, passed from this life on Saturday, November 28, 2015 in Bismarck, North Dakota.

He was born on May 7, 1980 in Lima, Ohio to Willie Jeffers and Linda Smith.  His father survives in Lima, Ohio and his mother preceded him in death.  He was raised by his maternal grandparents;  Lee A. and Verdell Smith.  His grandfather preceded him in death and his grandmother survives in Lima.

On May 19, 2010 he was united in holy matrimony to Nichelle Drake, she survives in Bismarck, North Dakota.

He worked for Alpha Natural Resources as an underground coal miner.  He was a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church where he was a member of the choir.  In 1997 he was awarded the "Son of the Year" award for his positive attitude and youth leadership with his church.  He played midget football for the Lima Bruins.  He was a 1998 graduate of Lima Senior High School where he ran track and played football.

Besides his loving wife Nichelle, he leaves to cherish his precious memory 2 sons;  Elijah A. Smith of Tiffin, Ohio and Drake L. Smith of Columbus, Ohio.  A daughter;  Linda O. Smith of Columbus, Ohio.  2 brothers;  Demond Smith and Terrence Smith both of Columbus, Ohio.   A host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Home going services will be held on Friday, December 4, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Curtis, Jr. officiating.

Visitation/Wake services will be held at 10:00 am., Friday, December 4, 2015 until time of services also at the Church.

Interment:  Memorial Park Cemetery