Obituary of Kennia Verne Smiley

Kennia Verne' Smiley was born to Robert Smiley and Verneice Smiley-Delahanty on December 4, 1993. We were blessed again in September 1994, when she had a "rebirth" after suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury. Kennia persevered and grew into a wonderful, happy, beautiful young lady with an infectious smile. At home, Kennia enjoyed watching Sponge Bob Squarepants, listening to movies or music, going on rides in her van, and most of all snuggling with her Mom. Another weekly event that Kennia enjoyed was spending quality time with her "Papa Dig" every Sunday morning re-capping the sports commentary on ESPN and having the sports review read to her about the Yankees, Giants and Bills. Kennia enjoyed every moment when she would visit with her "Gana" or when her "Gana" came to visit her. Her favorite "Gana" time was eating the delicious food, specially prepared for her, and receiving "Gana's" hugs and kisses. At home Kennia's family was not limited to blood. Kennia had a team of Nurses that helped with her care. Kennia loved all of her Nurses, Lakiescha Titus-Jones, Nazirah Darden, Takeya Simms, Dwan Darden and Anissia Brown. They cooked for her, cared for her, entertained her, and most importantly loved her. Mary Cariola Children's Center was where Kennia grew, learned and matured. Kennia was blessed to have wonderful Teachers, Therapists, Nurses and Social Workers. These people helped Kennia become all that she should and could be. They helped Kennia find her voice. Kennia enjoyed going to school everyday from her bus ride to and from home, to spending all day with her friends, doing special activities and her work assignments. Kennia departed this side of the Jordan on January 5, 2014. Kennia is preceded by her aunt Stephanie Bromell and her grandfather, Richard Delahanty. She will be forever cherished by her mother, Verneice (Richard) Smiley-Delahanty; father, Robert (Thelma) Smiley; brother, Alex Delahanty; sister, Shauna (Jay) Thomas; maternal grandparents, Alberta Bromell and William (Winnie) Bromell; paternal grandmothers, Solona Smiley and Mary Ann Delahanty; great grandmother, Fleetwood Bromell; godmother, Cheryl Holland; many other relatives and devoted caretakers. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, the family is requesting memorial donations to the Mary Cariola Children's Center, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Suite 100, Rochester, NY 14620. Calling hours, Friday, 5-7PM at the funeral home. Kennia's life will be remembered and celebrated on Saturday, 11AM, Baber AME Church, 550 Meigs St. Pastor James Simmons, officiating. Interment, Grove Place Cemetery.