J'ace Israel Smith, 18 months of Petersburg, VA tragically entered eternal rest on Sunday, June 28, 2026. J'ace drew his first breath on January 8, 2025, at 8:23 P.M. bringing joy to his loving parents, Joshelle Smith and Jamontez Hawkins. Though his time with us was too brief, the depth of his impact on the hearts of those who knew him will last a lifetime.

J'ace was so full of life. When he smiled, it gave you a feeling of comfort. He was a very lovable and happy baby. He was a mama's boy. J'ace was the life of the party. He could brighten up any and everybody's bad day. He made his mama a very happy person. To know J'ace was to love him. He was such a sweet and smart baby. J'ace loved to eat, no matter what it was. He also loved playing with his little cousins. J'ace was forever beloved and will never be forgotten.

J'ace leaves a lifetime of memories to his parents, Joshelle Smith and Jamontez Hawkins; grandparents, Jamal and Rica and also Jasmine Owens and Jakwon Hawkins; great grandparents, Cassandra and Jean; Great-great grandparents, Emma and Carol; aunts, Zena, Janiece and Jamiya; uncles, Treshawn, Joshua, Jeremiah, Josiah, Javian, Ja'Darius, Jahmere, William and Marcus; cousins, Za'mare, Za'kyi, Za'lani, Ivey and Nikitria; godparents, Jasmine and Gerald; and a host of other aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him and will cherish him forever.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, July 25, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6067575?fl=so&fe=fs