Ms. Monica T. Smith

Monica Tara Smith was born on June 18, 1963, to Mattie L. Smith and Morris W. Smith in Columbus, Ohio.

Monica grew up in the Linden area of Columbus and graduated from Linden McKinley High School. She met and married Ronald Hager. Monica later continued her education at Columbus State Community College where she received her licensure as a certified phlebotomist. She worked with American Red Cross for a period of time before turning to her true passion in childcare. In addition to raising her own children, Monica was led to become a foster parent to four additional children.

Monica was a God-fearing woman with a big heart. She was ordained as a minister and dedicated her time to prison ministry in several institutions across Ohio. In 2009, Monica founded The Light Haven Project where she provided housing and counseling services to numerous men and women over a 10-year span.

On May 3, 2023, Monica went home to be with her Lord and Savior. Preceded in death by her parents Mattie L. Smith and Morris W. Smith.

She leaves to cherish her memory sister Sheila (Lawrence) Stevens, daughters Sinay (Dimitri) Simba-Kai and Alana Lyons, sons Antonio (Jasmine) Smith and Amon Smith, grandchildren Ka’Leah Miller, Zayla & Zen Smith, Souline & Kairo Simba-Kai, and a host of other relatives, family and friends who loved Monica dearly.