LaTora M. Smith was born on December 15,1982, in Chicago, Il. She leaves to cherish in her loving memory her Mother, Patricia Denean Smith, her one and only Son Dejuan Regis James McDuffie, her Sister LaTasha Smith (Parish). Grandmother Isabell, Aunt, Marcella, and Uncles: Robert, Cordell, and Jeffrey (Melissa). She also leaves a host of nieces, and nephews, and extended family and friends. Also lovingly referred to as her Sisters: Alandria and Gloria (Abe), and Brothers: Mario, Reginald, Nathaniel, and RaShawn.

LaTora began her life on the South side of Chicago, ' 95th and May baby! And what?! Chi-town represent!' she used to love to say. Relocating to Brandon, Florida in 1989, with her parental figures Marcella and Regis Taggart, and her Sister/Cousin Chanta (Chad). LaTora attended Hillsborough County Public Schools graduating from Brandon High School in 2001 with a full ROTC scholarship for college. Following high school, she chose to attend the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida. LaTora found great passion and success as Director of Admissions with UMA, where she loved walking along side her team, students and the community pursuing higher education.

LaTora had a great love for reading, writing, spoken word, music (especially DMX), the Chicago Bulls and Bears, game night with family and friends, road trips and particular love for doting on her loved ones beyond reason. Words cannot express the magnitude of the impact LaTora made on everyone she encountered and the legacy she leaves behind. We all have been bettered by her presence in our lives and will truly cherish her forever.


Visitation
Chapel of Hope, Aikens Funeral Home
Thursday, July 15, 2021
05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
2708 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Tampa, FL 33610

Funeral Service
Chapel of Hope, Aikens Funeral Home
Thursday, July 15, 2021
06:00 PM
2708 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Tampa, FL 33610