Savannah/Orlando- Kayla Leigh Smith, born July 16, 2004 in Savannah, Georgia, died Monday, December 21, 2009 in Orlando, Florida.

Kayla lived five years, five months, and five days. She lived a life filled with physical pain, but emotional and spiritual strength. She was a fighter who never quit. She was a daughter, sister, granddaughter, great granddaughter, niece, cousin, an inspiration, and an angel. She had the physical statue of a small child, but the presence of a giant. There are very few people who had more obstacles to overcome in their life than her, starting with cardiac arrest at six days old. But Kayla fought through every obstacle put in her path.

She showed her family what courage and determination were. She showed us what true love was, not based on physical appearance, or abilities, or possessions, but based on the soul and the heart. She taught us that with love, we can make it through any situation. She touched many people, both inside and outside her family, and her mark will endure much longer than the length of her life. Those who came into contact with her during her short life will forever remember her, and are better people for having known her.

Kayla leaves behind her loving parents, Brian and Stephanie Smith, as well as two brothers and a sister, Mathew 4, Rebecca 2, and Brian Junior 9 months; her grandparents, Joe & Harriett Miller Dillon, and Gerald & Susan Praczkajlo Smith; great-grandmother, Marceline Miller, and many uncles, aunts, and cousins who all loved her.

A visitation for Kayla will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 30, 2009, with a Christian Wake Service at 5:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel.

Kayla will be buried at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 31, 2009 at the Catholic Cemetery.

The fight is over, the pain is gone, you will always be loved.