On July 21, 2024, Dhante' RaShad Lee entered the heavenly mansion that his Father God had prepared for him. Because of his personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Dhante' is safe in His arms, ensuring that his loved ones have an investment in eternity. Yakita NaShea Lee-Smith gave birth to Dhante', the oldest of two maternal siblings, on Dec. 24, 1991, in Tallahassee, FL---minutes before Christmas morning. He moved at an early age to Jacksonville, FL where he was educated in the Duval County Public Schools of West Riverside Elementary, Jeb Stuart Middle, and Edward H. White High (Class of 2010.)
Dhante' had an infectious, radiant smile that he freely shared with all he greeted, and an untiring work ethic and passion for helping others. He served three years with the Jacksonville office of City Year, an education nonprofit dedicated to students' and schools' success, for several years beginning as a first-year student success coach and ending his career with the organization as a team leader. Staff with City Year noted that Dhante' was a leader amongst his peers and left a legacy with the organization.
Dhante' moved to Orlando where he spent the last three years of his work-life with PeopleReady, one of the top industrial temp staffing agencies in the United States. As a staffing/recruiting specialist with the company, Dhante' was known as a temperate individual
who was genuinely concerned with workers, and as an intelligent, wonderful, and amazing co-worker who will be missed by all.
In addition to his fur baby, Bynx the Cat, treasuring his memories are: parents Sammie and Yakita Lee Smith Jr., sister Ja'Kia Andrews, and nephew Kayden Galloway, Jacksonville, FL; grandmother Carolyn Littlejohn, grandfather Sammie Smith Sr., Jacksonville, FL; uncles Lonnie
(Tyesha) Pete, IV, Derrick (Michelle) Sampson, Quincy, FL, Romeo Pete, Jacksonville, FL; aunts Carmen Arnold and Carmita Whitehead, Tallahassee, FL, Sherry Adams, Brittany Littlejohn, Chelisa Smith, Jacksonville, FL; grandaunt Phyllis (Harold) Davis, Jacksonville, FL;
granduncles Lorenzo (Janice) Taylor, Orlando, FL, Ronald (Laurice) Anderson, and Tradelya (Montezza) Lee, Quincy, FL; and Godmothers Wisteria Smith, Quincy, FL, and LaShawn Williams, Jacksonville, FL.
Dhante' also leaves behind a host of other grandaunts, granduncles, relatives, loved ones and special friends, including life-long friend Rasean Ledet, Ticia Ledet, Shavonte Bell, Ashley Glenn, Lakendra (Kevin) King, Aaron Rhodes, Aurielle Lyken, Lewis Oliver, and the family of God at Cherry Street church of Christ where he participated with the Youth Ministry and Florida Bible Camp.
Dhante' was preceded in death by his grandmother, Clander Lee Pete.