Crysta'le Mason Smith

Crysta'le Mason Smith

January 22, 1958 ~ May 10, 2026

Crysta'le Mason Smith went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 10th, 2026, in the comforting presence of her loving family on Mother's Day.

Crysta'le Mason was born to Geraldine Mason and Roger Mason on January 22, 1958, in Columbus, Ohio. She spent her formative years in Southfield, where she held a deep affection for her community and peers. She frequently recounted narratives of her friends and family.

Crysta'le, affectionately known as "Giraffe" by her children, was a devoted mother to Jasmine Cristelle and Ulysses Brent Smith III. She raised her children across various locations, including Dayton, Cincinnati, Georgia, and Texas.

Her aspiration for a large family was realized, as she became a maternal figure to many through working in public schools like Parham Elementary and Withrow University, coaching track and field, and working at FedEx Ground where she built a vibrant community around her.

She became especially close to Eric Smith, Lequinnie Greenwood, and Me' Chealle Nelson, whom she considered her children and who always made sure to check on her.

Crysta'le was an Army veteran who loved her red lipstick. She would later implement cadences from the Army into track and field. Many remember the song "My Old Granny." Crysta'le embodied true love and encouragement. Her patience with people was unbelievable. She would quote Ecclesiastes 9:11: "The race is not given to the mighty or the swift, but to he that endures to the end." She loved the Lord Jesus Christ. She prayed for everyone and was led by the Holy Spirit. She didn't care how it made her look to others. She kept her relationship with Jesus public. She would sing hymns and play her piano, and laugh when her children were out of key, then correct them. She loved singing to her grandson, playing hide-and-seek, and beating him in a good game of basketball with her famous hook shot. She was always a listening ear when her grandson needed to tell on his mother. They were best friends and each other's twin. Crysta'le was a cooking machine, often gifting food to anybody in need or just desiring to eat. She had a way of making everyone feel loved, seen, and heard. Her smile changed many cold hearts.

Crysta'le is survived by her children, Jasmine Cristelle Smith, Ulysses Brent Smith III; grandson, Elijah Nasir Moses; nieces, Kristina Lauren and Kathryn Ransey; great-nieces, Mila Che and Michonne Lauren; and pet, Nala.