Lakisha Smith-Vanatta

On Monday, August 19, 2024, Lakisha ShaDon (Smith) Vanatta, 49, of Mechanicsburg, PA, ascended to Heaven and transitioned to Glory at 6:14 AM at UPMC West Shore Hospital, where she was employed for four years as a Lead Medical Assistant.

Lakisha was first and foremost an Anointed Woman of God, a Warrior of The Lord, and a Vessel of Honor in all areas of spreading love and joy to her family, friends, and anyone she came in contact with.

She was a devoted and beautiful wife to Ray A. Vanatta, 51, for 22 years. Kisha was a loving and gifted mother to their three sons: Jason T. Snell, 29, of Harrisburg, PA; Justin M. Snell, 26, of Mechanicsburg, PA; and Malachi E. Vanatta, 18, of Mechanicsburg, PA. She also has a stepdaughter, Amanda M. Vanatta, 29, of Columbia, PA. She was known as "Mimi" to their two beautiful grandchildren, Jamir, 7, and Khalea, 4, of Harrisburg, PA.

Lakisha is also survived by her mother, Sharron Forrester (Warren) of Emporia, KS; two brothers, Phillip Hinton of Harrisburg, PA, and Tremaine Thompson of Emporia, KS; and one nephew, Jhaone, of Harrisburg, PA. Kisha had four uncles and three aunts on her mother's side of the family, as well as her grandmother, Clarease Carter of Harrisburg, PA (deceased), and a host of cousins, other relatives, and family friends.

Lakisha's father, David C. Smith, formerly of Washington, D.C. (deceased), had four children, including Lakisha. Her siblings include her sister, Bernice Smith-Littlejohn (Leonardo); her brother, Craig D. Smith of Brookneal, VA; and her brother, Cornell A. Smith (deceased) of Washington, D.C. Kisha also had one aunt, Phame L. Payne of Washington, D.C.; one uncle, Pastor Quentin A. Smith (Sylvia) of Charlotte, NC; and one uncle, Anthony Muse, of Chester, PA, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends on her dad's side of the family.

Kisha and her husband, Ray, were faithful members of Elevated Life in Christ Community Church in Harrisburg, PA. Kisha did many ministry-related things and was the Armor Bearer for Pastor Veronica Dixon, supporting her with all related ministry commitments through Blossom by Being. She was a faithful part of the Elevated Life Intercessory Team, and she did much community outreach work in the food pantry.

Lakisha graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1993. She later earned a degree in Graphic Design in 2005 and obtained her NHA Clinical Medical Assistant License in April 2012. She was furthering her education as a current student at Capella University, pursuing a degree in U.S. Healthcare Systems and Business Management in Health Care. Lakisha was also a 2024 graduate of Journey of The Heart of God, a nine-month course that helped her deal with matters of the heart and step to the next level in her spiritual walk and development.

Lakisha loved spending family time, cooking, and serving her family or anyone who came in her direction. Her hobbies included spending time with Ray in the Word of God and the Presence of God, working out, playing all types of games, gardening, reviving all types of plants, and braiding her granddaughters' hair. Although she is now absent from the body and present with the Lord, she will be missed by all who knew and loved her beautiful smile and presence.

Completed by her husband, Ray A. Vanatta

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Hooper Memorial Home, Inc., on Friday, August 30, 2024. Viewing will be from 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at Paxtang Cemetery.

Please keep the family of Mrs. Smith-Vanatta in your thoughts and prayers.