Jerra Dawn Tait Smith, 31, of Fredonia, Arizona returned home to her Heavenly Father on August 27^th, 2020 after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.

Jerra was born June 22, 1989 to Jerry and Ruth Tait. Jerra was blessed to be born into a large loving and blended family. She had 3 older brothers and 1 older sister. She was a daddy’s girl and was not shy about letting people know it. She loved having a big family and spending time with them was one of her greatest joys.

Jerra was a hippie and a free spirit who lived life on her own terms.  She had a kind and loving spirit. She was gracious and generous and made you feel like you were her best friend after only spending minutes with her. She was loyal and strong willed, a good listener who gave sound advice and believed that family and friends were the most important relationships on earth.  She loved family gatherings, eating good food and making people laugh. She had the most incredible laugh, once she started laughing everyone joined in. It was impossible not to smile when she was around. She lit up the room when she walked in and when you left her presence you were a better person because of her.

Jerra’s greatest joy came when she gave birth to her son Phayden Thomas on June 15, 2007.  She was a young mother, but that didn’t stop her from being selfless and dedicated to him.  She always put his needs before anything else, nobody was more important than her son. She was an amazing mother who loved her son more than life itself, a true mama-bear in every sense.

Jerra married the love of her life Paul Smith on July 4^th, 2020 surrounded by family and friends. They were a perfect match. Paul was her soul mate, her one perfect person. They had loved each other since they were young. Paul told Brett (Jerra’s brother) that when he first saw her he fell instantly in love, he was going to marry her. It was their own perfect love story.

Jerra had a deep love of the outdoors.  Her favorite place to camp was on the Kaibab. It was her getaway from everyday life, an enjoyable time to relax and be with family and friends. She enjoyed sitting around the campfire, laughing and telling stories.  She also had a chance to go to the beach and spend a few days. This is where she fell in love with the ocean. It brought a peace and calmness that she had never experienced before.

As many of you know Jerra had breast cancer. She was open and honest about the brutality of this disease and the toll it took on her mentally and physically. She was a fearless warrior who was committed to kicking cancer’s ass with every bit of strength she had. She was full of light and joy; even as her illness progressed she still kept her positive attitude, she never let bitterness creep in.  She continued to spread love and light to everyone around her even during the most difficult times.

 Jerra was an inspiration to everyone and we are not sure how to carry on without her. Her smile, laugh and love of life will be missed beyond measure. We take comfort that we will see her again, that she is now free from pain and in the loving arms of our Savior.

Jerra is remembered with love by her husband Paul, son Phayden, parents Jerry and Ruth Tait, sister Ramie Cashen, brothers; Zachary (Meredith) Tait, Brett (Morgan) LeClair, Nate (Malynda) Tait, and many other family members.

For details on Jerra’s service please contact Mosdell Mortuary at 435-644-2214.

In lieu of flowers an account has been set up at Mountain America Credit Union under Jerra Tait Smith.