TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 13: TV personality Stephen A. Smith attends the Verizon Slam Dunk Contest during NBA All-Star Weekend 2016 at Air Canada Centre on February 13, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Janet Smith, the mother of ESPN host Stephen A. Smith, passed away Thursday morning.
Janet Smith Cause of Death
Janet Smith had tragically been battling cancer for some time before her passing.
Her son released a heartfelt statement on her passing.
https://twitter.com/FirstTake/status/870243051704332288
“My mom would always joke with me about how I never got my mouth from her. What she never knew, what she couldn’t possibly know, is that I never cared too much about not measuring up to her because I always knew perfection lied with her. She is the best mom I have ever known. The best woman I’ve ever known. The best person I’ve ever known. The best friend I ever had. Her will, her core decency, her words of encouragement, her unwavering belief and undying devotion to me, to our family not only weather unimaginable storms that uplifted us in the worst of times. I also reminded my family that, indeed, God is forever looking out for us.
Her presence alone was enough to explain the blessings He bestowed upon our family, just by choosing her to be our mom! In my lifetime I have never encountered anyone more worthy of love, kindness and God’s heavenly grace than mommy. In my mind, I never will.
She loved God. She loved us too. He took care of her.
So she took care of us. If we were hungry, it was because she was starving. When she suffered, it was because we were spared! No words can explain how wonderful she was, what she means to me, to us all. And there is no way to measure the pain of losing her now. Perhaps the only solace at this moment comes from knowing where she is: home. At peace! Finally! No ending can be more beautiful than that, especially for someone so worthy of God’s grace as her. Forgive me, however, for wishing it didn’t hurt so badly. So desperately wishing she was still here!”
The ESPN First Take host also paid tribute to his mother on Mother’s Day back in May in a touching video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sTNMM1kppY
