Khalia Smith honored with bench dedication
Published 4:02 pm Tuesday, October 14, 2025
A bench was dedicated to honor the memory of Khalia Smith at Lee Springs Park in Helena. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
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By DANIEL LOCKE | Staff Writer
HELENA – The city of Helena was shaken to its core by the tragic passing of Helena High School student Khalia Smith in April 2023. To commemorate Khalia’s memory, a bench has been dedicated to her at Lee Springs Park.
A ceremony was held to celebrate the occasion at the park on Saturday, Oct. 11, at noon.
Family and friends came together to be a part of the occasion and share fond memories of their friend and loved one while reflecting on the impact Khalia had.
“It just overwhelms my heart that people came to support,” said LaQuita Perry, Khalia’s mother. “Everybody was on one accord, celebrating the legacy she left and knowing how special she is. That’s what made the day so special.”
The outpouring of support Khalia’s family has received is not something they take lightly, and they were pleased to have the opportunity to be around many of them while celebrating her.
“Today was an emotional day, but God told us to praise him and give him the glory,” said DiAngelo Perry, Khalia’s father. “Knowing that she shines down on us, it was a blessed day. We were honored to be with people that supported us and cared for us and showed us love on this day to dedicate this bench and celebrate her legacy. We really appreciate them, we appreciate the city of Helena.”
When DiAngelo and LaQuita became aware of just how many people Khalia impacted, they knew they wanted to provide a way for others to remember her.
A park bench was a fitting way to honor her, as the park is a place where her family loves to be.
“All the support we got, all the calls, the overwhelming stories about how she touched people’s lives, we just felt that we needed to do something to leave here, right where we’re a part of, in the city of Helena,” Perry said. “That was a special way to do that. The parks, the outdoors, that’s what our family loves to do. It just made sense to do it. It went with who we are, and it was a beautiful way to commemorate her lasting impact.”
Khalia’s family was honored to have some of the people who did everything in their power to support them present at the ceremony.
“Some people showed personal care, that was really important, that was really a blessing to us,” DiAngelo said. “Some people went out of their way to show us love and support.”
Khalia’s parents are working to establish the Khalia Michelle Smith Foundation, which will provide mental health advocacy and scholarships, two things she was passionate about. To keep up with the journey, visit ImpactofKhalia.org.
“That’s a beautiful legacy to show love to all people,” LaQuita said. “It’s showing the love of Jesus, to have that in the world is so needed. Love is the biggest thing we have to give, and in the end, it’s all that will matter.
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