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To know Adam was to know a young man with a heart that valued every precious moment spent with those he loved.

Adam Travon Smith, beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, left this world far too soon on June 16, 2026 in Wilmington, NC, at the age of 23. Born on August 8, 2002 in New Hanover County, Adam brought with him an irrepressible joy for life and an open-hearted warmth that deeply touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Adam’s early years were filled with laughter and energy, a testament to the strong bonds he shared with his family. He is cherished dearly by his parents, Leslie McDuffie (Wade) and Jarvise Jenkins, and his siblings Zipporah Smith, Daionna Smith, and Jamiyia Jenkins—the center of a family that both shaped and was shaped by his affectionate spirit. His grandfather, Avon Carlton, and his loving aunts and uncle—Margie Smith, Felicia Grady, Latosha Stephens, and Antonio Smith—along with countless cousins and special friends, formed a circle of support and adoration that Adam always honored with his loyalty and love.

To know Adam was to know a young man with a heart that valued every precious moment spent with those he loved. He carried within him the understanding that family is a gift to be treasured, and he strove to nurture his relationships as sources of happiness and strength. Each gathering, each ordinary afternoon, held meaning for Adam; he never missed an opportunity to make a loved one smile or encourage a friend.

Adam’s passions spoke volumes about his vibrant spirit. He loved hitting the basketball court and feeling the thrill of the game. Many afternoons were spent in friendly competition or hanging out with friends, where laughter and always a story were sure to follow. In quieter moments, Adam was known for indulging in his favorite naptimes and immersing himself in the playful world of video games.

His genuine kindness, his unassuming charm, and his instinctive generosity of spirit endeared him to all. When one thinks of Adam, it is with fondness and gratitude for having felt his warmth and having shared in his life. Though his time here was too brief, the impact of his presence will be cherished by his family and friends forever.

SERVICE DETAILS

To honor Adam’s memory and celebrate the life he lived with such gentleness, services will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at The Middle District Baptist Association, 1821 NC Highway 53, Burgaw, NC 28425. Interment will follow at Jumping Run Cemetery, McKoy Loop Road, Ivanhoe, NC. 

Viewing for relatives and friends will be held prior to the service on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 1:00pm to 1:50pm, and also at the end of the service.

In remembrance of Adam, and as a testament to the love and joy he brought into the lives he touched, we will honor him with the colors blue, white, and pink—vivid and hopeful, like Adam himself. His memory will live on in every story, every shared smile, and every quiet moment of reflection.

Though we grieve his loss, we commit ourselves to cherishing what Adam valued most—love, friendship, and the beauty of every fleeting day.