A Standing Ovation for Brandon Jamaad Smiley - The Final Act January 29, 2023 MAWH.TV

Written by: Landon Brooks

Edited by: Judy Floyd-Wright

Published by: MAWH Productions

Date: Feb 4, 2023 Time 8:18

The service began with an emotional Musical Tribute by Darlene McCoy, “As Long As I Live.” Senior Pastor Michael K. Moore, Faith Chapel, gave words of comfort to the family and congregation. The Prayer of Comfort came from Pastor John E. King,Jr., Trinity Baptist Church.

Randall Woodfin, Mayor of the City of Birmingham, reflected on the time he spent with Rickey and Brandon days before his passing. He encouraged the family to lean on God during this difficult time. A video tribute showed the moments of baptism and his encouragement to his brothers to not make the same mistakes that he made in life. The video tribute also showed Brandon, at the Atlanta Comedy Club, with Rickey Smiley in the audience.

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The video ended with pictures of Brandon with Martin Lawrence and other celebrities throughout his career. The song , “Lift Me Up', sung by Rihanna, from the movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, was the background music for the video.

Reflections from family and friends echoed Brandon’s personality , with one family member sharing the time Brandon tied a mannequin to the ceiling fan as a prank, during their monthly prank week. The family also shared how their hearts are broken by his passing. All of the words echoed how they can't wait to see Brandon again.Pastor Thomas Nelson Miller also gave words of comfort to the family. He began by saying “I like to have church.” He instructed the musicians to go to E flat and he began to sing . The congregation stood waving their hands in praise! He spoke about how Brandon was to be baptized in December, but did not show up for two Sundays. With the encouragement of family members however, he was baptized shortly thereafter. He continued by sharing that everyone goes through ups and downs in life, and so did Brandon. But Brandon kept pressing on. He entitled the message “He Won’t Let Me Fall”, and encouraged the family “to keep up the good fight”. .The selection by the choir was led by the gospel singer, Le'Andria Johnson, who gave a moving rendition of “I Know the Lord Will Make A Way,”.  As the congregation began to stand, Brandon’s father, Rickey Smiley, began to jump up and down,with a big smile on his face.The pastor assured the congregation that God would make a way. The Holy Ghost moved in the sanctuary and family and friends began to run.He then embraced Rickey as he mounted the pulpit with Brandon‘s daughter,Storm.Rickey began by thanking the Lord for his life.and thanked everyone from all over the country for showing support to the family, especially The Morning Show 98.7 KISS FM.He  then thanked Le’Andria Johnson, the Woodlawn High School Alumni and his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi.   

Afterwards, he asked  the congregation to give Brandon‘s mother, Brenda Green, a standing ovation recognizing her as “The Real MVP”.  He asked the congregation to keep the family in prayer.The service ended with Dr. Arthur Beard and the Elements of Worship Band singing “Just Want to Praise You”, by Maurette Brown Clark. The  family slowly made their way out of the sanctuary, with Rickey pushing the casket, where he was met outside by the officials from Arrington Funeral Home. Then, at least a dozen motorcycle officers, from the Birmingham Police Department awaited the family, to escort them to Forest Hill Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama.   

Please keep the family in your prayers.

Written by: Landon Brooks

Edited by: Judy Floyd-Wright

Published by: MAWH Productions