Shamika Arkim Smith was born on January 16, 1977, in Montgomery, Alabama to Rosemary S. Gist and the late Marion P. Davis. She was baptized at an early age at the Morning Pilgrim Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. She attended the University of Akron receiving two associate's degrees in Small Business and Marketing & Management. Shamika was working on her bachelor's degree when she became ill.

She is preceded in death by her stepfather, Minister Rodney L. Gist.

Shamika leaves to cherish her loving memory, son, Daemond Griffin; mother, Rosemary Gist; grandsons, Yavoni J., Jahoire D. Chatman and Kingston A. Griffin; brothers, Arvey, Marion Smith and Rodney Gist; sister, Arkisha Smith; uncle, retired MstSgt. Alan C. Smith; aunts, Johnetta Smith and Christine Pritchett; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.