A celebration of Life service for Oaklen Banks Smith is scheduled for 7:00 PM Friday, March 6, 2026, at Magnolia Funeral Home - East. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Friday, March 6, 2026, at Magnolia Funeral Home - East. Preston Smith and Ryan Pleasant will officiate the service.

Our precious baby boy, Oaklen, was born on February 8, 2026, at 10:15 PM at Northeast Mississippi Women’s Hospital and peacefully passed away on February 25, 2026, at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, surrounded by his parents and grandparents. Though his time on earth was brief, in just 17 days he filled every moment with love, joy, and light. His name, Oaklen—rooted like a strong oak—perfectly reflected the quiet strength he carried. In his short but beautiful life, he showed his parents the purest meaning of love and left an imprint that will remain forever.

Oaklen will forever be cherished by his parents, Brayden Smith and Teagan Billiard; paternal grandparents, Tonya Morris (Aaron Harville); maternal grandparents, Eric and Heather Billiard; paternal great grandparents, Gary Austin (Linda) and Mike McCoy (Jana); maternal great grandparents, Diane Bair (Keith Franz), Charles Hipsher (Glenna), Kent Billiard, and Joe Sobczak; aunts and uncles, Amber Dees (Justin), Austin Gray, Devan Smith (Pam), Hannah Adams, Preston Smith (Megan), Taylon Billiard; great aunts and uncles, Bridgett Muller (Neal), Ernie Smith, Kim Tomlinson (Billy), Misty Duevalle (Andy), Nikki Keller, and Tammy Dees (Dale); first cousins who excitedly awaited Oaklen’s arrival, Adison Dees, Emersyn Dees, Hollis Dees, Jase Dees, Finley Gray, Hadley Gray, Phoenix Gray, Drake Smith, Parker Smith, Case Smith and Cooper.

Oaklen was welcomed into this world by a wide circle of family and friends who had long awaited his arrival with open hearts. Though his hands were tiny and his time brief, his gentle spirit reached every one of us. He leaves behind a legacy woven from pure love, innocence, and the quiet beauty of a life that touched us deeply.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Van & Joan Smith; great aunt, Marie Smith and great uncle, James Thompson, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations be made in memory of Oaklen Banks Smith to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.

Though his time was short, Oaklen will live forever in the hearts of those who loved him. His memory will be a guiding light, reminding us all of the beauty and fragility of life and the power of unconditional love. Magnolia Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of sweet baby Oaklen Banks Smith. 

“Sometimes, the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”