Obituary of Kia Dawnette Smallwood-Roberson

Kia Dawnette Smallwood Roberson was born on October 4, 1966 to the late Andrea L. Smallwood and Ronald E. Swint in Brooklyn, New York.  She was baptized and joined the church at an early age, becoming a member of McClinton Baptist Church. She received her education in NYC Public Schools, attending Public School 243, Junior High School 35, John Dewey High School and later graduating from Redirection High School.

As a young teen, Kia was a choreographer and wardrobe stylist to the young ladies in her dance group, KG Deluxe, often performing at local block parties, talent shows and competitions.  She led the dance troupe to many victories often receiving accolades and awards for their bodacious dance moves and stylist outfits.

At age 14, Kia met and fell in love with the late Tyrone Roberson, whom she would later marry on August 29, 1992.  From that union they raised three children: Dior, Dijon, and Ka-Tia. Kia and Tyrone celebrated their anniversary every ten years with a renewal of their vows.

Kia loved her husband Tyrone – whom she often referred to as her “King.”  She truly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, often being the life of the party with her infectious laughter and awesome dance moves.  Her love for fashion, music, family, and friends will forever live on.

Kia will forever be remembered as a woman of God and a true Fashion DIVA! Every time that Kia left her home, she was well put together in matching items from her head to her feet!  She would often be seen in her personalized fashion item, lovingly known as “Kia’s Bows.” She took pride in every matching outfit that she wore - which represented her dignity and style.  Her impeccable taste in clothing was unmatched; she would make an ordinary outfit extra-ordinary with her personal touches of fashion flair.

Kia worked at several jobs in NYC, however, her current place of employment was at All My Children Day Care Center where she was a Family Worker/Parent Coordinator.

On Wednesday, September 25, 2019, Kia was called home to be with the Lord.  Preceding her in death was her husband, Tyrone and her mother, Andrea L. Smallwood.  Kia leaves to mourn and cherish her: children Dior, Dijon, and Ka-Tia Roberson; granddaughters Leilani, Kenedy, and Khaleesi Smallwood; grandson T’Kalis Fernandes; father Ronald E. Swint; grandmothers Elaine McRae and Ruth Swint; aunts Amelia Green, Charmaine McRae, and Adele Brown; uncles Richard Smallwood, Arthur, Michael, and Lynn Swint; brother Ronnie Stevenson and sister Nyesha Evans; sisters-in-law Frankienette, Alicia, and Diane Roberson, Stacy Campbell; brother-in-law Sylvester; cousins, best friends, nieces, nephews, god-children; and a host of other relatives and good friends.