Courtney Isaiah Smith

December 30, 1983 - January 25, 2021

Courtney Isaiah Smith was born on a very cold and snowy morning December 30,1983 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The son of Shelley O. and Carolyn E. Smith and although it was a cold and snowy morning, he lit our hearts and home with so much love. God called our loving son home on January 25,2021.

Courtney attended school in Salt Lake City, Utah. A graduate of East High School, he then  attended the University of Utah to further his formal education.  A Music Composition Major, he received his Bachelor of Music Degree in 2009. 

He began playing piano at the age of 3 solely by ear and grew up listening to all kinds of music, R&B, Gospel, Rock and Classical. Without any “formal” training, he played with his right hand only until an uncle taught him to play with his left. Falling asleep listening to music and songs he would memorize and play the next morning. At age six he began playing for the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church choir. Giving his life to Christ at age 12 he joined Calvary and eventually became the church’s primary pianist. His abilities and passion allowed him to serve in capacities of Worship Leader, Sound Technician, Director, and Vocalist. 

Courtney taught as an Adjunct Professor of Jazz Studies at Utah State University, Weber State University, University of Utah and most recently Westminster College. He also taught private music lessons.

An outstanding and well known Utah artist, Courtney’s genius as a composer, arranger, beat maker, and songwriter, provided opportunities to play with Gerald Albright, David “Fathead” Newman, John P. Key, Donald Lawrence, Myron Butler and KJ Scriven to name a few. A recording artist in his own right, Courtney played for Salt Lake City Mass Choir and Co-Founded Jazz Vespers hosted by First Unitarian Church. He also played several other venues in the Salt Lake valley such as: Gracies, Motown Revue, Utah Arts Festival, Excellence in the Community, Hopkins Brewery, and The Bayou. Along with his sweetheart Jazmin Olivo, a jazz fusion group named “The Mix” was formed.

So few of us get to live out our passions and dreams, not only did Courtney’s authentic and eternal love of all things music allow him to live his passion, we will be forever grateful he shared his amazing gift with us all. 

He leaves to cherish, mother, Carolyn E. Smith; His Beloved Sweetheart, Jazmin Olivo, Brothers, Michael Wesley, Jonathan Strother; Grandfather, Lloyd M. Bass; Aunts, Zenobia Smith, Della Johnson, and Natasha Bass; and A host of uncles, cousins, and other loved ones 

His service will be private, there will be no public admittance granted.  We invite friends to attend his service and burial via livestream by returning to this site and clicking the “Watch Service Live” button that appears on this page on Saturday, February 6th at 11:00 AM.

His family is incredibly grateful and overwhelmed by the community support and expression of love.  Thank you for respecting their wishes as they lay Courtney to rest in private.

In Loving Memory

Courtney has left such a huge hole in all our lives in so many ways. I am holding those of you closest to him in my heart and prayers. Grief is the shadow of great love. ��

Allison Ottley

Millcreek, Ua

To the Smith and Johnson Family and Jazmin, my prayers and love to you during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing Courtney with the world and allowing us to encounter his light, his love, his gift. I will miss him dearly. Nothing will be the same. I truly thank God to have had a chance to know and love him. I will cherish his memory and honor his life. - Robyn Sherman

Robyn Sherman

Kearns, UT

Courtney shared his love of Christ and music in everything he had. I am grateful to have shared worship service with someone so talented. I am praying for Sister Carolyn, the Smith and Johnson family and his beautiful life partner Jazmin. Truly- praying for this shocking departure of a beautiful life. In Christ's grip- Michelle Love-Day

Michelle Love-Day

Bluffdale, UT

Courtney was a light that shone so brightly. He had such a gentle spirit, and approachable demeanor, with no pretense. Truly one of a kind! My heart is broken for the family. Sister Carolyn, may the LORD grant you the peace that only He can give. Thank you for allowing us into your lives, and hearts. Calvary's Music Ministry will not be the same. God's Blessings to your family.

Cathy Wolfsfeld

West Jordan, UT

To the Smith family, from our family - the upmost prayers and condolences are offered. The LORD has taken a GOD fearing, Christ loving, truly blessed and talented son- brother- nephew - uncle- companion and friend - from this life- to his home in Heaven. May Father GOD heal your souls and gently wipe away your tears and hold you tenderly in his arms until you meet one another again. Thank you Courtney, for sharing you God given talents with Calvary Baptist Choirs and everyone whom you shared your talent with. We love you all. Tifus, Anthony and Emery

Tifus and Anthony Long

Murray, UT

To Sister Carolyn Smith & Family my condolences and prayers with you all.. Courtney was a blessing to my spirit each Sunday hearing him play was truly a blessing.... You all will be in my prayers.. Courtney's light shined through his music, thank you Sister Carolyn for sharing Courtney and his talent with us....He will truly be missed...

Jeretta King

West Valley City, UT

To Mrs. Smith & Jazmin, my prayers are with you both and my condolences are with you! Courtney has impacted us all in so many ways but it is you two who are impacted the most. I love you both and my prayer and hope is that God comforts you both in a special way in this season!

DeVon Lang

West Valley City, UT

Courtney has always been an inspiration for me, not only musically, but the way that he carried himself. He was always loved and looked at in a very high, respectable way. I remember as a kid during church services I would only focus on his chord progressions and I decided to join the choir to get a better idea of what he was all about. His passion and sound just came so natural to him and that played a big part in my life little did he know. My condolences to the family and friends of Courtney, God bless you. You will forever be missed

Akinwolé Brown

West Valley City, UT

I am so deeply saddened with the loss of your son Carolyn. I am so sorry you are going thru another loss. Jazmine so sorry for such a great spiritual man that you were blessed to have as a partner. Courtney was so very talented he was definitely a great inspiration to us all with all his great talents he will truly be missed. Hope you find some peace & gods blessing for your loss. You will always have the greatest memories of Courtney & his great talents. He was truly a very genuine wonderful man. Bless you & your family.

Debra Bonacci

Salt Lake City, nan

Courtney was a man of God through his music whether listening to him in church services or even in being in Choir rehearsals with him it definitely helped me grow my relationship with God. He was definitely a great person in many ways he will be missed. You have my condolences and prayers

Martin Young

Salt Lake City, UT

To Yvonne and family. We are praying for you and ask God to keep you close. I had fond memories at Calvary of Courtney. Our sincere condolences from the Green family.

Veronica Green

Atlanta, GA

Courtney an inspiration a humble talented God blessed soul. We are gonna miss you but I know God have something special for you to play in heaven cause you have ministered and reach souls here already sleep well my brother. Im praying for strength and upliftment and comfort from God for sister carolyn and family I love you all

Coleen johnson

Murray, UT

Courtney was a blessing... hearing him play was a blessing to my spirit. To The Family ... The passing of your loved one, is the will of God, and yet, there is a human tie that has been broken, and bleeds the heart in agony and pain. We are reminded that the way of man leads through the grave, and they who walk with the Master here, shall not tarry in the grave, but shall be led gently on, into the land of light and beauty. Lift up your heads and be strong. Make God your hope and look up to the hills from whence cometh your help. May God Bless you and give you strength and courage.

Marilyn Harris

Baytown, TX

I am very sorry for your loss. Sending my prayers and condolences.

Larry Lamar Dawson Jr

Sparks, NV

Courtney’s heart seemed to always have enough room to reach out to so many. His voice was a calming gift to all. I’m so happy to have known him and hear him sing, laugh and play so many times. Rest well treasured friend. My prayers go out to your family.

Carol Goode Rogozinski

nan, nan

To the Smith family. I am sending my love and prayers. I'm glad for the wonderful experience I had with Courtney. His focus on praise was and is for the Lord. My heart goes out to you Sister Smith and I will always stand in prayer for you. Courtney you are missed. Rest well.

Hope Washington

nan, nan

Yvonne the Bridgewater family send our deepest condolences to you, our thoughts and prayers. are with you, may the Lord Bless and comfort you.

Arthur Bridgewater

Taylorsville, UT

Courtney Isaiah Smith was the finest musician I’ve ever known and an even better man. He shared his deep knowledge freely and without judgement and made everyone around him better just by being himself. I will strive to be more like him every day. My love, prayers, and condolences go out to Carolyn, Jazmin, and his entire family.

Parker Swenson

Salt Lake City, UT

I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing Courtney’s talent over the years I’ve worked with Starks. What a beautiful gift to be able to touch people’s lives through music. I’m heartbroken to hear of his passing. Sending so much love to his loved ones.

Jessica Bond

nan, UT

I am saddened by the loss of my friend and brilliant talent, Courtney Isaiah Smith. We first met when he took jazz piano lessons from me at the University of Utah. His musical sense was already so profound that I never felt I had much to teach him. As a friend, he was deeply kind, generous, and optimistic. To say that he was taken from us too soon would be highly understated. My deepest condolences go to Ms. Smith, the family, and Jazmin on the loss of this wonderful son, brother, and soulmate.

Daniel Waldis

Salt Lake City, UT

Our family is heartbroken along with you all. Can’t imagine life without his bear hugs and his dimpled smiles! We met Courtney in the late 90’s at Calvary Baptist. We introduced our son, Gabe Dominguez to him after we heard his vocals and piano knowing they would be friends forever. We are blessed to hear him on Gabe’s WHUP Album released last year: Whup Music

Lakshmi Johal-Dominguez & David Dominguez

Orem, UT

SHAKE YOUR PEACE! [Courtney Isaiah Smith - backing vocals (all tracks except 1, 7), Hammond B3 and piano on 4, 8] Life is hard, but listening to Courtney sing helps us to see a glimpse of heaven. Condolences to your family and to Jazmin who loved him so.

David Roy and Jill Halliday

Salt Lake City, Ut

We have loved and admired Courtney like he was another son for many, many years. Through all that time, he and our son, David Stuart, worked together and played together, in both senses of the word. The laughter between them no matter WHAT they were doing rang from the rooftops. They were more like true brothers than anything else. They were also twin spirits in more ways than we can count...but here are some: their work ethic...inordinately strong in them both; they shared a giant love for and appreciation of all genres of music, collaborating together on countless projects for countless audiences. Both demonstrated cheerful countenances...could be so silly at times giggling together, just having fun, yet with a firm belief in the Almighty with reverence for all His creations, including all loved ones which include their fellow musicians. Dearest Courtney...no words can say how much we miss you and love you, and will continue to think about you. Carolyn, Jazzy, we can't imagine the depth of your sorrow. We love you and we pray for you. We also pray for all of you who so love and miss Courtney. He will be forever in our hearts.

Gabe Dominguez

Salt Lake City, UT

It feels impossible that he's gone; his spirit and talent were enough to fill 10 lifetimes! All of us were so looking forward to getting to witness and support the legendary life, and legendary love with Jazzy that Courtney had in store for him. I feel angry and sad that Courtney was taken from himself, let alone from us. He deserved so much more. He was a living legend in my eyes and for so many of us in the community who were fortunate enough to be blessed by his unreal talent, humble generosity, and masterful brilliance. We will miss his presence. My deepest condolences go out to Jazzy, and to his family, who love/loved him so deeply. Getting to watch Courtney play was like standing at the ocean. His good musical ideas never ran dry did they? They were consistent, many faceted, and salty. Where did these waves keep blowing in from? From the fathomless deep; way out where Jesus walked on water and calmed the storm. He swam daily in that place. His fingers played from the same place where, a billion years ago, the ocean turned single-celled organisms into lifeforms like peacocks and Michael Jackson. He swam daily in that place. When we'd stand on the shore and watch him play, didn't it feel like there was enough for everybody!? Didn't it feel like the ocean/source of all life never stopped rushing-in to greet us through his hands, and through his voice, and hitting us all at the beach, knocking us all over with many voiced happiness? He swam daily in that place! My heart breaks now seeing him leave us, as that ocean takes him back into itself, the source of all life, on the outgoing tide. But in the sadness and anger I feel, I'm comforted by the thought that this place he's gone in death was his constant companion and muse during his life.

Gerod & Betty Sawyer

Ogden, UT

On behalf of the Sawyer family we extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the family. Courtney was a blessing to us all with his unique musical gifts and personality. We thank God for having known him and his willingness to share his gifts with Utah and the Universe. We pray God’s continued blessings on the family and that the Comfort of the Holy Spirit surrounds you today and every day. Love, Peace and Hope. Butch and Betty

Kevin and Debbie Jacobs

RIVERTON, UT

Carolyn, I was so shocked and heartbroken when I heard of Courtney's passing. I cannot image what you are going through, and I feel my words are inadequate to help soothe your pain. Debbie and I are praying for you and your family, and we think of you every day. Please give everyone a special hug for me - you have a wonderful, special family, that I deeply love and admire. Their strength, along with your faith in Christ, will help you through this very difficult time.

Rob Tinney

Spanish Fork, UT

There’s no replacement. Courtney was one-of-a-kind. Countless shows and sessions and a million other memories in between. His friendship and brotherhood will live on in each of us forever. Love and condolences to Carolyn, Jazzy, and family.

Rebecca Nelson

Salt Lake City, UT

Yvonne and Family, Sending warmest sincere condolences. Courtney touched so may with his kindness and beautiful spirit. I am extremely grateful and thankful to have been moved time and time again by his lovely voice and peaceful music. He will always have a special place in my heart and will never be forgotten. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful gift. I love you and God Bless you, Rebecca aka Fuji~ Rest in Paradise Courtney

Ginger Flowers

South Jordan, UT

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Courtney will always have a special place in our hearts, his music and his special touch from God through song has truly blessed me and my family throughout the years and will continue to do so. God Bless you and thank you for sharing your Special Gift, Courtney he will surely be missed.

Jay Pernell Molock

Edmond Oklahoma, OK

Family, Young Master Courtney, Loved the Lord, ! I could feel the Holy Spirit in his offering (Psalm 100) of music, It was always obvious his parents are his foundation and his rock and in his walk, let not your heart be troubled (John 14:1) for he is where we long to be we will meet him again. J.J.J.J. Molock In Him Psalm 144:1

Patricia Abeyta

West Jordan, UT

Our Deepest Condolences to Courtneys momma and family theirs no words to express how sorry I am for your loss Courtney was dear to my family you can say I was band momma to Courtney my son Candido and the boys along with the beautiful and talented Jazmin Isaiah you'll truly be missed but will never be forgotten I'll continue to keep you and Jazmin in my prayers God bless you RIP �� ❤

Grace Davis

Dallas, TX

You will be missed Courtney. You made the time I was back home and working with the youth choir a true joy. Please know that I am praying for you Ms. Carolyn. My God cover you during this time. Grace Davis

Rev. Lillie Holman & Family

Severn, MD

It is with deeply saddened hearts that I and family extend our sincere condolences to you, Sis. Carolyn, and your family. There are no words to adequately express the grief and sorrow you're all journeying through at this time. However, we want you to know you continue to be in our prayerful requests of Holy Spirit to embrace and comfort you now. Courtney was a precious treasure and gifted musical genius whose legacy will be long remembered by those who knew or knew of him. May he rest in heaven sharing his music in worship to the Lord. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." -- Psalm 116:15 Rev. Lillie Holman, Bro. David & Sis. Betty Smauldon and Family

Jack Thomasson

Mint Hill, NC

i will always remember his huge love and gentle touch tickling the ivory. as a member of Hilltop Gospel i saw how he filled a sanctuary with warmth and sound. now Courtney gets to play Heaven's Hammond and Yahweh's Yamaha.

Basilio Georges

Jackson Hts, NY

I met Courtney at the Gracie's Mon. Jam sessions when I was in SLC over Christmas holidays once a year. I only played with him on 3-4 occasions, but heard immediately he was a great talent with a diverse set of feels and harmonic styles in his command. I only came across the news that he passed today, 2/26/21, after seeing a FB post by Parker Swenson. A su familia, te acompano en tus sentimientos.

Margie Madden

Salt Lake City, Ut

Carolyn, I’m so incredible heartbroken to learn of Courtney’s passing. I know he was absolute light to you. I know he’s playing the piano and singing in heaven with his dad and the other angels. God bless you, your family, may cherished memories hold you tightly now. So much love and gratitude that I met this amazing young man and heard his beautiful music on several occasions. Sincerest sympathy, Margie

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