Donté Lauderdale

Donté O’Neill Lauderdale, 39, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025, at Memorial Hospital, after battling health issues the past two years. He was born on September 1, 1985 in South Bend, IN, to Stephanie Smith and Donald Lauderdale. Donte’ graduated from Adams High School (Class of 2004). After graduation, he attended IUSB.

Donté was predeceased by his father, Donald Lauderdale, maternal grandfathers, Dave Bougard, and Harry Reid Jr, maternal great-grandparents, Amelia and Lester Smith Sr., and Carolyn and Robert Bougard Sr., and a niece, Dawnsha’ S. Perry. He was also predeceased by paternal grandparents, Vilee and James Lauderdale Sr., aunts, Larnell Forrest, Patricia Greer, and Linda Lauderdale-Thomas. He was also predeceased by uncles, James Lauderdale, Eugene Lauderdale, Mitchell Lauderdale, and Stanley Lauderdale.

In addition to his mother, Stephanie Smith, Donté is survived by his sisters, Dawnsha’ Lauderdale, and Ashley Lauderdale, maternal grandmother, Nancy Reid, aunts: Stacey Chatman-(Rulondo) Anderson, Dana Chatman-Jackson, and Amelia Chatman. Uncles: Chauncey (Sandra) Bougard, Carlton Smith Sr., Kenyatta (Ann) Bougard, and Ammon (Shelia) Bougard Sr., and Timothy Lauderdale, Rickey Lauderdale, and Jeremy Lauderdale, Sr. His very special nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly; Anya Miller, Armond Miller, Ashton Lauderdale, Cariss Perry, and Ayden Lauderdale. Donté had special childhood friends, that became part of his family. Anthony Briggs Jr., Contresse Harris, Natalie Mosley, and Shante Johnson. He also had a few friends that he considered “little brothers”, Darius Young, Delshaune Cotton, and Kyre Young, and numerous other family members and friends.

Clubs, Organizations & Hobbies: Donté was an avid movie lover, and he loved music just as much. He also enjoyed playing spades. Donte’ participated in the Link-up program at the University of Notre Dame in his younger years and he was also a 21st Century Scholar participant. Donté worked for various organizations throughout his career before he became ill. His true passion was working with children.

A 4pm Memorial Service in Celebration of Donte’s life will be held on Saturday, June 14th, at Layman Chapel CME Church, located at 303 S. Kenmore St. South Bend, IN. Arrangements have been entrusted to www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com where condolence may be shared.

Memorial Service Saturday June 14, 2025, 4pm Laymen Chapel CME Church, 303 S. Kenmore St., South Bend, IN 

06/09/2025 EJS

https://www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com/obituary/Donte-Lauderdale