WVSU Basketball Star Ishmael Smith’s Parents, Sharif Ali Shafi And Yolanda Witcher Edwards, Mourn His Passing as They Share Heartfelt Messages of Faith

Faith, family values, and community support remain at the heart of Ishmael Smith’s legacy.

December 16, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 16, 2026

Ishmael “Izzy” Smith grew up in a family rooted in faith, education, and athletics.

His parents shaped his character, supported his ambitions, and stood beside him as he pursued both academic and athletic excellence.

While public information about his mother remains limited, his father, Sharif Ali Shafi, played a visible and influential role in his life.

Sharif Ali Shafi, Ishmael Smith’s father, built a life centered on service, discipline, and community involvement.

He previously football for West Virginia State University in the late 1970s, a connection that later influenced his son’s decision to join the Yellow Jackets men’s basketball program.

His firsthand experience as a student-athlete allowed him to guide Ishmael through the challenges of collegiate sports.

Shafi at the University of Maryland and the Department of Mental Health, reflecting his commitment to education and public service.

He lived in College Park, Maryland, and originally came from Hartford, Connecticut.

Through his professional life and personal values, he modeled responsibility, perseverance, and compassion for his son.

After Ishmael’s , Sharif Ali Shafi publicly confirmed the heartbreaking news and shared messages of faith and gratitude.

He expressed his belief that his son returned to Allah and asked the community to continue showing love, peace, and support on Ishmael’s behalf. His words revealed a grieving father who relied on faith while honoring his son’s memory.

Sharif Ali Shafi actively supported Ishmael’s basketball career.

He reached out to West Virginia State University’s coaching staff to help his son continue playing at the collegiate level after transferring from Monroe Community College in New York.

Coaches later acknowledged that Ishmael’s connection to the university stemmed in part from his father’s history with the program.

That support paid off as Ishmael emerged as a leader and the team’s leading scorer.

His coaches and teammates consistently praised his work ethic, character, and positive presence—qualities that reflected the values instilled at home.

Yolanda Witcher Edwards, Ishmael Smith’s mother, largely remained out of the public spotlight following her son’s death.

However, she later a deeply personal message that confirmed her role as a grieving mother and revealed the strength of her faith during unimaginable loss.

In her statement, Edwards announced the passing of her son with heavy emotion, acknowledging that he returned to Allah while on campus at West Virginia State University, where he played basketball as a student-athlete.

Though heartbroken, she expressed trust in God’s divine plan and asked others to keep her family lifted in prayer as they adjusted to a new reality without Ishmael.

Her words reflected quiet strength, spiritual conviction, and a mother’s enduring love, offering insight into the family’s private grief.

Together, Ishmael Smith’s father and mother supported his academic goals and athletic dreams.

His father actively helped him continue his basketball career at West Virginia State University after transferring from Monroe Community College in New York.

His mother provided unwavering emotional and spiritual support, even as she chose to grieve privately.

Coaches, teammates, and university leaders consistently described Ishmael as respectful, hardworking, and compassionate—qualities shaped by the values instilled at home.

The Smith family responded to loss through faith and unity. Funeral prayers and services followed Islamic traditions, and community members repeatedly offered prayers for ease, mercy, and peace for Ishmael’s parents.

As West Virginia State University and the broader community continue to mourn, Ishmael Smith’s parents remain central to his legacy.

Their guidance and love helped raise a young man remembered not only for his talent on the basketball court but also for his character, kindness, and humanity.

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