The funeral for the 26-year-old former Broadway actress who was fatally stabbed in Edison earlier this month has been set for Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Imani Smith, who appeared in Disney’s “The Lion King” on Broadway, died on Dec. 21 after she was found by police with multiple stab wounds at a Grover Avenue residence, according to authorities.
Jordan Jackson-Small, 35, of Edison, has been charged with first-degree murder, third- and fourth-degree weapons offenses and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.
A GoFundMe campaign created by Smith’s aunt, Kira Helper, identifies Jackson-Small as Smith’s boyfriend.
Visitation is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service from 11 a.m. to noon at Union Chapel Church.
The GoFundMe page describes Smith as a “vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person.” She is survived by a three-year-old son, the campaign says.
“Imani had her whole life ahead of her,” the campaign states. “A true triple-threat performer, she most notably played the role of Young Nala on Broadway in Disney’s Lion King — an experience that reflected the joy, creativity, and light she put into the world.”
The campaign had raised more than $76,000 as of Tuesday.
