Caletia Marie (Houston) Denby

Caletia Marie Denby, age 41, passed away on March 7, 2026. She was born on July 30, 1984, at The Ohio State University Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Caletia was born and raised in Columbus, where she built a life rooted in love, faith, creativity, and community. Caletia received her early education at French Emergent Elementary School and Mifflin Middle School before graduating from Northland High School in 2002. She continued her educational journey by attending Wright State University, Columbus State Community College, and Franklin University, always striving to grow and expand her opportunities.
Creativity was a defining part of Caletia’s spirit. She had a natural talent for designing customized “blinged-out” clothing and enjoyed expressing herself through fashion and style. She also loved singing, playing spades with family and friends, and spending time enjoying her favorite Mexican foods. Music held a special place in her heart. As a young woman, she was a member of the Columbus Girls Choir and later recorded an album with Mark Anthony Burke and In Praised, sharing her gift of music with others.
Caletia was a woman of faith who found strength and purpose in her spiritual life. She was a member of Holy Temple Church of God and Trevitt New Life Ministries, where she embraced fellowship and the importance of faith in everyday life. Her faith was reflected in the kindness, warmth, and love she extended to everyone around her.

Caletia was the beloved daughter of Toya Houston and the devoted wife of Cardell Denby. She was a proud and loving mother to Marquan Denby, Mekaia Denby, Mason Denby, and Khloe Bondurant. Her children were the center of her world, and she poured her heart into supporting them in all of their activities, especially their team sports. Whether cheering from the sidelines or offering encouragement at home, Caletia’s love and dedication as a mother were evident in everything she did.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Ernest and Margaret Wicker; her grandparents, Florence and Frank Bonham; and her mother-in-law, Nadell Denby.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory her husband, Cardell Denby; her children, Marquan Denby, Mekaia Denby, Mason Denby, and Khloe Bondurant; her mother, Toya Houston; her father-in-law, Donovan (Cathy) Denby; her brother-in-law, Donovan Denby; her sister-in-law, Carlean Denby; her aunt, Alette Stevens; her uncles, Bret Houston and Charles Smith; and a special friend and sister, Nikki Ward, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Caletia will be remembered for her loving heart, vibrant personality, creative talents, and unwavering devotion to her family. She had a beautiful ability to bring people together, uplift those around her, and create lasting memories filled with laughter and love. Her presence brought joy to many, and her legacy will continue to live on through the lives she touched and the family she cherished deeply.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 20, 2026 from 5PM until 7PM at Smoot Funeral Services, 4019 E Livingston Ave., Columbus, Ohio.  Life Celebration  9:30AM; Saturday, March 21, 2025 at Church World Conqueror Through, 1659 Ransburg Ave., Final viewing 9AM until time of service.   Interment, Eastlawn Cemetery, 1340 Woodland Ave., Columbus, Ohio. 

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