DeMaria Renee Hood entered this world on December 13, 1995 to Deitra Steele and Lamar Hood. She tragically departed this world on January 19, 2020.

Merah, as she was affectionately called, attended Cincinnati Public Schools where she excelled at playing the violin. Merah kept busy outside of school. She joined the local dance group, Highsteppers, as well as a young ladies mentor group, Girls to Women. Growing into a young adult she would decide to enroll in Cincinnati Job Corp where she received her diploma and trade. After those accomplishments she would enter her adulthood. She moved to Dayton, Ohio and obtained residency, a job, and many good friends. She later returned back to Cincinnati, Ohio to live.

Merah was "Lit' from beginning to end. She enjoyed going to church, traveling, dressing, singing, dancing, and gathering with family and friends. She had a special bond with her nephews, J'Sean Clifton-Steele, Elisha Lee, Donta Sherman, Ricardo Steele Jr. and Deon Sherman; as well as one niece, J'Auna Steele.

Merah loved her family and friends. She loved Darwin Pleasant for stepping into her life as a male figure (Mom's Companion). She will always be remembered for her smile, fashion and willingness to help others. She always told everyone "I Love You!"

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Eula and Emanuel Steele; uncles, Manuel Steele, Thaddus Steele (Monica) and Terry Steele (Niecy); aunts, Leila Richardson and Doris Taylor; and nephew, Davion Sherman.

She leaves to cherish her spirit her mother, Deitra Steele; father, Lamar Hood; siblings, Trinisha Steele, Donta Steele, Ricardo Steele and Jamar; godmother, Tamela Hoskins; goddaughter, Morgan Kindell; angel-mothers, Linda Smith and Zina Hughes; god-brothers, Kendrick and Michael Hoskins; BFF, DeAzia, Johnesha and Jasmine; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and good friends.

Visitation is from 9:30 am until 11:00 am on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati  (45206).  The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am.

Interment will follow at Vine Street Hill Cemetery, 3701 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220.

To share a memory of DeMaria or leave a special message for the Hood family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati (45206)  is honored to serve the  Hood family.  Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.