Makayla’s Story

Makayla was born on January 8, 2010. She was the youngest of three. Makayla had a brother and sister. Growing up Makayla and her siblings didn't have it easy. They were raised by their mother who struggled everyday to make ends meet. They struggled to make sure the bills were paid and food was on the table. Makayla and her siblings sometimes had to go without but their mother always found a way to make sure things were taken care of.

As Makayla got older she started school where she was a very bright child making good grades and leaving wonderful memories with her teachers to cherish forever. When Makayla finished 3rd grade and was moving forward to 4th grade she was put in a homeschool where after completing the grade level diagnostics she placed at a 5th grade level so there was no need for her to complete 4th grade. She continued through her school years making great grades and leaving memories behind for her teachers. In 2024 Makayla graduated middle school and started out her high school year.

After all the years of struggling and seeing her mother struggle to provide for her, her brother, and her sister she decided it was time for her to start doing what she could to help those who were in need. Makayla and her sister and sometimes her brother would go to the bridge in town and carry homeless people food, drinks, and blankets. There was a time where a disabled veteran was not able to walk and he was hungry and he asked Makayla and her sister if they would be so kind to walk to the McDonald's that was about 5 or 6 blocks away to get him something to eat and they did without hesitation. They carried the man back his food and they sat and talked with him for awhile and kept him company. 

December 2025 Makayla nor her family knew that would be the last year, the last Christmas, the last anything they would have with her. They were not aware that all they were about to be left with was memories and the impact she left on their lives. December 27th Makayla got very sick and was taken to the hospital on December 28th after complaining her stomach was hurting. Makayla and her mother was told she was fine and her stomach hurting was from the vomiting, after a few hours and the hospital giving her medicine Makayla was discharged as she thought she was feeling better and since the hospital said her chest x-rays were fine Makayla and her mother went home. A couple hours later Makayla started saying she was feeling worse since being back home. After her mother stating they were going back to the hospital Makayla came out of her room, she was bluish/purple and was cold to the touch, her mother called 911, once they arrived they administered IV fluid and oxygen. Once getting Makayla to the hospital she was better, color was back and body temp felt normal. After a few hours passed her health started to decline again, after nurses and doctors were made aware of the change they did not act accordingly resulting in Makayla passing away at just a young age of 15, she passed a week and 3 days before her sweet 16, the birthday she had planned for months she never got to see.

Makayla was eager for her sweet 16 because Makayla was ready to get a job and start making her own money so she could help her mother and also be able to afford things she wanted without having to ask her mother for them. She was also ready to be able to take care of her dogs and Makayla always said she was going to be a rich auntie because she wanted to spoil her niece JuJu.

She loved her family and friends more than anything in the world. She always wanted to help people and see everyone happy. Makayla was always there for her siblings Shawn and Jayden (Bookie as they called each other), she always had their backs and did not let anyone disrespect the people she loved. Makayla leaves behind to cherish her memories, her mother, brother, sister, niece, her furbabies, and friends.

Makayla and her sister's graduation photo

Makayla and her niece JuJu