Yazilah Ariana Barnes

Yazilah Ariana Barnes, 2 months old, passed away December 6, 2024, at the Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. She was born September 19, 2024, in Waterloo, the daughter of Taquan M. Barnes and Fajirah R. Guyton.

Yazilah was a radiant and joyful soul who brought boundless happiness to everyone around her. Though her time with us was short, her presence was a gift that will forever be cherished. From the moment her mother greeted her with a warm "good morning, how are you?" Yazilah's facewould light up, her smile as bright as her eyes filled with pure joy. she had a special love for bath time, music, and the gentle sound of rain. Her connection with her mother was unmistakable; the simple acts of a thumb gently rubbing her forehead or fingers running through her soft hair brought comfort to both of them. Just at eleven weeks old, Yazilah was already showing signs of sharing her mother's remarkable personality. So advanced, full of life, and so expressive. She seemed to understand everything said to her, responding with what could only be described as eager conversation for a child so young.

Yazilah loved snuggling close to her mommy making each moment together a cherished memory. She found joy in the simple things, especially meal time when the warmth of her mother's breast milk would lull her into a peaceful sleep. Yazilah was the happiest, most precious baby, and her mother's world was bright for having her in it.

Though she was with us for far too short of a time, the love Yazilah shared will be forever felth by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Yazilah is survived by her mother, Fajirah R. Guyton, her father, Taquan M. Barnes, her sister, Ma'Laiya Barnes, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Andrea Anderson, maternal grandfather, Willie Guyton, great-grandmothers, Betty Anderson and Marveda Blackmon, and cousins, Angel Edmond and Asad Calhoun.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 PM, Friday, December 20, 2024 at Locke at Tower Park in Waterloo with burial at Garden of Memories Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family. Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, is assisting the family, 319-233-3146.