Kayla Shanelle Carter

Kayla Shanelle Carter was born on Saturday, November 16th, 1996, to her loving parents, Kevin and Juliet Carter. From a young age, she radiated joy, warmth, and compassion. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as a young girl at Columbus Christian Center Church, a commitment that shaped her life and the way she loved others.

Kayla, affectionately known by a litany of nicknames, was a bright, shining light to those who had the privilege of knowing her. Above all, Kayla elevated the values poured into her as a young woman. Those values include but are not limited to love, peace, compassion, empathy, and especially joy.

As a young woman, Kayla explored and demonstrated her vast talents across numerous fields of application, including academics, athletics, dance, and music. She was a proud graduate of Gahanna Lincoln High School in Gahanna, Ohio, and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, graduating cum laude from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. While in college, Kayla was a dedicated leader of the Marching Band’s Color Guard. She joined Tau Beta Sigma Sorority, Incorporated, where she built lifelong friendships and deepened her passion for service, music, and sisterhood.

As a young professional, Kayla established a reputation of both excellence and emotional intelligence in her work. She worked as a Registered Behavioral Technician at Empower, where her empathy and dedication left a lasting impact on the children and families she served. Her passion for mental health and advocacy was evident in every life she touched.

Kayla had a heart full of music, a contagious laugh, and a soul that loved to dance. She brought light into every room she entered, and her presence was a gift to all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her beloved grandfathers, William J. Carter and Willie Grant, and her uncle Reginald Carter.

Kayla leaves to cherish her memory: her parents, Kevin and Juliet Carter, her brothers, Kameryn Carter and Jalen Carter, and her sister TrèAna Carter. She is a cherished granddaughter to Angela Carter, Deborah Carter, and Ronnie Ann Grant. Kayla also leaves behind Aunts: Jewel Johnson (Ronnie), Vanessa Grant, Pamela Kent, Elizabeth Trotman; Uncles: Emmit Grant, William J. Carter Jr (Sheila), Michael Carter (Tunisia); Niece: Nadia Boyd; Cousins, and a host of loving relatives, sorority sisters, co-workers, and friends.

Those who knew Kayla will remember her beautifully stunning and infectious smile, along with her charming, contagious laughter. Aside from her commitment to finding joy in any situation, Kayla was also a devoted follower of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Although Kayla’s physical form has transitioned, her spirit remains in each of our hearts. As we adjust to our new reality, we are comforted by the memory of Kayla’s silly sense of humor, joyful spirit, and enduring love. Her time with us was far too short, but her impact will live on in the hearts and lives of those she touched. We will forever remember her laugh, her love, and her light.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18