Jayla was a vibrant soul whose light touched everyone she met. Her creativity, passion for life, and love for the arts made her unforgettable. Though her journey was tragically cut short by fentanyl poisioning, her spirit lives on in the echoes of the memories she left behind. Jayla’s story reminds us of the beauty in individuality and the importance of embracing and supporting one another through life’s challenges.

Jayla is the oldest of 15 siblings, she attended the PineForest High School In Pensacola Florida where she was a 4 year member of NJROTC, Softball player, Volleyball Player, and Cheerleader.

Our "Princess" Jayla Michelle, transitioned to her palace in heaven on April 26, 2024. Jayla's story now serves as a light to those struggling silently in the dark. 

Forever ~ 21

You are not alone, you are not a burden, you are valued, you are worthy, and you are a conquer.

 Forever 24

Gabriella Johnson Hill was my oldest daughter. She was a beautiful, intelligent, loving, and funny 23-year-old when she was taken from us.

On September 22, 2022, I received the call that no parent ever wants to get—my daughter was unresponsive.

Gabriella had Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism. On September 23, 2022, at 4:02 AM, she lost her battle.

Later, we found out there was fentanyl in her system. Just days before, her bloodwork showed none of it was present.

This has been a devastating loss for all of us. Her siblings and I miss her deeply, and we are determined to get justice for Gabriella.

Forever ~ 23

7 months, 31 weeks, 220 days, and 318,600 minutes.

That’s how long it’s been since the last time I spoke to you—without having any idea it would be the last. It was just a normal four-minute conversation that ended with, “I’ll see you in a half hour. I love you.” I never knew that the next time I would see the love of my life would be a moment burned into my mind forever.

He was on his knees, arms resting on the bathroom counter, his cheek pressed against the drawer handle. My baby’s skin was blue, his eyes open. I’ll never forget how cool he felt when I reached out to grab him.

I got him onto his back to begin mouth-to-mouth and chest compressions while the 911 operator stayed on the line. It felt like forever before they arrived—but it was only two minutes. In between compressions, I kept screaming: “Wake up!!” “Please, baby, wake up!”

When the paramedics and officers arrived, they told me to go downstairs and take a minute to breathe while they took over. So, I left him lying there.

At 2:55, standing in my kitchen, the paramedics and an officer came to me. They told me how sorry they were, that they had done everything they could, but it wasn’t enough. He was gone. In that moment, I felt a part of my soul leave my body with his.

I had just lost my other half. My best friend. My baby’s daddy. My soulmate.

They asked if there was someone they could call to be with me. One by one, the paramedics walked past me, saying how sorry they were.

I asked the officer if I could go see him. I lay down next to him on the floor, holding his hand, resting my head on his chest—the same way I had fallen asleep every single night for the past five and a half years. Even after seven months, I still can’t put into words what that felt like.

That moment, on July 14, 2024, changed me forever.

Ryan had the best sense of humor—I think he could make just about anyone laugh until their stomach hurt. He loved his job as a union crane operator and was an incredibly hard worker. He was good at just about everything—from hockey to bow hunting to always having the right answer to any question. If he wasn’t 100% confident in something, he was always willing to learn.

Being a dad was the highlight of his life, and watching him with his kids was the highlight of mine. He was so full of life, so excited for our future. We had so many plans.

From the moment we met, Ryan and I were inseparable. He made me feel like the only person in the world. The love I have for him is beyond anything I can express.

I watched him struggle every day to overcome his addiction. He fought so hard, but the pull it had on him was stronger. It always seemed to win.

It only took one second to tear our lives apart.

It only took one pill to leave my heart shattered beyond repair.

As I sit here in our home—the place where we made so many memories, shared so much laughter, and felt so much love—I can’t help but think about how I felt that day, lying next to his lifeless body in the middle of our living room.

That will forever be my last memory of the person who meant the absolute most to me.

Forever ~ 36

Gabrielle Grace Blakely was vibrant, intelligent, and full of promise. She graduated from Murphy High School with a 4.58 GPA, excelled in soccer and track, and earned a 28 on her ACT. Her determination led her to the University of Alabama, where she graduated magna cum laude on May 6, 2023.

But behind her achievements, Gabby carried a silent pain. After being assaulted at a fraternity party, she struggled with PTSD and turned to opioids to cope with the trauma and sleepless nights. Despite her strength and resilience, Gabby’s life was tragically cut short on November 14, 2023, just three days after completing a 47-day rehab program. The opioid she took was unknowingly laced with fentanyl.

Gabby wasn’t someone you’d expect to fall into addiction. She was smart, popular, and driven—but trauma can lead anyone down an unexpected path. Her mother now carries her voice, bravely sharing Gabby’s story to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and the silent battles many face.

 Forever ~ 22

- Gabbys Mom