Kayla Grace Mack, 26, of Arcata, passed away on October 10, 2023. Born on April 18, 1997, in St. Louis, Missouri, Kayla was a vibrant, beautiful, and loving soul with a heart filled with love and generosity. Kayla’s smile brilliantly filled every space she entered and she was deeply adored.

Kayla was a beloved daughter of Kiana Kelly (Mack). She was also a cherished sister to Jalen Kelly and Aaron Kelly. Kayla was a loving godmother to her only godson, Aiden Files. She was also survived by her tribe of loving aunts: Pamela Dennis (Ferguson), Kristina Newland, Rheiya Florance (Saunders), Shalonda Ingram, Keba Bell (Pace); great-great aunt Martha James; grandmother Janice Wortham; great-aunt Helen Harmon (Archer); great-uncle Lewis Archer; great-uncle Clifford Archer; great-uncle Joe Mack, and great-aunt Thelma Mack; cousins Jourdan Archer-Sizemore, Gamal Mack, Imani Mack, Tahir Mack along with an abundance of family and friends.

In her educational journey, Kayla attended Holman Elementary in St Louis, Missouri, where she began her relationship with instrumentation. Kayla was a talented musician playing seven instruments and excelling in the viola. In addition to instruments, Kayla was a beautiful songstress with a melodic range.

Kayla attended Webster Groves High School in St. Louis and was the only black female wrestler on her team. She was affectionately nicknamed the “Headlock Queen” for her ability to subdue her opponents. Kayla continued the family tradition of track & field, and thrived in volleyball, tennis and chess. Kayla later graduated from South Fork High School in South Florida. She went on to pursue higher education at Santa Fe College in Gainesville.

Kayla worked a variety of jobs throughout her life, but had no dream job, because “she did not dream of working.” Kayla’s true passion lay in being an incredible daughter, big sister, friend, and a godmother. She inspired and lent counsel to everyone she knew. She was known as the Thrift Queen, always on the lookout for unique finds. Kayla had a keen sense of fashion, loved makeup, enjoyed line dancing, camping, decorating and nature.

Services for Kayla will be held privately.

Kayla Grace Mack will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her vibrant spirit and loving nature will forever be remembered and cherished. May she rest in peace.

If you or anyone you love struggles with suicidal thoughts, please call 988. Please know that you are valuable and the world needs you.

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