Laila Denise McCarter

Laila Denise McCarter was a radiant spark of kindness, creativity, and love who lit up every room she entered.  Born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, on January 18, 2006, to Latrease Griffin-Turner and Jojuan Turner, and Deantay McCarter. Laila was raised with a heart full of dreams. While she left this world too soon at the age of 19, Laila’s vibrant spirit will forever shine in the lives of those who knew her.

A proud 2024 graduate of Wayne High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Laila was the kind of person who made everyone feel seen and valued. Her gentle soul and natural empathy drew her to children, and she dreamed of becoming a child psychologist—a path that perfectly suited her nurturing nature and desire to make a difference.

Laila was a true creative force. Her anime art was nothing short of mesmerizing and her makeup skills could rival any pro. Laila had an eye for beauty and a flair for fashion that turned heads wherever she went. When Laila wasn’t sketching or perfecting her latest look through self-expression, you could find her vibing out to Kendrick Lamar (she absolutely loved his Super Bowl performance!), laughing and shopping with friends, curled up with a book from Barnes & Noble or binge-watching Dance Moms.

Laila’s greatest masterpiece was the love she poured into her relationships. Her bond with her grandmother, Rane, ran deep. Her baby sister, Liah (aka “Sissy”), was her hype girl and her biggest fan. Laila was Liah’s ultimate cheerleader and often attended Liah’s softball games, volleyball matches, or basketball tournaments.

Laila lived life joy and adventure! She traveled with her family often for holidays and vacations. She made recent plans to travel the internationally, explore new cultures, and collect stories along the way. Laila’s adventurous spirit was contagious.

Laila was preceded in death by her loving cherished aunt, Lakita Bolden; great-grandparents, Mary V. Williams (Harvey), Daniel and Mary Smith, Renny Grandison, Russell Sims Sr., and Signora Armstrong (Clifton); her great-aunts, Deborah Wilson, Carloyn Barrett, and Charlotte Barrett; and her great-uncles, Jerry Griffin, and Leon Barrett; sister, Kaya McCarter.

Laila leaves to cherish her memory her loving parents, Latrease Griffin-Turner and Jojaun Turner, and Deantay McCarter; Godmother, Semia Smith (Demar); her sisters, Liah McCarter, Deanna McCarter, Arianna McCarter and Syncere Turner; brothers, Zion Blackwell and Zymere Turner; her grandparents, Iris Griffin, Rane McCarter, and Lloyd Smith (Patricia); her uncles, Antonio Smith (Eva), John McCarter, Billy Grandison, Sr. and Mike Smith; her great-aunts, Joyce Thompson (Troy), Tamika Simms, and Donna Smith; her great-uncles, Tyrone Griffin, Charles Williams, Russell Simms, Jr., and Dondrell Simms; and her cousins, Shanna Friend, Angel Jackson (Durrell), Troy Thompson, Jr. (Rochelle), Brandi Thompson, Jay McCarter, Johnathan McCarter, Aaliyah Grandison, Tabby Grandison, Jerusalem Grandison, Isiah Grandison, and Billy Grandison, Jr.,  a host of cousins, extended family and friends. 

In Laila’s memory, let’s honor her spirit by being a little kinder, dreaming a little bigger, and loving a little harder. And maybe, just maybe, binge-watch an episode of Dance Moms in Laila’s honor.

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