Kayla Marie White
October 2, 1995 – February 15, 2026
Kayla White, 30, passed away on February 15, 2026. Though her time on earth was far too short, the love and light she shared will remain in the hearts of her family and friends forever.
Kayla was the cherished daughter of James White and Lori Hayes. She was a deeply loved sister to Jordon Burk (Josh), and a proud and adoring aunt to Payton, Lucas, Logan, and Lincoln Burk. She was treasured by her extended family Savannah Murray, Joy Corder(Darrel), Ron Hayes, Connie Jackson(Rick), Betty White and Cardell White.
Her family meant everything to her, and she carried each of them in her heart every single day.
She was a joyful presence and an inspiration to those facing their own hardships. Kayla’s laughter could fill a room, and her smile was a gift bright, genuine, and full of love. Though her days were often marked by challenges, she chose joy again and again, spreading sunshine wherever she went.
Kayla had a deep love for music and often held close the quote, “Where words fail, music speaks.” She found comfort and a way to express what her heart sometimes could not put into words. She loved attending concerts and was especially moved in those moments when the crowd sang in unison, a reminder that even in a room full of people, she felt deeply connected.
She loved watching Disney movies and treasured time spent at theme parks with her family, where her joy was contagious and her laughter came easily. Kayla also had a sense of adventure when it came to trying new foods and experiences. With a heart that longed to help others, she dreamed of becoming a therapy counselor, hoping to walk alongside people in their struggles and remind them they were never alone.
Above all, Kayla found her strength in Jesus, resting in the hope and peace that only He can give. She loved serving within her church community, where she was a member at New Life Church International and from the moment she arrived her gentle spirit and kind heart made an impact on her church family.
Her love was fierce, her heart was pure, and her spirit was unbreakable. Kayla gave endlessly and without condition, loving others with a depth that asked for nothing in return. Beneath her beautiful and radiant personality was a steadfast resilience that carried her through life’s trials with quiet courage and grace. She had the rare gift to make every person she encountered feel seen, valued, and deeply loved.
While our world feels less bright without her here, we celebrate the beauty she brought into our lives. We find comfort in knowing Kayla is now made new fully healed, at peace, and resting in the arms of our Father. Her legacy of kindness, resilience, and unwavering love will live on in our hearts forever. Kayla will forever be missed, forever loved, and forever remembered.
“It’s ok to rest during the storm, you’ll fly again.”
Relatives and friends may gather at Tampa Cremation & Burial Service, 8109 E Martin Luther King Blvd., Tampa, Fl 33619, on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Funeral Services for Kayla will begin at 2:00 p.m.
Condolences
I’m so sorry for your loss. Kayla was always the sweetest in school. She will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I cherish all of our memories, working together at Sonny’s, looking at places to almost rent together etc. you’re such a sweet soul. I miss you!
Kayla was the one to light up any room with her gorgeous smile. Every person she encountered with, she left a print of their heart- including I. My deepest condolence to her family & friends.
I’m so sorry for the loss of Kayla. She was an amazing person who had a heart of gold and lots of love to share! She was a wonderful best friend to my sister Casey . She will be deeply missed by so many! Her time here had such an impact on everyone she ever met. Fly high sweet girl! 🌻💛
Kayla was the one of the sweetest and most genuine girls I’ve known. Praying for her family 🩷
I am so sorry for your loss. Kayla was funny and sweet in high school. She was very down to earth and will be missed
May You Rest In Peace Sweet Girl. I’ll Forever Cherish Our Memories. Partners In Crime For Life ❤️❤️
Kayla was one of the sweetest people I have ever met had such a big heart and loved every child she ever was around I will forever cherish the memories we shared rest easy now sweet girl me and Sydney love you ❤️
I am so sorry for your loss Jordan 😔 Special prayers for my brother Dennis and Lori🙏🏽🙏🏽I love ya’ll❤️❤️ Kayla Marie,Rest In Paradise Sweet Niecy Pooh💔💔
We went to high school together she was so sweet this is very heartbreaking my condolences 💐 ❤️
So very sorry for your loss. She made me laugh so much we had great high school memories ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss, Jordan. Sending special prayers for Lori and my brother Dennis. Kayla was such a sweet niece. Rest in peace beautiful angel
Oh my sweet Kayla, I will miss you forever my love! I’ll never forget our morning concerts blasting Jason Aldean at the crack of dawn in our curly hair and cowboy boots baby!!!
I am sorry for your loss. Kayla was a memorable person from school, she always had a smile on her face and she was so genuine to everyone. RIP sweet girl🩵 she will be missed.
I’m miss keelesy’ cousin on her dad side I’m from TENNESSEE. MY DAD IS HER GREAT UNCLE. MY CONDOLENCES TO U all.
You are the sweetest person ever you did everything and anything you could for everybody and it sucks that you’re not here anymore with us. I’ll never forget the time you push me in the pool over at Aaron’s
My sincerest condolences. God bless the family during this sad occasion. God bless and keep you. You are in our prayers.
So much laughter and memories. Such a sad thing to happen to such an amazing person. You will be dearly missed. Rest easy
To my bestfriend, KayMarie, you were the light to every storm in my life. We have been through EVERYTHING together in life. From 4 years old we always had each other, no matter the distance, the circumstances, or the length of time in between. It was always us. I will never meet another person like you, no one could amount to who you were. The funniest, clumsiest, loving, gentle, pure, STRONGEST friend anyone could ever have. You fought the toughest battle, with every scar you wore it with pride because that was just another tattoo of strength you could show. I know you’re at peace, healthy, and so free, but sister it’s just not fair. I love you with every ounce of blood that runs through my veins. Til we meet again, My sister, My friend, I’ll be loving you.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Kayla was definitely the light every where she went from going skating together to get togethers super sweet and will always be missed and will never be forgotten! Rest in peace Kayla !
Kayla,
Where do I begin you were an amazing person to be around. Your laughter filled the room up and brought everyone to life. Being around you and knowing you means more to me than you would ever know. Never in my life have I met somebody who no matter what this situation was you always had a smile on and tried to make everybody happy. I hope to see you again one day., you’re at peace now. My thoughts and prayers are with your family through this tough time.
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember hanging out with Kayla throughout high school and by far she was one of the kindest people I knew. She will be missed
Kayla was just a breath of fresh air , funny and so sweet . I remember all the times we shared with my cousins and even when we crossed paths over the last few years . She stilled had such a joyful spirit and a smile on her face . It didn’t matter what she was going through she made the best out of every single day. I send you and all her family my sincere condolences 💐. May god comfort you during this time . Such a sweet angel .
Kayla you will forever be missed! Life isn’t fair losing friends at young age! You were a very sweet person . Fly high 💗
So sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to my cousin Dennis and family.❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾
I only met her at newlife international church for a short while but Kayla was all grace and humility and a sweet spirit with a precious smile.
She loved Jesus and the members of our church.
We love you angel kayla
shes was a sweetheart and her smile lit up the whole room im so sorry
kayla , you hung out in the same group as me when we were teenagers, we never got the chance to get close but you were a beautiful woman and had such a amazing soul , i wish i could’ve got to know you better but rest easy babygirl 😔🩵
My deepest condolences to the family 🕊️🕊️🕊️💜💜💜her smile and her laughter would fill a room! I’m glad I was able to meet her🫶🏾
James, Lori, and Jordon,
Words cannot begin to say how very sorry I am for Kayla’s passing. I know she’s no longer in pain. I know you three now carry a new pain and for this, I am again, sorry.
James, I’m sorry for your loss. Kayla was a sweet, kind, and funny person.
Lori, Kayla could not have had a better mother than you. You fought tooth and nail for her. You went the extra mile each and every time. You never wavered, you never stumbled, you never stopped, you never rested. You fought the good fight until Kayla’s last breath. You were there for her first breath, all the way to her last breath. You were a pit bull, Florida panther and an American alligator all rolled into one when it came to Kayla. You were always going to find a way no matter how many doors had to be kicked in or how many people needed convincing. You did her proud, every day of her life. Kayla was not going to be passed over, forgotten or not seen. Your determination and dedication to her assured those things would never happen on your watch. Now your life will change.
Jordon, thank you for being a good sister and sharing your children with Kayla. Those kids meant the world to her and so did you.
I pray you all find peace. I hope the following words give you a little comfort.
Ecclesiastics 3: 1-8
(1) To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
(2) A time to be born, And a time to die;
A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;
(3) A time to kill, And a time to heal;
A time to break down, And a time to build up;
(4) A time to weep, And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
(5) A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
(6) A time to gain, And a time to lose;
A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
(7) A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
(8) A time to love, And a time to hate;
A time of war, And a time of peace.
Until you meet again in glory. Amen.
I’m so deeply sorry to hear about this. If her mom’s reading this I work at TGH imaging and told you guys I went to high school with her. I’m sitting here in tears knowing she was just so happy and filled with joy our last encounter 🥺 sending you all the biggest hug and prayer! I’m so sorry Rest easy Kayla you will be missed 🙏🏽
I am so sorry to hear about Kayla, she was such a good friend to my son TJ. The silver lining to the grief, is that she is healed, I agree with you. My prayers are and will continue to be with you.
My deepest condolences to all of Kayla’s family. Even though it’s been some time, I was very lucky to meet Kayla and have unforgettable memories made with her that I will always cherish. I’ll never forget her making me laugh so hard my stomach would hurt, how sweet she was to my sons, playing songs on repeat and she would sing them so much! Wasted on you-Morgan Wallen ,You should be sad-Halsey, I hope- Gabby Barrett❣️ 🫶🏻🌻🌹🌻 See you again Kayla, you were one of a kind with such a beautiful soul…
Hi. I’m sending my deepest condolences to your family right now! I met Kayla in 2016 when she worked at Simmons the daycare center. We worked in the same room. She was always happy, and very bubbly. I’m truly at a lost for words, we lost touch after I left the job but I will always remember her personality.
Sending my condolences to the family from fly pretty girl love your cousin Jocelyn white
My heart is broken. Kayla was one of my good friends in high school. We shared so many afternoons after school and cheering together, and those memories will stay with me forever. She was a wonderful friend who made my high school years so much brighter. Keeping her family in my thoughts and prayers
Sending our most sincere condolences. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Our family is sending our deepest condolences to all of Kayla’s family. Her strength and beautiful spirit will be forever remembered. May she rest in the arms of Jesus.
Kayla was a sweet soul that will be missed for sure! Praying for peace and comfort for the family.
I have had the honor of watching Kayla grow up alongside my daughters — she always felt like one of my own. She was an extraordinary young girl who blossomed into an even more extraordinary woman. Beautiful, kind, witty, fun, and intelligent, she carried a bright light, a peaceful spirit, and a deeply loving heart. We will miss her dearly and hold her memory close forever..
Sending much love and prayers! I’m so sorry for your loss. Such a beautiful young lady.
Sending so much love !
To my dear precious Kayla. It was such a blessing meeting you and attending church together at New Life Church International. I admire you for your strength and courage as you faced the struggles of life. You ran a good race and you finished well. I will always remember you and your beautiful smile. My prayers now are for your precious family some of which I met on a couple of the hospital visits to visit you. Heaven gained another precious soul.❤️ Mama Pippin
I am so sorry to hear of Kayla’s passing. She was such a joy to be around the few times I was lucky enough to be. Disney & Brittni’s wedding will always be my favorite memories with her. Her smile just radiated life regardless of how she was feeling. Sending so much love to you all.