Jay’Lah Mariah Rainey

Miss Jay’Lah Mariah Rainey, affectionately known as “Riah,” was a shining star who lit up every room she entered. Though only 4 years old, Riah possessed the mind, attitude, and character of someone far beyond her years. What she did not say with words, she expressed beautifully through her eyes and unforgettable facial expressions. Riah loved going to church, fashion, food, and helping on the family farm. Her presence brought joy, laughter, and love to all who knew her.

Riah attended the Fort Valley Head Start Program, where she would have proudly been a member of the 2026 Pre-K graduating class. She was a bright, loving child whose sweet spirit touched the hearts of her teachers, classmates, and everyone blessed to know her.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving and devoted parents: Joseph William Rainey and Deanjannae Williams; sister, Lei’Loni Williams, Fort Valley, Georgia; her bestie and GiGi, Arlesha M. Redding of Fort Valley; her grandfather, Joseph Rainey III (Latoya) of Warner Robins, Georgia; and Tamela Morris of Dayton, Ohio.

Riah was deeply loved by the best great-grandparents in the world, Willie F. Mathews (Carol) of Fort Valley, Ms. Carol Rainey-Mathews of White Plains, New York, and Ms. Alice Sade Williams of Dayton, Ohio. She also leaves a loving and devoted great-great-grandmother, Ms. Henritta Barrett of Dorchester, Massachusetts.

Her memory will continue to be cherished by her devoted “Glam Squad” of TT’s: Miss Makayla A. Drake, Ms. Kellie A. Mathews, and Ms. Yori Mathews; her entertaining uncle, Mr. Marcus Mathews; her devoted Bonus GrandDaddy, Mr. Jeffery L. Jones; her devoted great-aunts, Ms. Shirley A. Battle of Margate, Florida; Patricia Mathis, Fort Valley; and her two devoted great-great-aunts, Mrs. Martha Postell (Castella) and Ms. Viola Barrett of Fort Valley, Georgia.