It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Jai’Lynn, who left us far too soon on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the tender age of 1 year and 9 months. She is the daughter of Jamel Hayes and Shirley Barnes.
Jai’Lynn’s short life was a gift to all of us, and her infectious smile could illuminate the gloomiest of rooms. Though she was only with us for a brief time, she left an indelible mark on our hearts, and her spirit will forever remain a cherished memory for those she touched.
Sweet Baby
From the day she came into our world, she was everyone’s favorite. She was lucky number 7 of Mom’s colorful bunch.
Born on 7/7 at 7 in the morning, in the 7th month and 7th day of the week. Her smile lit up a room as bright as hers; her laugh was so beautiful it brought joy to your soul. She loved all of her siblings so much & would always get excited to see all of her aunts, uncles, & cousins. She has endless nicknames from Jai’, Momma Mia, Pretty, Sweet Baby, Sevyn, & Pink baby.
Jai’Lynn was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome, which is a genetic and developmental delay. She was non-verbal and hadn’t learned to walk quite yet, but was getting the hang of it with the help from her main Therapist, Dave, who we all loved so much, and with the help of others, Shaelyn (Jai’s advocate, Jacee), Kim & Jamie.
She was full of happiness and smiles even when she didn’t feel well. That girl could eat too, but she didn’t know where it all went. She would throw up until she passed out, and didn’t want to be fed at all. She was so independent. Her favorite food was Mac & Cheese and pancakes, and she loved French Fries from anywhere.
She had just started liking ice cream, but wasn’t a fan of the coldness on her teeth. She was so goofy, she would crack up at any gesture or funny face her brothers and sisters would do.
She would climb all over your head, back, and forth all day if you let her. She loved everyone equally but her favorite person other than Mom & Dad was her aunt Rosemary you would of thought she birth her those two were inseparable and everyone at the nursing home was her biggest fan she had her own room and MawMaw was just company she would fill everyone up with life if you weren’t feeling good or down her presence would cheer you up and her love would warm your soul.
Jai’Lynn,
We All Will Miss You & We All Love You Always!
She is lovingly survived by her devoted parents, father Jamel Hayes and mother Shirley Barnes; her godparents, Amelia Rivera and Kelssy De-la-Crus Trass, both of Centralia; brothers Carlos Scott III, Princeton Hayes, and Jamel Hayes Jr.; sisters Kassidy Scott and Erykah Hayes; grandmothers Lawanda Barnes of Centralia and Cassandra Hayes of St. Louis; and grandfather Eric Collins of Centralia. Jai’Lynn is also fondly remembered by her aunts and uncles, including Joyce Barnes (Deandra Lowe), Anthony Barnes, Kass Barnes, David Barnes, Steven Barnes, and Betty Barnes, all of Centralia; Cassie Green (Josh), James Hayes, Jalen Hayes, and Brittany Hayes of St. Louis. Numerous great-aunts, uncles, and cousins will also hold her dear in their hearts.
Jai’Lynn was preceded in death by her grandmother Shirley Barnes, grandmother Dosia Hayes, sister Laila Miller, grandfather Erky Harris, and many beloved great-aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A celebration of Jai’Lynn’s life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to gather during a visitation prior to the service, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the family to honor the memory of Jai’Lynn and support them during this difficult time. Donations will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Jai’Lynn’s tender, radiant soul will be forever remembered and dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. May her gentle smile remain etched in our hearts, a testament to the joy and light she brought into our lives.
