Kailey A. Morris

Kailey Anna Morris, beloved daughter, sister and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family after a brave five-week battle due to complications after a sudden cardiac arrest on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the University of Michigan Mott Children's Hospital at the age of 19, two months shy of her 20th birthday.

Kailey was born on Thursday, May 11, 2006, to Timothy and Kathleen (Hegyan) Morris in Ann Arbor, at U-M Mott Children's Hospital due to known congenital heart defects and later learned, other health conditions. She arrived three weeks early, an early sign of the determination and drive that would define her life. Kailey never let being born with health conditions affect, nor limit her embracing life to the fullest.

Throughout her life, Kailey was very academically driven and known as a determined overachiever, regularly earning a place on the principal's and dean's list in high school and college while taking advanced placement classes while maintaining a 4.0-plus GPA. Kailey also became a certified nurse assistant (CNA) as well as assisted teaching a kindergarten class at Roosevelt Elementary School during her senior year. Most recently, Kailey was accepted into the College of Education at Saginaw Valley State University paving the way toward her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher.

Known for her gentle and compassionate nature, Kailey had a deep love for children. She dedicated and volunteered time to helping with First Church of God teaching ministries (Little Kidzone and Vacation Bible Schools), had a 15-week internship working with the Pediatric Occupational and Physical Therapists at Corewell Health Rehabilitation Royalton, and volunteered at Sensory Camps for children with special needs, always finding joy in helping others learn and grow.

Kailey had many interests and hobbies. She loved attending church and youth groups at home and on campus at SVSU reflecting her deep faith and love for God. Kailey loved reading, watching rom-com, dramatic and crime movies, the Hamilton musical, listening to music, especially anything by Harry Styles or country music, going to rodeos, hockey and football games, and working out. Kailey loved to bake, monkeys, mac-n-cheese, ranch dressing, Baja Blast, Diet Dr. Pepper and ice cream. She adored her beloved cat, Anastasia, who was a constant companion at home.

Outgoing and personable, Kailey naturally formed many friendships and maintained a large circle of friends who were drawn to her warmth and kindness. She also enjoyed keeping up with fashion and looking her best. Kailey was known for her black Kia Soul car, Ms. Keisha, with the hamster sticker on the back. She also loved the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. For the past several years, Kailey worked at Tosi's Restaurant, along with her sisters, where the owners and team have become a second family to them.

Kailey is survived by her parents: Tim and Kathy Morris; sisters: Grace Morris and Abigail "Abby" Morris; maternal grandmother, Shirley (Popp) Hegyan; paternal grandmother, Evelyn (Isbrecht) Morris; uncle, John Bostek and aunt, Kim (Hegyan) Bostek; along with many extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Gary Hegyan and paternal grandfather, Raymond Morris.

A celebration of life service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, at First Church of God, 2627 Niles Ave., St. Joseph. Interment will follow at Hickory Bluff Cemetery, Stevensville. Visitation will take place from 4-7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph.

In honor of Kailey, those attending are encouraged to wear a pop of orange and/or pink color to make the day more reflective of a celebration in memory of her life.

A memory box will be available at the visitation and service, and her family has requested attendees bring a photo(s) of Kailey/Kailey with you to place into the box. If possible, please include names and dates for her family to cherish for years to come, and to see who and how Kailey touched your lives. The family will also have two memory books and request guests to leave notes, stories, and/or special memories for the family. These will help share why and what you think made Kailey such a special, genuine, helpful and amazing person that she was.

Memorial contributions in Kailey's name may be made to the family in care of Tim or Kathy Morris to assist with a future memorialization Those wishing to send a condolence or flowers online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.