Makayla Kincaide

Makayla Louise Kincaide, age 20, was born with a sensitivity to attention, which makes writing this obituary all the more awkward. She would hate it, but here we go. A resident of Shorewood, IL, she passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Ascension Saint Joseph Medical Center, Joliet, IL from a severe asthma attack.
Makayla was born in Chicago on October 19, 2004. She came from the union of two parents who had experienced early parental loss. She was the first grandchild on both sides of her family. She was loved and wanted. There was so much hope wrapped up in this preemie.
As if almost sensing the expectations, she was a very good baby. Makalyla was curious about everything, and this trait followed her throughout her life. Wit and wordplay made her mind buzz, even when she didn't have the vocabulary to express herself.
She was soon joined by her sister Marissa. They had a bond that's very hard to describe in this short obituary. Being complete opposites, the sisters were their own entity unto themselves, complete with their own special language. Makayla was reserved, while Marissa was extroverted. Raising these two girls was a pure delight for their mother.
The family moved to Shorewood in 2011. At the time, there weren't many biracial children around. Makayla and Marissa leaned into each other, and wanted to explore the new city. The neighbors turned out to be incredibly kind, and the town was very welcoming. Shorewood was the perfect town to grow up in.
Makayla's parents' divorce wounded a part of her soul. She wasn't sure how to move forward with her young life. As adolescence approached, her feet grew to a size eleven, and she towered over classmates. She felt very self-aware.
She found refuge in creating. Stevie Nicks became a great example for her. Makayla picked up a paint brush, baking supplies, and crocheting items. She did her crafts at the most inconvenient times, much to the chagrin of those around her.
Makayla entered her teenage years with burning curiosity, intelligence, and imagination. She was beautiful, too, having grown into her large feet and stature. She found avenues of artistry in her nails and makeup. The entire package was a radiant woman.
This attracted the love of her life, Daniel. The pair were a good match. His boisterous personality distracted her sensitive soul when the world felt like too much. He indulged her with trips to various stores for her crafting, as only a devoted boyfriend would.
Makayla asked the Universe for a cat. The most obnoxious, loving, and loud cat answered the call. Pierogi was always at her side.
Makayla was set to take on the world. She had dreams of going to New Orleans and Salem, Massachusetts. She wanted to attend the upcoming My Chemical Romance tour. She imagined adopting every cat she saw.
Through a growing relationship with her Aunt Kelly, she started to curate her perfume collection and her own personal style. She wanted to explore that more. She wanted to discover more of her roots through cooking Soul Food and Polish recipes. She had just perfected a borscht recipe and subjected all of those around her to eat it. For an entire summer.
She recently got hired as a teacher's aide. In that environment, she realized her potential to touch lives. She could help children mend their wounds and realize their best potential selves. Makayla took an intense interest in sign language and became proficient. She started on the path of becoming a preschool teacher.
Now comes the unfair part. Her journey was suddenly and inexplicably stopped on November 21st, 2024. A woman with so much potential, love, and hope woven into her succumbed to an asthma attack.
Family who knew her are distraught. We carry a Makayla-sized hole in our hearts. We will never be the same, both in the knowing of her and the losing of her.
Her family asks the reader to embrace whatever they have been putting off doing in your life. Please honor her legacy in living and being your most authentic self. Makayla Louise Kincaide embraced those twenty short years.
Please realize the very short time we have. Tomorrow is guaranteed for no one.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024, 3:00-7:00 PM at Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 15219 Joliet Rd. (Corner of Rt. 30 and Rt. 59), Plainfield.
Interment will be private.
Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to:
Catnap from the Heart Animal Shelter, 1101 Beach Ave., LaGrange Park, IL 60526(708) 352-3914, https://catnapfromtheheart.org/support/donate
or
Black Girls Smile Inc., 352 University Avenue SW Unit W117, Atlanta, Georgia 30310, https://www.blackgirlssmile.org/ in her memory.
For more information, please visit www.overman-jones.com or call (815) 436-9221.