Aaliyah Maria Michelle Wright

Aaliyah was born on February 5, 2013, in West Burlington, Iowa, to Jennifer Wright and Stanley Peden Jr. From the very beginning, she brought light and joy into the lives of everyone who knew her.

Aaliyah was a beautiful, kind, and fun-loving young girl with a vibrant spirit. She was a seventh-grade student at Saginaw Middle School, where she shared her bright smile and loving heart with friends and teachers alike.

She was incredibly talented in so many ways. Aaliyah had an amazing voice and could hold any note with confidence and grace. She was a spunky dancer, a gifted artist who loved to draw, and a talented musician who could play multiple instruments. Her intelligence shined just as brightly, as she even taught herself Spanish, French, and Japanese simply because of her love for learning.

Music filled her world, and she found joy in creativity and self-expression. She adored cats and dogs, had a special love for butterflies, and enjoyed swimming whenever she could. Her favorite colors were aqua blue and black, reflecting both her bright and lively personality, as well as her deep, mysterious side. She also loved spending time on her computer and phone, especially playing Roblox. Aaliyah loved stuffed animals, spicy foods like buldak noodles and spicy fried chicken, and a traditional Lithuanian dish, kugelis, which brought comfort to her soul.

Aaliyah’s heart was as big as her spirit. In a final act of selflessness, she donated her kidneys, liver, lungs, eyes, and, most importantly, her heart of gold, giving others the gift of life and forever showing the depth of her love and kindness.

Aaliyah is survived by her loving mother, Jennifer Wright; her father, Stanley Peden Jr. (Sylvia); her brothers, Timothy Beans Jr., James Baisden, and Al'lon Peden; her sisters, Taylor Peden, Za'charia Peden, and Emerald Smith; her grandparents, Vida Luzadder (John), Velma Payne; her aunties, Sabrina Wright Teleso (James), Timikia, and Rekeyia (Terrell); her uncles, Ryan (Carline) and Romond. Aaliyah is also survived by her cousins, Vivian and Keira Teleso, Sha'uri, Terrell Jr., Mason, Ravi, Amari, and Kiara. She is also survived by her loving godmother LaShawka Miller.

Aaliyah is preceded in death by her grandfather; Stanley Peden Sr.

A celebration of Aaliyah's life will be held on Monday, March 30th, 2026 at House of Prayer, located at 2233 King Rd, Saginaw MI, at 11:00 AM

Aaliyah’s life, though far too short, was full of beauty, talent, laughter, and endless love. She had a way of making people feel special, and her hugs, her smile, and her sweet voice will be treasured forever. Our precious Aaliyah will always be our shining light. Though we cannot hold her in our arms, we will hold her in our hearts every single day. We find comfort in knowing she is wrapped in God’s love, free and at peace.