Aliyah Marie Waldon

Aliyah Marie Waldon, aged 20, passed away on September 28, 2025 in her hometown of Tampa, Florida after a long, courageous battle with osteosarcoma. Born on April 27, 2005 in Tampa, Aliyah was a radiant soul whose presence illuminated every space she entered.

Aliyah was a dedicated athlete from a young age. She played volleyball from the age of ten with No Name Volleyball Club all the way through high school at Clearwater Central Catholic High School, where Aliyah led her team to State Title during her senior year and was named Player of the Game. Her passion led her to earn a full- ride scholarship to Mercer University in Macon, GA. where she studied Psychology and Sociology, determined to help children who had endured trauma. In her first year, Aliyah made an immediate mark- earning a place on the All-SoCon Freshman Team, the Dean's List, and the admiration of all who knew her.

Aliyah embodied the Hebrew meaning of her name "rising, elevating, ascending". Aliyah was brilliant, kind and possessed a rare combination of beauty, intellect, compassion and strength. She loved deeply and gave freely, always putting others first. She was radiant, kind hearted and selfless. Her smile could warm any room and her laughter could lift any spirit. She never met a stranger and had a rare gift for making others feel truly seen and valued.

A lover of sunsets, nature, and photography, Aliyah found joy in simple beauty and in giving to others whether it be fundraising for children's cancer awareness, handing out Thanksgiving meals and clothes, or reading to elementary school children in Macon, she was always giving.

Aliyah is survived by her devoted mother, Julie Rodgers; her brother, Ronald Rodgers; her grandparents, Walter and Katherine Bartlett; great grandparents Katherine and James McKee; father, Benitez Waldon; grandmother, Janis Waldon; and several aunts, uncles, cousins a niece and a nephew.

A celebration of Aliyah's life will be held on Saturday October 25, 2025, at The West Events, 13435 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach. Guests are invited, weather permitting, to join a beach walk to honor her love of sunsets.

She who leaves a trail of light will never be forgotten. We will see you in every sunrise and ever sunset. We love you, Ali.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations to Aliyah's GoFundMe or to the foundation "Hope and Hustle Inc" at 4890 Shiloh Rd, Hahira, GA 31632.