Xaria-Paige Khalista Linton

It is with the deepest sorrow—and a heart full of love—that I share the loss of my beloved daughter, Xaria-Paige Khalista Linton. Known to many as “Xaxa,” she was not only my daughter but my compass, my joy, my pride, and the very light in my life. On June 13, 2025, at just 18 years old, Xaria left this world far too soon—but not without leaving a beautiful, lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Xaria spent her early years immersed in different cultures and communities, splitting her time between Jamaica, Haiti, Toronto, and Montreal. Wherever she was, she brought joy, curiosity, and a unique sense of style that lit up the room. Her vibrant upbringing shaped her open-mindedness and deep appreciation for people from all walks of life.

She was my daughter, my first thought in the morning, my last prayer at night. She challenged me, stretched me, and wrapped me in a love that was both fierce and tender. She was a loving sister to Mathis, a treasured granddaughter to Clarence and Inez, and a heartbeat within a wide family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends.

A proud graduate of Howard S. Billings High School, she completed the STEM program with honors and had just begun her post-secondary journey at Dawson College in Business Administration. But Xaria was never one to be defined by a single path. She had a mind full of ideas, a heart full of empathy, and a soul that searched for meaning in everything she touched.

Whether she was painting, writing, sketching, or redesigning her room for the third time, she did it with passion and precision. She adored K-Pop, anime—especially Jujutsu Kaisen—and stories that spoke of resilience, courage, and transformation. She saw herself in those stories. She was one of those stories. She dreamed of becoming a writer and of using her voice to lift others. She believed in justice, fairness, and making room for those too often pushed to the side.

Beyond her creative talents, Xaria was a gifted athlete, proudly representing her high school, West Hill Collegiate in Scarborough Ontario in soccer and badminton. Yet it was her big personality and unwavering heart that set her apart. She was known for her generosity, sharp wit, and strong opinions—and if you were lucky enough to be loved by her, you knew she’d defend you without hesitation. Her kindness was magnetic, her loyalty unmatched, and her presence unforgettable.

Some of my fondest memories with Xaria are stitched together in the quiet, ordinary moments: her dragging me into new food adventures, late-night horror movie marathons that turned into bonding rituals, and long study nights filled with laughter, learning, and love. Whether it was teaching her how to ride a bike, helping her study, or just hearing her ask, “Was it bussin’?”. These memories are gold. They are mine to keep, and I will carry them for the rest of my days.

Her time here was too short. It always will be. But what she gave us—what she gave me—was so full, so rich, so powerful, that it will never leave. She lived bravely. She loved deeply. And she was unapologetically herself in every step she took.

Though her time with us was far too short, Xaria lived boldly, fully, and authentically. Her light touched many, and the space she leaves behind is immense. But in every brushstroke, every written word, every laugh shared in her name—Xaria lives on.

We will gather to honor her life on Sunday, July 13th at 1:00 PM, at Pillars of Faith SDA Church, 3220 Boulder Crest Rd, Ellenwood, GA 30294. To reflect the brightness Xaria brought into our lives, we ask that guests refrain from wearing black and instead wear something with color—something that reflects her spirit: bold, beautiful, and unmistakably her.

In lieu of flowers, I ask that you carry a piece of her with you. Share a story. Do something kind in her name. Live a little louder, love a little harder, and never forget her laugh.

She was my daughter.

She was my light.

She was my Xaxa, and she always will be

With all my love,

Your father, Dwight Linton