Makayla Brie Miller

After changing her major for the third time, Makayla decided to pursue her Associates Degree until she made up her mind on which direction to continue her education. She was in the process of continuing her education with the final decision on Physics with Calculus with a minor in Computer Programming. We often joked around with Makayla about her becoming a ‘nerd’; she would light up and get so much energy after learning something new or passing an exam with flying colors.

Makayla was so full of life and energy; she managed four jobs during college working for the Jacksonville Jaguars, multiple brand ambassadors, an upscale restaurant, and the local modeling industry. She amazed us with her work ethics and independence.

After surviving the service industry while in college, she landed a great job with an amazing company, Availity, as a Data Analyst. Makayla loved her job and the people that worked alongside her. She told us one day “I finally feel like I fit in”. It was of great joy to see her so enthusiastic and confident. Makayla figured out she loved adulting when she learned she got paid for holidays and several vacation days.

Holidays and vacations will not be the same without her. Makayla was highly enthusiastic over holidays or thoroughly enjoyed every vacation to its fullest. The happiness and excitement would bounce off of her onto the entire family. Even at 25 she could be the biggest kid for special events. That joy will be greatly missed.

If Makayla wasn’t at work or school, she was with her four-legged son, Watson; you would rarely see her without him. Her passion for animals carried over to volunteering and donating to multiple Humane Societies. She made sure that Watson and other animals were cared for and loved.

Makayla will be forever remembered by her father, Daniel Alan Miller, and her mother, Khristina Renee’ Miller. She will be fondly remembered by her fiancé Blair Christopher Mahan; grandparents Ronald and Patricia Miller, and Johnny and Carrie Pennell; Aunts and Uncles Tammy and Mike Carter, Patrick and Heather Pennell; Cousins Justin and Kayla Sell, Hudson and Piper Pennell, along with a magnitude of family in North Carolina.

She had so much more life left to live; we will miss her beautiful wedding and her future blue-eyed baby girl, seeing her grow as a mother, and grow in the professional world. We will miss her goofiness, nerdiness, laughter, and kindness. She was a bright light that went out before her time.

Memorial donations in memory of Makayla can be made to Venmo; @Makayla_and_Watty. These donations will go to various humane societies where Makayla volunteered.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME OF MANDARIN, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.