Layken Colby Willis

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Layken Colby Willis, age 25, on March 18, 2025. Born April 23, 1999, Layken was a passionate and vibrant young woman whose life was filled with love for nature, adventure, her family, and friends. Layken was a recent graduate of the University of Louisiana of Lafayette, where she earned her degree in Environmental Science. She had always been deeply passionate about the environment and photography, and she took this passion around the world. Layken’s travels took her to Africa, where she immersed herself in studying wildlife and nature while capturing breathtaking images through her lens. Her photographs reflected her deep love for the planet and her desire to share its beauty with others. In addition to her academic and professional achievements, Layken loved the outdoors. Whether playing sports, hiking through nature, or simply spending time outside, she found joy in the natural world. Her adventurous spirit and enthusiasm for life touched everyone who knew her. Layken was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her mother, Teffanie Kim James; her brother, Cody Brown, and his wife, Morgan, along with their children Landon and Raelynn; her aunts, Robin (James) Stevens and Pat (Tootie) Arnold; her cousin, Brandi (Stevens) Kutz and her husband, Justin Kutz; extended parents, Troy and Laura Brown; and extended grandparents, Jerry and Pat Brown, extended great aunt and uncle, Skip and Linda Kimball, significant other, Timothy Cazares, along with many other loving family members and friends. Layken is preceded in death by her grandparents, Warren and Delores (Dee) James; her uncle, Warren (Tiger) James; her grandmother, Donnette Massey; and her great grandmother, Angeline Roubique Jarreau. Though she is no longer with us, Layken’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Layken will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love for the earth, adventure, and her family and friends will remain forever. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholc Church in Zachary, La. Reception to follow the Mass at same location.