Ms. Kaiyah LaRae Joy Rainey, 22, along with Baby Josiah DeJuan Irvin Rainey, departed this life on Friday, May 22, 2026.

Kaiyah entered this life on May 28, 2003, at St. Luke’s Hospital–Northland in Kansas City, Missouri, as the oldest of three children born to Keyana Threadgill and the eldest daughter born to Dan Rainey Jr.

Kaiyah’s spiritual journey began at an early age when she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Her primary education began at Linden West Elementary School and continued at Northgate Middle School and Oak Park High School. Kaiyah’s infectious smile and vibrant personality lit up every room she entered. Her athleticism and leadership abilities were evident early on, as she developed an interest in multiple sports. Kaiyah brought her bright spirit to the Raytown Cardinals Little League football cheer squad. Her talents continued as she sprinted past others in track, shook her opponents as a point guard in basketball, and caught fly balls in the outfield while playing softball. Upon graduating with the Class of 2021, Kaiyah embarked on her next journey by attending Ea La Mar’s Cosmetology and Barber College, where she obtained her cosmetology license. She shared her magical touch in various salons until pursuing entrepreneurship and becoming the owner and operator of her very own salon, Mane Approach.

On May 8, 2026, Kaiyah learned that she would soon become an amazing mother to a wonderful baby boy. She wasted no time naming him Josiah DeJuan Irvin, paying homage to his soon-to-be uncles by giving her son their middle names. Kaiyah was excited about becoming a mother and looked forward to sharing her passion for music, art, dance, roller skating, and food—especially crab legs—with Baby Josiah. If you knew Kaiyah, then you knew she loved to eat. Kaiyah was an amazing sister who loved spending time with her siblings. She never met a stranger; to know her was a blessing, as she truly brought sunshine into the lives of those she touched.

Kaiyah was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, Irvin and Adrinne Threadgill Jr. (maternal); her aunt, Constamika D. Threadgill (maternal); her grandmother, Rebecca Rainey (paternal); and her baby brother, DeLeon Rainey.

Our beloved Kaiyah leaves to cherish her memories with her mother, Keyana Threadgill, and younger siblings, Janai Rainey and Xavier Rainey; her father, Dan Rainey Jr., and siblings, Dan Rainey III, Malik Rainey (Destiny), KeJuan Porter-Rainey, Ziaira Rainey, Shaniece Rainey, Skyler Rainey, Greyson Rainey, and Parker Rainey; in addition to her nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of family and friends.

Ms. Kaiyah Rainey was a rare jewel who was loved by many and will truly be missed by all.