Sometimes a name starts trending and you wonder if it’s a celebrity or someone you went to high school with. When people search for Kayla Jackson Fayetteville NC, they aren't looking for a Hollywood star. They are looking for a young woman who was a fixture in the local Westover community, a talented athlete, and a creative spirit whose life recently came to a heartbreaking end.
It’s heavy. Honestly, it’s the kind of local story that reminds you how small a city like Fayetteville can feel when someone well-known passes away. Kayla Areal Jackson was only 27 years old. She passed away on December 24, 2024, right when most families were sitting down for Christmas Eve dinner. That timing alone has left a massive void for those who knew her from her days running track or styling hair in the neighborhood.
Who Was Kayla Jackson?
If you grew up around the Montclair area or went to Westover High School, you probably saw her around. Kayla wasn't just a "name" in a database; she was a standout student-athlete. She ran cross country for Westover and was good enough to take those talents to the collegiate level. She competed for North Carolina Central University (NCCU) as a freshman, representing the Eagles with the same grit she showed back home.
But sports weren't her only thing. Not even close. Friends remember her as a "hairstylist like no other." You know those people who just have a natural touch with hair? That was her. She’d sit at basketball games and show friends how to do mini-twists right in the stands. It’s those small, human moments that people are posting about on her memorial pages right now.
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Life in Fayetteville and Beyond
Fayetteville has a way of keeping people connected, and Kayla’s reach went beyond the city limits. While she was a Fayetteville native through and through—living on Lindale Court—her services and family ties stretched to Dunn and Erwin.
- High School: Westover High (Go Wolverines).
- College: North Carolina Central University.
- Talents: Cross country running, creative hairstyling, and community building.
- Personality: Known for an "infectious smile" and being "sweet and genuine."
The Impact of December 2024
The news of her passing on Christmas Eve hit the community hard. When someone young passes away in Fayetteville, the word spreads fast through churches, hair salons, and social media. Her obituary, handled by Dafford Funeral Home, saw a massive outpouring of support.
People didn't just leave generic "sorry for your loss" comments. They told stories. They talked about her intelligence, her grades, and how she could uplift a room just by walking into it. It’s rare to see that much consistent praise for someone’s character. Usually, people focus on achievements, but with Kayla, the focus was always on how she made people feel.
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Acknowledging the Confusion
It's worth noting that if you search for this name, you might find a few different people. There is a Kayla Jackson who is a dancer at UNCSA and another who is an athletic trainer. But for those in the Sandhills region, the Kayla Jackson Fayetteville NC everyone is talking about is the former Westover athlete and beloved community member. It’s important to keep those stories distinct so we can honor the right person’s legacy.
Why Her Story Still Matters
Why does this keep trending? Because Fayetteville is a "small-town big city." When we lose a young person who was actively contributing to the culture—whether through sports or the beauty industry—it feels like a loss of potential for the whole area.
She was a "Kayla Bear" to some and a "Baby" to others. She was a daughter to Derrick and Treena. She was a symbol of what Westover students can achieve when they put their minds to both academics and athletics.
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Moving Forward: Honoring a Local Legacy
If you’re looking for ways to pay respects or keep her memory alive, the family has been receiving friends at their residence in Fayetteville. There have also been calls to plant trees in her memory, a gesture that feels right for someone who was always growing and helping others grow.
What you can do next:
- Support Local Youth Athletics: Kayla’s roots were in the Westover track and cross country programs. Donating time or resources to local high school sports is a great way to honor her path.
- Share a Memory: If you have a story about Kayla—maybe she did your hair or beat you in a race—share it on her Tribute Wall. Those stories are what the family clings to during times like this.
- Check in on the Westover Community: Many of her former classmates and teachers are still processing this. A simple message of support to those in the neighborhood goes a long way.
Loss is never easy, especially during the holidays. But the way Fayetteville has shown up for Kayla Jackson proves that she was more than just a name—she was a vital part of the city's heartbeat.