I remember the first day I met Layla and Ken. They came out to the land to see about living there, since Laci was going to UNT. We knew right away we were kindred spirits. There are so many Layla stories I could share, but the one that meant the most to me was after my house fire.  So much was destroyed and I knew things couldnt be saved. Well Layla knew what was most important and although water damaged she found a box that was very special to me. She went online and figured out how to save books from water and mold damage. Drying out pages one at a time to make sure I could still have them. She recreated photo albums, and I had a pop up book of Chicken little from when I was little; although it was a complete loss; she went and found the exact book to give to me because she knew the meaning behind it.  It is becasue of Layla and Ken that Aunt Scottie never had to go into a nursing home.  The beautiful oak trees that line the driveway have a story of their own, but it is amazing what can happen with miracle grow.  I have never known a kinder soul, the most selfless person I have ever known in my life and a heart made of gold. Im not certain why God chose to take her so early, but if I were a betting lady I would say because he needed help managing all the angels, and she was the perfect example of what a beautiful human being looked like.  A part of me is missing because she is gone , but the blessing of knowing her will be forever in my heart .  I love you so much Layla, until we meet again. With love, Lisa-Marie 

One of my favorite photos in life!!! — with Me

I am so sorry for the loss of your wife.  I am Laurie Levesque’s cousin.  My name is Diane Canney.  I knew Janice and cared for her very much.  Please accept my condolences to you and your family.

I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Layla's passing. We offer our sincerest condolences to her family. 

Are hearts are broken.  We will miss her dearly. 

Kenneth comeans:

I’m so sorry for you and your family ken

She was a wonderful person 

I hope your going to be okay 

My heart is broken for the whole family. Such a beautiful life lost way too soon.  God bless you all at this very difficult time.

Layla and her family

I was so shocked when I heard the news of Layla's passing.

Still processing this sudden loss.

Wishing you rest in peace.  

My deepest sympathy and condolences for all of Layla’s family!  Layla and I worked together on the 2010 census and quickly became friends.  She had one of the most beautiful souls I ever met!  She loved her family more than anything else in this world.  I am deeply thankful that she was my friend, and I am deeply sorry for your loss!!!  My prayers for all of you!!!

There are a handful of memories that keep coming to my mind. However, I was really young so the details could be significantly altered but they always bring me that feeling that is so quintessentially Aunt Layla. 

Christmas time, there was a piano I would try to "play" (a true prodigy, I am sure ..). Instead of trying to end the racket, she and Uncle ken encouraged, taught me a little, and showed me a few things. 

My first week at UNT, they showed up out of the blue to drop off coupons for free tacos. A LOT of them. They kept me and my friends fed and saved us from cafeteria food.

Uncle Ken took me on a job with him once and even though I did a terrible job digging this trench, they still praised me.

Aunt Layla never let anyone feel left out or forgotten. No matter the mistakes someone made, she was accepting and greeted everyone with kindness. She was an example of deeply human qualities that many have forgotten, from her giving and supportive nature, to her work with charities, to the character of the children she raised. All of these things leave their mark on the world and on our hearts. 

I have so many memories with Layla, we worked side by side feeding the Homeless and also doing a Backpack Program that fed underprivileged families. Layla was an Advocate for the Homeless, she had a Heart of Gold. She was not just a friend, we were family. Layla had made a vision book where there was going to be a village built to help the homeless, she did not leave out any details. She found out there was a developer that was going to build a village for homeless near Denton, and we began talking about how we could connect with them. I spoke with Layla a couple weeks ago and we were making plans to meet with them after the holidays. My heart is hurting to think I will never get to talk to her, our see her again here on earth. However I know we will see each other again in heaven and that’s where I find Peace!! 

Feeding the Homeless