Laila Carter

In Loving Memory of Laila Danay Carter
December 12, 2014 – April 24, 2025

A bright and beautiful light entered the world on December 12, 2014, when our beloved Laila Danay Carter, affectionately known as “Laila Bug,” was born. From the very beginning, she was a fighter — whisked away to the NICU moments after birth, but through prayer and love, she grew stronger with each passing day. That strength became the heartbeat of who Laila was: a joyful, resilient, and loving little girl who touched the lives of everyone blessed enough to know her.

At just 10 years old, Laila lived a life bursting with love, laughter, and light. Whether she was dancing around the living room, singing at the top of her lungs, or racing ahead during walks with her mom, yelling, “Hold on, Mom — safety first!” she filled every moment with her boundless spirit. And without fail, every time she came home, she would burst through the door with a signature shout: “Suga, I am home!” — a joyful sound that will echo in our hearts forever.

Laila was a proud 4th grader at St. John Elementary, where she shined in math and amazed all with her incredible ability to recall every detail of a story. Her intelligence was matched only by her creativity and charisma. Whether naming each of her baby dolls or starring alongside her mother in their beloved TikTok reels, Laila lit up every room with her effervescent smile and infectious laughter. Her star quality didn’t go unnoticed — the Blake Street Church of Christ drill team coach once declared her the “Beyoncé of our squad!” and with her as their sparkle, they danced their way to their first-ever 1st place victory.

A member of the Lake Charles Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Delsprites, Laila’s community involvement matched her vibrant personality. She looked forward to seeing her Delsprite friends and never missed an event. She was also a joyful participant in “I Can Swim” and “I Can Bike” camps every summer, where she made fast friends and lasting memories. She truly was a light — bubbly, brave, and full of sunshine.

She adored holidays, Disney movies, princesses, Beauty and the Beast and Moana — and she loved pizza, gumbo, and chicken strips (in that very important order!). She had a quick wit and a hilarious sense of humor. When watching “Paternity Court” with her Suga, she'd run in the room yelling, “Sir, you are not the father!” and dissolve the room into laughter. And when she did something clever or surprising, and someone would ask where she got the idea, she’d simply smile and say, “Oh, my brain told me to do that!”

She was her mom’s partner-in-crime, her dad’s joy, her grandparents’ heart and world, and a cherished sweet spirit to her family and friends who loved her beyond words.

Laila is survived by her devoted mother Danay Bishop, fun-loving father Courtland Carter, her loving grandmothers Dana “Suga” Simien and Shannon “Honey” Carter, and her affectionate grandfather Fredrick “Popee” (Natasha) Bishop. She is also survived by her aunts Desiree Bishop, Te’ler Sanders, and Rhejanne Durrant, her uncles Cameron Carter and Colby Carter and Jordan Simon, her great aunts Denise Simien Stevens (Terrance) and Sandra Edwards, Patricia (Burvis) Thomas, Sharonda Bishop Price, Crystal Rogers and Martha Armelin, her great uncles Joseph W. Simien Jr., Thomas (Nikita) Simon Jr., Bradford Simon as well a multitude of cousin, family, classmates, Delsprite members, drill team members, and friends who adored her deeply.

Laila was preceded in death by her great-grandparents Joseph W. Simien Sr., Annie B. Simien, Samuel L. Bishop Sr., Patricia A Jackson, Thomas Simon Sr., Dianne Simon, Abraham Carter and Dorothy Carter, great aunt Schnequa “Nikki” Hutchins and great uncle Tony Dollarhide who surely greeted her with open arms.

Laila’s life, though brief, was full — of joy, laughter, song, dance, faith, family, and immeasurable love. She taught us to live big, laugh hard, and love endlessly. Her memory will continue to shine in every step we take, every song we hear, and every pizza slice we share.

Rest well, Laila Bug.
Your light is eternal, and your love lives on in all of us.

Service will be livestream on Stevens Funeral Home Facebook Page

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