Avaya Rain Stephens

Avaya Rain Stephens, 11 months old, of Overisel, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Avaya was born May 27, 2023, the youngest of eight children with seven older brothers. Avaya was, and always will be, a miracle baby. She was our sweet, sweet baby girl. Prenatally Avaya's parents were told "incompatible with life", she wouldn't survive pregnancy, and to prepare for end-of-life care. But they never gave up hope. They never stopped believing in God's plans for their daughter and for them. Avaya showed her sassy side from the very beginning. It didn't take long for her NICU nurses and doctors to see she was a fighter. Everyone who met Avaya loved her. Even with her future so unknown, they moved forward, always following Avaya's lead. It was the Avaya show.... everyone else was just along for the ride. Avaya did so well, she came home from the NICU after 4 months. At home, she thrived. Surrounded by her big brothers, parents, and family, she showed everyone what she was capable of. Avaya proved to her doctors that medical diagnoses and their expectations wouldn't define her. Avaya's parents made it very clear; quality of life always came before quantity of life. Avaya's heart defect proved to be too much in the end. Avaya made it clear she was done fighting and ready to go. After a wonderful year, Avaya passed just days shy of her first birthday. All who knew her felt incredibly blessed to be along for the ride. To witness the miracle of her life. Avaya has touched more lives than she would ever know. She is survived by her parents Jason Stephens and Jamie Marcus, brothers: Brayden, Caleb, Isaiah, Zac, Colin, Jayce, Parker; grandparents: Tom and Kim Marcus, Mike and Peggy Stephens; great-grandparents: Sherri De Glopper, Joanie (Stan) Peters, and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her great-grandpa Don De Glopper. Avaya's parents would also like to acknowledge Avaya's incredible care team at Helen Devos Children's Hospital, Avaya's home therapists and all the other staff that truly allowed her to thrive. Saying thank you will never be enough. Dr. Casey Madura and Dr. Sarah Badran gave her a chance when most others wouldn't. To them, Avaya's family is forever grateful. A visitation will be held 12 noon – 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Ridge Point Community Church, in Ren’s Café, (Please use the main “Standing Stone” entrance), 340 104th Ave., Holland MI 49423. A graveside will follow at 2:30 pm, Saturday, in Overisel Twp. Cemetery, 4662 143rd Ave. Holland MI 49423. Memorial contributions may be made to defray funeral expenses. Fundraiser for Jamie Marcus by Shannan Dorman : Help Celebrate Avaya's Life (gofundme.com) Arrangements are by the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland MI 49464.

Tributes

Avaya Rain Stephens

May 27, 2023 - May 21, 2024