Makayla Belton, 18, lost her life in an accident in Delaware and is still mourned by the Willow Grove community.
The schools, teachers, and community remember her fondly.
Willow Grove and its surrounding communities have been in mourning after the loss of 18-year-old Makayla Ni’che Belton.
As previously reported on Willow Grove Now, the teen was one of two people who lost their lives in a Delaware vehicle accident on Sussex Highway. Belton, 18, was a former Abington High School student, who was attending her first year at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, hailing from Willow Grove.
An obituary was published for Belton via the George Fitzpatrick Funeral Home in Abington, and visitation and services were held Sunday, Oct. 13. The Abington School District took time out of its recent meeting to observe a moment of silence for Belton, along with a fellow, recently deceased former student, Fred Musial, according to its meeting minutes.
A tribute wall was created online and many of the area’s residents took a moment to share their feelings and thoughts.
“I am glad I had the opportunity to know Makayla,” said C. Vanassche via the tribute wall. “She was such a vivacious, vibrant person. I send my heartfelt condolences to the family.”
Others mentioned how much she will be missed.
“You will be missed,” said Angelina Markus on the wall. “You had a beautiful, always nice, and [was] a great person and a good Girl Scout. I love you so much, Kay.”
Some of the teen’s teachers even chimed in his thoughts.
“I had the pleasure of teaching Makayla in sixth grade,” said James Lesher. “She lit up the room with her beautiful smile. In fact, I gave her the nickname ‘Smiley’ because she was always smiling. May she reset in peach and mile down on us from above.”
Fellow teachers agreed.
“Makayla was a bright and happy student around Abington High School,” said Brian Turner. “She faced each day with a smile and did her best to make friends with her instructors. I knew her as a good friend to so many of my students, as well.”
For more on the accident that took her life, read here. No update has been provided to the press regarding the four others injured in the matter.
