Obituary: Young

Aniya Jae Young, 19, Springfield and formerly of Fairbury, died at 2:55 pm Saturday, November 22, 2025 at her residence, Springfield, IL.

Aniya’s funeral will be 10:00 am Saturday, November 29, 2025 at the First Baptist Church, Fairbury with Pastor Daryl Evans officiating.  Burial will be in Forrest Twp. Cemetery, Forrest.

Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 pm Friday and 9:00 to 9:45 am Saturday at the church.  Per Aniya sister Alia’s request, the family is suggesting rather than to send a flower, bless a family in need during the holiday.  Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is assisting with arrangements.

Aniya was born February 22, 2006 in Urbana, IL the daughter of Alonzo Harris and Jeni Young.

Survivors include her mother, Jeni Young, Fairbury, Alonzo (Christina) Harris, Lutz, FL, one sister, Alia Young, Fairbury, two brothers, Braxton Harris and Liam Porter, both of Champaign, step brother, Christopher Johnson and step sister, Aleeyh Johnson, both of Lutz, FL, maternal grandmother, Becky Young, Colfax, paternal grandmother, Janice Smith, Champaign, paternal grandfather, maternal great grandparents, Mick and Georgia Doran, Forrest, two uncles, Landon Young, Colfax, Skottie (Casey) Young, Kansas City, KS, one aunt, Ali (Greg Hooten) Young, Mattoon.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Kim Young.

Aniya was a 2023 graduate of Prairie Central High School and had been employed at Dave’s SuperMarket and Subway, both in Fairbury.

In the spotlight of our hearts, Aniya took her final bow on November 22, 2025. Like a melody that never ends, she was breaking free, shining bright in every moment she lived. Though it seems we have parted, her spirit will forever dance in our memories. Her life was a start of something new, and even now, her absence around, reminding all of us to keep moving forward and singing on. We celebrate her with love, music, and the promise that her light will never fade because of her faith in Jesus.