The Rexburg community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Kenya Wilson, a 31-year-old mother whose radiant smile, kind spirit, and loving heart touched the lives of all who knew her. Kenya passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, after battling illness and complications with her liver, leaving behind her beloved 9-year-old daughter, Jade, and a family forever changed by her absence.
A Bright Light in This World
Kenya was known for her infectious joy and the way she lit up every room she entered. Her obituary describes her as “a light in every room—kind, gracious, and full of life.” Those words ring true for the many people whose lives were brightened by her laughter, compassion, and strength.
Her mother, Carrie Wilson, shared through tears just how much Kenya meant to her:
“I am devastated. She is my only child. She changed my life.”
As a single mother, Kenya dedicated herself fully to raising Jade, who was her greatest source of happiness. Friends and family remember the sweet nightly routines between mother and daughter — giggles, back scratches, story time, and whispered “I love you’s” — simple moments that now serve as cherished memories for those left behind.
A Sudden Turn in Her Health
Kenya’s health struggles began last month when she developed pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas. At first, things seemed to improve, giving her family hope that she was on the mend. But in early September, new and troubling symptoms emerged.
“She started complaining that she was really bloated, her legs were shaky and things were sore,” Carrie recalled. Concerned, the family sought medical help. Doctors discovered that a gallstone was blocking her bile duct, leading to an infection in her liver.
On September 13, Kenya was rushed by ambulance to Idaho Falls Community Hospital, where she was admitted for emergency treatment. For a few days, her condition appeared to stabilize, and her family eagerly awaited her return home.
Hope for Recovery, Then Heartbreak
On the morning of September 17, Carrie spoke with her daughter, who was excited about her discharge from the hospital and returning home to Jade.
“She was talking to Jade and saying, ‘I love you. I will see you later today. Mommy is so excited to see you, and we are going to read stories tonight,’” Carrie remembered.
But tragedy struck that very day. Kenya’s condition suddenly worsened as she became septic. At 11:30 a.m., Carrie received the devastating call that her daughter’s heart had stopped. Doctors worked for 30 minutes to revive her, but she was gone.
A Daughter, Mother, and Friend Gone Too Soon
The shock of losing someone so young and full of life has rippled through the Rexburg community. At just 31 years old, Kenya had already built a legacy of love, strength, and resilience. Her devotion to Jade was unwavering, and her presence brought comfort and joy to all who knew her.
Carrie, now helping care for Jade in their Rexburg home, says her focus is ensuring Kenya’s daughter is supported and surrounded with the same love her mother gave so abundantly.
Carrying Forward Her Legacy
Though her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, Kenya’s memory will continue to live on in her daughter, her family, and all who were touched by her kindness. Her story is one of courage, motherhood, and the precious fragility of life.
As the Wilson family faces the difficult road ahead, they ask for continued prayers, compassion, and support from the community. Above all, they want Kenya to be remembered for the love she gave and the joy she brought into the world.
Rest in peace, Kenya. Your light will continue to shine through Jade, through your family, and through every heart you touched.