We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8 (KJV)

In the gentle embrace of the Divine, Alaija NaCole Boykin-Clarett, a tender soul who graced this world with her infectious laughter and boundless love, ascended to the heavens on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Born on March 27, 2003, in Youngstown, Ohio, to the adoring embrace of Nacole Boykin and Alfred Clarett III, Alaija radiated warmth and kindness that touched the hearts of everyone she encountered.

Alaija, affectionately known as Laii, was loved by all who knew her. She was full of life and loved her son and her family. She loved arts and crafts, doing hair, nails, and lashes. She had her own style and loved all sorts of animals. Her favorite color was green. Her infectious smile and loud laugh will be missed by all. Alaija was very caring and would give anyone the shirt off her back.

She attended the Academy of Urban Scholars in Youngstown. She also worked at Dunkin Donuts. With her heart so full of dreams, Alaija aspired to pursue a career as a stylist like her mother and to provide comfort as a mortician. Her ambitions reflected her boundless spirit and her desire to leave an indelible mark on the world.

Alaija’s legacy will be uplifted by her beloved son, Azaan “Chops” Pierre Turner of Youngstown, loving mother, Nacole J. Boykin and father, Alfred Clarett, III, of Youngstown, an influential father-figure Jermaine (Keisha) Davis.

Even in death, the bond of her siblings’ love remains unbreakable by Alfred (Dre) Clarett of Columbus, OH, J’Alfred Clarett, Noah R. Davis, Nasir L. Davis, Alaysha Clarett and Aija Clarett all of Youngstown. She also was blessed with bonus siblings Jermaine Davis, Jr. of Virginia and Kamryn Davis of Youngstown and Darnell Talley Jr. of Houston, TX.

Alaija leaves to cherish her sustaining memory her grandfathers Robert Boykin, Jr. and Alfred Clarett, II of Youngstown, honorary grandparents Richard & Min. Sandra Miles and Joyce Burton all of Youngstown, godparents Cassandra Jennings of Liberty, OH and Desmond Hilson of Austintown, god sisters: Ja’Maela Byrd, of Columbus, OH, JaNate Byrd of Las Vegas, NV, and TaBrajah Beacham of Columbus, OH and godbrother Nathaneil Byrd, of Columbus, as well as a score of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

Now seated among a great cloud of witnesses, Alaija was welcomed at Heaven’s Gate by her grandmothers, LaVerne Pointdexter-Boykin, Peggy Clarett, and “Memaw” Audrey Shade, godmother Regina Williams and aunt Minnie Williams.

Though her physical presence may have departed, the echoes of Alaija's laughter and the embrace of her love will forever resonate within the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known her.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, May 17, 2024, at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 646 Lakewood Ave. in Youngstown. Calling hours are 10:00 a.m. and the services, officiated by Pastor James Bowie, will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. The services will also be live streamed on the church Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/gfbchurch

As we bid Alaija farewell, we are reminded that her light will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were touched by her presence. Embracing gratitude for the gift of her life, we find solace in the eternal love that will forever bind us in spirit.

At this most intimate time, the beloved family of Alaija NaCole Boykin-Clarett elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care and After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown OH 330.782.8500