In Memory of Kylie

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Kylie Yeager, 18, of Marietta, GA on June 22, 2023, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home, services will follow at Zion Baptist Church at 1:30 pm. After the service family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at The Brickyard in Marietta.

Kylie is survived by her adoptive Mom and Dad, Cindi and Eric Yeager, and brothers Justin and Devon. Kylie is also survived by her biological parents, Melodie Blanton, and Iaan Thompson, as well as sisters Aniah Thompson, Kayonah Blanton, Aaliyah and Cali Bradshaw and brother Markel Mercer-Lewis. Kylie is also survived by a host of extended family and friends who surrounded her with love.

Kylie was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on September 24, 2004, to Melodie Blanton and Iaan Thompson. She was immediately adopted by Cindi and Eric and joined brothers Justin and Devon. Kylie added just another ray of sunshine to the Yeager family. Although in and out of the hospital her first years of life, she always brightened every room with her beaming smile. She was known to her family affectionately as Smiley Kylie.

Kylie attended Montessori Preschool, Cheatham Hill Elementary School as well as West Side Elementary in Marietta. Her early teachers described her as a shining light in their classrooms; smart and always willing to help others. Upon entering Marietta Sixth Grade Academy, Kylie not only excelled academically but also began her love for music. Kylie entered the City of Marietta School System’s first orchestra class playing the viola. Her teacher, Ms. Christina Esposito, instilled in her the love of classical music. She would go on to graduate in Marietta High School’s inaugural orchestra graduating class with the Senior Outstanding Fine Art’s award. She was extremely grateful to Ms. Esposito, Ms. Bowie and Mr. Herndon, her orchestra teachers, who guided her along her musical journey. In addition to orchestra in middle school, Kylie was an avid basketball player, dancer for Georgia Metropolitan Dance Company, and a Girl Scout.

Upon entering high school, Kylie continued to excel academically, entering the International Baccalaureate Career Pathway. Kylie was ready to start the foundation to becoming a pediatric nurse. In high school Kylie joined the Marietta Color Guard and served as Captain of the Flag Division for two years, as well as being a member and Captain of the Winter Guard Competition team. She was a member of the Marietta High School Mock Trial team for all four years, winning the Best Witness Award in her Senior year. Outside of school Kylie continued pursuing her love for viola playing in the Georgia Youth Symphony for five years as well as continuing to dance at the Georgia Dance Conservatory. She was also a member of the Cobb Chamber Georgia Youth Leadership Class of 2022. Despite her diagnosis with Leukemia in April, Kylie graduated from Marietta High School with Honors, receiving an International Baccalaureate Career Pathway, Dual Enrollment and Fine Arts Diploma. Kylie was an extraordinary student.

In addition to her very busy high school career, Kylie loved to serve others, especially children. She volunteered at McKenna Farms special needs camps in the Summer, was a WellStar Volunteen, attended the first WellStar Nursing Camp, help teach at Color Guard Camp and volunteered her musical talent wherever needed and did everything she could to contribute to our Marietta Community.

She was opinionated and passionate. Following her mom’s political interest, she often got into social media debates about our local and federal politicians and their actions. Kylie loved to travel. Last September she was able to go on her dream vacation to Paris with Mom, Dad, and her brothers. In addition, she traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, and many islands in the Caribbean. Kylie was passionate about others, the world’s political situation, and life itself. Kylie will be missed by our entire community, and those who knew her are richer because they did. Kylie, we love you, and know that you will be smiling down on us until we see you again.

Please donate to the In Memory of Kylie Go Fund Me to help support medical expenses incurred at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.