Makaila Hampton was born in Ada, Oklahoma. As her mother, watching her grow into a kind, loving, intelligent, beautiful person is one of the greatest joys of my life. She was perfect.  Makaila was such a happy kid. She was so silly and fun to be around. She loved animals and enjoyed video games. Makaila aspired to be an engineer or to work as a child psychologist. She would do everything she could to cheer you up, and she had the sweetest laugh and the funniest facial expressions. I remember how her freckles traveled across the top of her nose. Her beautiful blue eyes had yellow in the center that sprayed out like a sunflower. I feel honored to be her mother.

She was always a mama's girl, and my space was her space. We had such a close, special bond. What I would give to have that again. There were times she would be resting her head on her hands and randomly say, "you're so pretty", but when I returned the compliment she'd say, "Mooooom stahp". She had such beauty inside and out, but was also humble. She didn't believe how truly special she was.

Makaila was my best friend, and though our hearts are broken, she lost everything the night she was killed so senselessly.  She was taken from us on October 4th, 2024 on Highway 77, just north of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. She should still be with us. She didn't have to die.  Our precious daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and friend will forever be 15-years-old. She lost her life due to the choices of a drunk driver.

- Jennifer Hampton  Makaila's Mother