Remembering Layla

[Andy Filmore]

Family and friends gathered May 20 to celebrate the life of 16-year-old Layla Danielle Silvernail, one of three teens who died March 31, in a triple homicide in the Ocala National Forest area.

Upwards of 200 people attended the memorial, which was held at Ocklawaha Bridge Baptist Church about 15 miles east of Ocala. The gathering included a number of high school-age youth, some wearing softball team shirts, reflecting Layla’s love for the sport.

A video was shown that included a montage of photos and videos taken of Layla from infancy to teen age, many scenes with family and friends and softball team members.

The Rev. David Houck, founder of the Help Agency of the Forest outreach and Sozo Kids mentoring camp, knows members of Layla’s family and officiated at the memorial.

“Layla’s legacy will live on forever. Her life is not over but beats on in others and will for generations of families,” Houck said, referring to her donated liver and kidneys. “Layla was a giver.”

Houck said he could speak all day recounting the many positive text messages he has received about Layla.

“She touched a lot of people (and) was taken too soon,” he said.

Houck said it was a “tough” and “sad day” but the gathering was to celebrate Layla, who had “touched a lot of people.”

Layla’s grandmother, Lisa Windsor, with whom the teen was living, wore a softball team shirt with her granddaughter’s name. A remembrance from Windsor read by Houck stated “(Layla’s) leadership…” made other people better” and had an impact on them. The message mentioned a time when Layla won two softball trophies and asked for one to be given to another player.

“Layla was a giver and a motivator, we know who she is,” Houck said.

In a recent interview, Windsor called Layla a “loving, caring” person and an “all around good kid” who aspired to be an attorney. She said Layla, a Florida native, was home schooled, was in the 10th grade and planned to focus on 11th grade studies this summer.

Houck said besides her passion for softball, Layla had hobbies such as drawing and skiing, and liked visiting Busch Gardens and family members in Maryland to go “crabbing.”

Rosemarie Lee, Windsor’s sister from Maryland, said Layla had made a “contract” with Windsor that if she hit a home run Windsor would quit smoking. Layla reportedly hit two home runs in response.

Houck said the passion for softball shared by the girls on the teams creates a bond. When players played against Layla, they played against her “and her team,” he said,

Tiffany Kohler, 16, accompanied by her mother, wore a softball team shirt that read “Eclipse.”

When asked if Layla hit any home runs, she said Layla “hit a few.”

Editor’s Note: To read prior articles related to this story, go to ocalagazette.com and type “Layla Silvernail” in the search window.