It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Zyairah Barney, age 12, of Fayette, MO, who left this world far too soon on March 18, 2026.

Zyairah Nevaeh Barney was born June 30, 2013 in Columbia, MO.  She is the daughter of Devon Barney and Markas Viley.  Zy was in 7th grade and currently attending Clark Middle School in Fayette.

Zy loved fishing, hunting, swimming, and being in nature.  She loved animals with a passion, especially reptiles.  Zy loved being surrounded by her friends Jocelyn Lucas, Temperance, Aubree, Layla, and Adri, spending hours laughing and talking.  She loved sharing stories and reminiscing about past memories. She loved music and would spend hours listening to her favorite artist, Deftones.  Zy had the biggest heart.  She was full of compassion and kindness.  She loved the sunset and the images painted in the sky. Zy’s favorite teacher was Mr. Tommy Phillips.  Zy loved the time they spent together and talked about Mr. Phillips in the highest regard.  Zy loved deeply.  Her heart knew no bounds.  Zy loved cooking.  She was a master baker and would spend her time surfing the internet for recipes.  Zy’s sister, Adriaunna, was her everything.  She idolized Adri.  Adri was her rock and salvation.  Zy wanted to be just like her sister.

Zy is deeply loved and will forever be missed by those who mourn her absence, including her mother, Devon Barney; father Markas Viley; siblings, Adriaunna Barney, Eli Viley and Xavier Viley; step-siblings, Layla and Tre Cowans; maternal grandparents, George (Ruth) Simmons; paternal grandmother, Karen Viley; uncle, Jeromy Barney and aunt, Tedra Barney.  She is also survived by numerous great-aunts and uncles, cousins and friends.  Zy was preceded in death by her grandfather, Ronald Barney and uncle, Derek Barney.

A funeral service honoring the life of Zyairah Barney will be 1 PM, Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Faith Family Church with Rev. Mike Jackman officiating.  Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service starting at 11 AM.  Burial will follow the service at Fayette City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Barney Family, c/o Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy. 5 & 240 N., Fayette, MO 65248.