Jayna Maasai Slade

Jayna Maasai Slade, 46, of Columbia, Missouri passed away Monday, May 25, 2026 at her residence in Columbia, Missouri.  She was born on September 6, 1979 in Tuscumbia, Missouri the daughter of Phil Slade II and Nella (Potter) Slade.

Survivors include,

Her beloved dog, Balboa Carter Slade of the home

Children, Eryn Pruitt of Ozark, MO; Emme Pruitt of Jefferson City, MO; Braydon Gray of Columbia, MO

Parents, Phil and Nella Slade of Eldon, MO

Siblings, Jeena & John Diggs of Barnett, MO; Jesse Slade of Columbia, MO

Nephews, Dylan & Dash Diggs of Barnett, MO

Jayna was very passionate about her work for ICA, the Institute of Community Alliances, where she informed community efforts to end homelessness.  She graduated from Eldon High School in 1997 and then received her Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia College in 2011.  Jayna was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and loved music, attending well over 200 concerts. She possessed a very caring, loving and compassionate nature about her and could turn any situation into laughter and joy.  She was an anchor in may peoples lives and could see the humanity and beauty in the world around her.  Jayna’s greatest love and joy was the gift of being a mother to her 3 children and her dog Balboa.

A Celebration of Jayna’s Life will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Public Beach #1 located at 257 Public Beach Drive in Brumley, MO.  Family Services will be planned at a later date.

Memorials in her name are suggested to Balboa’s Veterinary Fund.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.

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