Alysia Chedister

Alysia Chedister, 31 of Jonesboro, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on May 19, 2025. Alysia was a kind, gentle soul—bright, loving, and deeply empathetic. She earned a degree in social work because she wanted to help others, but her own struggles with autism and debilitating social anxiety made it difficult to step fully into the world. She was a quiet presence, but her love for others, especially animals, ran deep. Her cats were her constant companions, and she cherished them with all her heart.

She felt everything intensely. A single word could break her heart, yet she never stopped caring. She was smart, creative, and full of quiet strength. Though her life wasn’t always easy, her compassion for others never dimmed. Her parents are devastated. Her mother, who has advanced Parkinson’s disease, can no longer walk or speak clearly. Her father, a former LPN who is now disabled due to Crohn’s disease, is doing all he can to keep things together. They are grieving and overwhelmed.

Alysia completed one of her school counseling internships at an elementary school, where she worked closely with children who were struggling. She was a natural—gentle, patient, and eager to help. Staff remembered her as compassionate and intuitive, with a calming presence that made kids feel safe and seen. Despite her own battles with social anxiety, Alysia showed remarkable courage and empathy in reaching out to others in need. That was the kind of person she was—always quietly finding ways to lift someone else up.

She was a bright light with a quiet strength. Sensitive and intelligent, Alysia felt the world deeply. Her life was not always easy, but her compassion never wavered. Those who knew her will remember her as a loving daughter, a devoted niece, and a deeply feeling young woman who gave her love freely and asked for little in return. She was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Richard Lee Chedister and Trisha Ann Chedister; maternal aunt, Donna Wrather.

Survivors include her loving parents, Beverly and Kevin Chedister; her beloved sister, Katlynn Chedister, all are of the home; maternal grandmother, Wilma Guiltner (Glennis); maternal grandfather, Wayne Faries; maternal aunts, Stacey Goodman (Jack) and Kerri Faries; paternal uncle, Rodney Chedister; a host of cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be 2:00 Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  Visitation will be from 1:00 until service time. Burial will be private. To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.