Aalyah M. Casson

Left Coolin’

Aalyah Monee’ Casson, also known as “Left Coolin’,” “Pyah,” and “Lyah,” departed this life on May 6, 2026, at the age of 26 at Dover Kent General Hospital. She was born on June 1, 1999, in Dover, Delaware, and raised in Felton, Delaware. Aalyah carried a bright light, laughter, beauty, and authenticity everywhere she went.

Aalyah received most of her education at Lake Forest High School and later earned her diploma from Bright Rock Christian Academy. She also attended Polytech Adult Education Program to further her education.

Aalyah held a variety of jobs, but she found her true passion in doing hair. She was more than a hairstylist; she was an artist, a visionary, and a go-getter. Many called her “the coldest in the game.” She was self-employed and self-made, building her reputation one flawless style at a time. Her chair was never just a chair; it was a safe place filled with laughter, conversation, music, advice, and unforgettable moments. Aalyah had gifted hands, unmatched creativity, and a confidence that inspired everyone around her. To know Lyah was to love her. She had a spirit that could brighten any room, a sense of humor that could make you laugh even when you were trying to be serious, and, just know, she always had a comeback ready for anybody.

Aalyah loved spending time with her family; her best friend, Jakiya Mitchell of Slaughter Neck, Delaware; her boyfriend, Black, of Florida; and her niece, Jay’Nova Cannon, whom she lovingly called her “Novacane.” She loved and treated Jay’Nova as her own daughter. Aalyah also cherished many friends and created memories filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments. Lyah found peace in quiet moments surrounded by nature, taking drives, and traveling. She lived life to the fullest, and her creativity flowed through everything she touched.

Though Aalyah’s time was short, her impact was great and will last forever. Her laughter and voice will echo in the memories of those who loved her. Her spirit will continue to inspire everyone she touched. We can imagine her still reminding us that nobody could lay hair and edges quite like she could.

Aalyah was preceded in death by her two children; her grandfathers, James Baynard and Raymond Alexander; her grandmother, Anne Fisher; her stepfather, Clarence McDonald; and her bonus dad, Cornelius Bordley.

Aalyah is survived by her mother, Frances Baynard McDonald of Harrington, Delaware; her father, Lawerence Casson of Magnolia, Delaware; her grandmother, Emma Alexander of Harrington, Delaware; and six siblings, Ashley Baynard (Devin Bell) of Felton, Delaware, LaNeeka Baynard (Jermashio Cannon) of Preston, Maryland, Ciera Baynard (KaDeem McCrae) of Dover, Delaware, James Baynard (Kayla Ksenich) of Felton, Delaware, Keirra Baynard (Ralphel Green) of Clearwater, Florida, and JaMeesha Baynard (Isaiah Bowers) of Felton, Delaware. She is also survived by a host of stepsiblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will forever love her and hold her close in their hearts.

While we mourn her passing, we celebrate her beautiful soul and a life filled with love, passion, humor, and many memories. We love you, Lyah, and your light and legacy will never fade.