Leyla Austin Simien died unexpectedly on March 8 ^th , 2020 at the age of 43.

Leyla is survived by her husband, Robin Simien of Lake Charles and her daughter, Shanna Gallow. She is also survived by her parents, Virginia Singleton, Thaddaus "Russ" Gallow (Carla Gallow), and John Fredrick Charles Sr.; her grandson, Liam Nixon; her sister, Yolanda Charles; her brothers, John Fredrick Charles Jr. and Michael Deville. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and other family. She is predeceased by her first husband, Vincent "Tony" Austin; her stepdaughter Dalensia "Deja" Rose; her grandparents Mary and Calvin Singleton, Margie and Bud Gallow, Bertha and Joseph Charles.

Leyla was born on April 23 ^rd , 1976 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She graduated as valedictorian from Reeves High School in 1994. She was a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, godmother, and friend. She loved to travel, spend time with those she loved, and live her best life. She was an original member of Krewe de Tracas, where she was the life of the party. She was a hard-working sales representative at Home Furniture that loved taking care of her customers and her coworkers. She was everyone's problem solver, the peacekeeper and the glue that held everyone together. She will be deeply missed and forever loved by her family, friends, and all who knew her.