Talaya "Lay Lay" Owens was born to Talea Owens and Archie Lee Eades on November 3, 1987. She was the only child born to this union. She attended various schools throughout  the Denver Metro Area, starting at Hallet Elementary, Smiley Middle School and eventually graduating from George Washington High School in May 2006. During her high school years, she fell head over heels for Track and Field. She was a standout Sprinter and amazing Hurdler. Talaya was a two-time State Champion in the 100m and 200m Dash she also claimed the State title in the 100m Hurdles her Senior year. Lay Lay was additionally an All-Star Basketball player, winning many games and showcasing her extraordinary athletic abilities. She helped lead her relay team into winning multiple State championships as well as being named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in Basketball and Track. Her father Marshall Hudson was more than a father, he was her first coach, her loudest cheerleader and the steady presence behind every milestone she reached. From the earliest age of 1 years old he poured his time, energy and heart into nurturing her gift. He believed in her long before the world recognized her incredible talents. Talea and Marshall supported her through all her endeavors.

With all her hard work, she received a full ride scholarship in Track and Field to the University of Alabama from 2006 to 2011. Joining the Crimson Tide Track and Field team, representing the university with skills and dedication her favorite team phrase was "ROLL TIDE, ROLL".  During her extensive collegiate career she earned the All- Mideast Region Honors award in both the 400m Hurdles and the 4x100m relay, she additionally qualified for the NCAA Championships in the 400m hurdles bringing her to compete in the National Track and Field competition against the nation's best college runners. Talaya also ran in the U.S Olympic Trials in 2008 progressing through many rounds and competing in the finals for a spot on Team USA. Due to her prestigious accomplishments, she was recognized as an All- SEC (Southeastern Conference) performer. Talaya was a force to be reckoned with!!! She always said pridefully and graciously "Google Me". Her determination and talent led her to be a record-breaking athlete in multiple events. Her favorite accomplishment was with her Crimson Tide teammates remaining undefeated in the 100m Shuttle Hurdle relay, reigning victory for 3 years in a row at Drake Relays in 2009, 2010, and 2011. In the spring of 2011 Talaya hung up her spikes and graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelors degree in Sports Science and Kinesiology which is the scientific study of human movement and bio-mechanics, with dreams of becoming a professional NBA or Football Athletic Trainer. With her intuitive knowledge of both sports and body mechanics her passion turned to giving to the children in her community. She was a Hurdles coach for many years and renowned mentor for the children she worked with. Giving them inspiration to follow their dreams and never give up.

Outside of all of her sports accomplishments Lay Lay was into Fashion and designing her hair in different colors to represent her individual personality. She loved to dance, smile and have a blast. She never met a stranger leading her to having many wonderful friendships with so many of those around her, and she was a light in any room, embracing life with enthusiasm, her warm laughter was contagious and could simply fill your soul. She was light hearted and created her own rhythm.  Talaya has left her family & friends with the Best Memories of a lifetime! What brought her the most peace in life was finding time to check in on her family routinely and cooking for them when she had the time.

Talaya and Victor became proud parents to a beautiful baby girl in 2015. London Naiomi. She was overjoyed that God blessed her with a baby girl. Her proudest and most treasured role was being a mother, London was her BEST FRIEND and was nothing short of a miracle! They enjoyed lots of Mommy & Daughter activities and a bond that was built on unconditional love, their bond was magical and inseparable.  Their relationship was filled with laughter, heartfelt conversations and quiet moments only they understood. They celebrated all achievements together no matter how big or small. The love they shared was unmistakable and a beautiful reflection of something London will be able to cherish for a lifetime. Talaya always wanted to make sure London knew how much she was truly loved.

Professionally Talaya happily worked as a security guard at Children's Hospital, where overseeing the children brough her so much joy. The love she brought into any room she entered was unmatched. her spirit lives on in memory and her personality is unforgettable as she departed this side of Heaven on January 20, 2026.

She leaves those to cherish in her memory. Her daughter, London Naiomi, Her father, Marshall Hudson, Her Aunties, Avis Bonds, Nycole Owens and Quandra Owens, Her uncle Arnell Jones, Her sister, Nikita Eades and siblings, Her best friend, Shantele Mitchell and her devoted friend Justin "JJ' Nelson.

She is preceded in death by her mother Talea Owens, her father Archie Lee Eades, her grandmother Sherry Owens, and her favorite cousin, Fred "Handsome" Jackson