On September 19, 2017, Karleigh Renee Harfst, 19, lost her courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Karleigh lived her life in Oktibbeha County. She was a proud graduate of Starkville Academy, where she played clarinet in the Starkville Academy band, participated in several Miss Volition pageants and was awarded the Spirit of Volition award by her pageant mates.

She was talented in the arts and had just begun to pursue a degree in art at Mississippi State University. Karleigh, her parents, and siblings are member of Crosspoint, A Southern Baptist Church in Starkville, MS.

Survivors are her parents, James H. and Cynthia Buchanan Harfst; her older sister, Amanda; and her younger brother, Ryan.

Also surviving are her maternal grandparents, Dottie R. and Gerald Buchanan of Clinton, MS; paternal grandfather, Dennis Lee Harfst of Columbus, MS; and aunts, Laurie Harfst Hickey and Donna Buchanan Lucas.

Karleigh was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Eugenia Brown House Harfst; and aunt, Kay B. Burlison.

Karleigh's family wishes to express our sincere appreciation to Drs. Herrington and Washington and the staff of Batson Children's Memorial Hospital in Jackson for their tireless efforts and compassion during her treatments.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, September 22, 2017 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Adaton Baptist Church in Starkville, MS. Rev. Scott Cappleman will conduct the service. Burial will be in Memorial Garden Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Batson Children's Hospital, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216 or charity of the donor's choice.