Darryous Olivas

Darryous Degon Olivas was born June 6, 2004, in Anaheim, California, and grew into a caring young man whose presence brightened the lives of those around him. After moving to the Mississippi Coast at age six, Darryous found community and purpose in Waynesboro where family, faith, and a love of music and baseball were central to his life.

A familiar face at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Darryous served faithfully as an usher and was known to members of his church family by the affectionate nickname “Hightop,” given to him by his pastor. Music became an important part of his teenage years; he loved making music and shared that creative spark with friends and family. He also enjoyed baseball, a passion that stayed with him through his youth.

Darryous treasured his family above all. He is survived by his daughter, Sa’Riyah, and by his mother, Leticia Olivas Williams; father, James Jones; sisters Deja Conner, Claire McKenna, Jamekia Leggins, and Kiera Leggins; brother Cody Jones; stepson Kaiden Hall; grandmother Collie Jones; a number of uncles, aunts, and cousins; and close friends who remembered him as both a loyal companion and a protective, joyful presence. Those who knew him recall a young man who loved his daughter and carried himself with a gentle strength that comforted others.

Family and friends celebrated Darryous’s life with funeral services held at Chapel Hill Baptist Church, with interment at Waynesboro Cemetery. The community gathered to honor his memory, share stories, and support one another through their grief.

Though his life was far too brief, Darryous’s warmth, musical spirit, and devotion to family left a lasting impression. He will be remembered by those who loved him for the small acts of kindness, the laughter he shared, and the ways he sought connection through faith, music, and family. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.