“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”

— Maya Angelou

Harmony Maria Kilby-Neal crossed oceans, transformed blank spaces into color, and showed that the truest way to rise is by lifting others. Though her time here was brief, Harmony lived with a depth of curiosity, creativity, and compassion that many spend a lifetime trying to cultivate. She traveled widely, created fearlessly, and advocated fiercely for people who needed someone in their corner. In every space she entered, from classrooms to art studios to the communities that welcomed her, Harmony carried a simple but powerful instinct to notice people, to include them, and to help them feel seen.

Harmony Maria Kilby-Neal was born on August 25, 2008, and passed on March 1, 2026, gifting the world with seventeen remarkable years. Though her life was far too short, the kindness she shared and the light she kindled will continue to shine in our hearts. While her life carried her from Washington, DC to Greensboro, North Carolina, the true story of Harmony’s life is not defined by geography, but by the extraordinary love that shaped her.

That love was most powerfully embodied by her grandmother, Racquelia “Rocky” Kilby, who stepped forward without hesitation to raise Harmony, guided by a deep belief that people are defined not by limitations, but by their possibilities. Though Rocky had already raised two sons, when Harmony came into her life she embraced the role wholeheartedly, becoming not only her guardian but her greatest champion. Harmony lovingly called Rocky “Mom” and her “BFF,” a reflection of the deep bond they shared.

She grew within a large circle of people who believed in her and delighted in the person she was becoming. Among those who helped nurture her were Ana, Grandaddy James, Uncle Corey, and many others who helped shape the remarkable young woman she became.

As her senior year unfolded, Harmony stood on the threshold of an exciting new chapter. She was preparing to graduate from Western Guilford High School in June 2026 and had already been accepted to her first-choice university, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she planned to study art while exploring the world of competitive gaming. Ever curious about the wider world, Harmony dreamed of traveling, writing, and continuing to grow as an artist, imagining future days studying creative writing in Edinburgh’s historic castles.

The day before she passed, Harmony had chosen her blue prom dress, already looking ahead to the celebrations and milestones just around the corner. And like everything Harmony did, the future she imagined was shaped by the things she loved most.

Harmony moved through the world with an artist’s curiosity and a storyteller’s memory. She could recall the titles of paintings and the names of their creators as easily as the authors and illustrators of the books she loved. That same curiosity carried her far beyond home, exploring many countries, including Spain, Germany, Denmark, Norway, France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Yet Harmony had an equal gift for finding joy in the ordinary moments of everyday life. She could happily debate horror movie kill counts, listen to Weezer on repeat, and wander to Dollar Tree or Harris Teeter in search of snacks. And just as easily as she embraced adventure, Harmony carried a lighthearted spirit, often signing off with her cheerful phrases, “Peace” and “After while, crocodile.”

Harmony’s kindness was as natural as her curiosity. She had a remarkable way of remembering people’s names and the small details that made them feel seen, often sharing her artwork, baked treats, or thoughtful gifts with those around her. Harmony believed deeply in lifting others, advocating not only for herself but for those who sometimes struggled to find their voice. As a student ambassador with NCCJ (North Carolina for Community and Justice), she worked to help build communities rooted in respect, understanding, and belonging. Her compassion was reflected in the way she checked in on others and in her generosity, even donating her own money to support children battling cancer.

Harmony flourished in communities where creativity, teamwork, and inclusion came together, from Girl Scouts and the National League of Junior Cotillions to volunteering at the Center for Visual Artists, to riding with the DC Blue Eyes Rodeo team, and playing in both the Challenger Flag Football League and Western Guilford High School’s inaugural varsity women’s flag football team. She also lent her time and voice to Rustin’s Reunion, a community dedicated to standing together in support of LGBTQ+ belonging and justice. At Camp Royall, a camp for individuals on the autism spectrum, Harmony found a place where she felt fully understood and joyfully herself, a reflection of the welcoming world she worked to create for others.

Faith was also an important part of Harmony’s life. She was dedicated at Seneca Creek Community Church, where she served as a worship leader, and later found a spiritual home at Imani Metropolitan Community Church in Durham, a congregation grounded in the belief that God’s love is for all people.

Harmony is lovingly remembered by her grandmother and guiding light, Racquelia “Rocky” Kilby; her birth parents, Trevon Jamont Kilby-Neal and Mia Teresa Goings; her siblings, Brandon Goings and Brielle Lyanna Kilby-Neal; her maternal great-grandmother, Zyangquelyn Aleese Witherspoon(Ana); her grandfather, Mark “Tony” Neal (Sabrina); and her beloved Uncle Corey Ian Neal.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandfather, the late Rev. James M. Kilby and great-grandparents, James H. and Sylvia Ruth Neal.

Harmony also leaves behind a large and loving extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends whose lives were brightened by her presence.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to those who offered lifelong love and support to Harmony, including Phyllis Jackson (“Meemaw”), Annette Joynes (Godmother), Beverly Battle (“Auntie Bev”), Lisa Clarke, Carolyn Curry (“CC”), Rachel Davis, Carmen Diggs, JoAnne Finney (“Auntie Jo”), Stan Keys, Cynthia Kornegay, Jennifer Margiotta, April Parker(Auntie April), Jennifer Ryan, Ernestine Simpson (“Cousin Ernie”), Karmin Smith, and Lorraine Witherspoon (& Hina Ali).

A memorial service celebrating Harmony’s life will be held on Saturday, March 14, at College Park Baptist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina. Family visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 2:00 p.m. All who knew and loved Harmony are warmly invited to attend. In honor of Harmony, guests are encouraged to wear red, her favorite color. A reception will follow immediately after the service in the College Park Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, where family and friends may gather to share memories and celebrate her life.

 Livestreaming of the service is available. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation in honor of Harmony Maria Kilby-Neal to Autism Society of North Carolina- Camp Royall. Thank you. https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/donate-online/