Tyliyah "Ty" LaShay Lynn Whitis, 15, of Peoria, Illinois, formerly of Cedar Rapids, died July 20, 2021.  Homegoing Services will be 12:00 p.m. Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW , Bishop Robert L. Green presiding.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 30, 2021, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre.

Tyliyah was born April 18, 2006, in Waterloo, the daughter of Michael Whitis and Amanda Guzzle.  She was an AAU basketball player. Ty was a straight A student who took advanced classes, while also working two jobs at an ice cream parlor and corner store. She aspired to be an entrepreneur. Filled with laughter, joy, courage and enthusiasm Ty was destined to have a bright future. Considered a role model, she was before her time and will be deeply missed by many.

Ty is survived by her mother Amanda Guzzle of Peoria; her father Michael Whitis of Waterloo; her sister T'yanna Nesby, her brothers Malik Guzzle, Cayontae Guzzle, 3 nephews and a special friend, Kaliyah Anderson.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Sharon Boyer and Robert Guzzle, her paternal grandmother Ethel Stiegler.

Memorials may be directed to the family.