Baby Aria Milani Anderson
September 21, 2026 – September 28, 2026
Baby Aria Milani Anderson entered this earthly world on September 21, 2026, at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Delaware. On Monday, September 28, 2026, at the same hospital, she was gently welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ.
A service remembering this precious baby will be on Tuesday October 6, 2026, at 1 PM in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home with visitation from 11 AM until time of service. Burial will follow in Little Hope Cemetery following funeral service.
In February of this year, Aria’s parents, Michael David Anderson and Megan Marie Reaves Mullins, received the joyful news that their family would be growing. Their hearts were filled with hope and excitement as they began dreaming of life with their precious baby girl. From the very beginning, Aria was deeply loved by her parents, her siblings, and a family eagerly awaiting her arrival. Long before they held her in their arms, she already held a place in their hearts.
In July, following doctor visits and appointments, Michael and Megan received the heartbreaking news that Aria had been diagnosed with thanatophoric dysplasia. Faced with uncertainty and fears no parent should have to bear, they remained devoted to giving their daughter every opportunity for care, comfort, and love.
After meeting with doctors, they were referred to Nemours Children’s Hospital in Delaware. On August 6, they put their lives in Ripley on hold, packed their bags, and traveled to Delaware, where they remained awaiting Aria’s birth. Every appointment, every decision, and every prayer reflected the depth of their love for their little girl. Through it all, their greatest desire was to give Aria the very best they could.
When Aria arrived, she was surrounded by the love that had been waiting for her all along. Throughout her brief time on earth, she showed remarkable strength, and every moment with her became a memory her family will forever treasure. Though her life was short, the love she inspired was immeasurable. She will always be Michael and Megan’s precious daughter, a beloved little sister, and a cherished part of her family.
Aria’s passing leaves an ache that words cannot fully express. Her family grieves the moments they shared and the many milestones they had hoped to celebrate. Yet, even in their sorrow, they hold to the promise that their precious girl is now whole and healed, resting safely in the arms of Jesus.
Reflecting on their journey, her father, Michael, shared, “Even when we don’t see it, the Lord always has a path for us, often times laid out before we realize it. He never leaves us behind, and never forgets us.”
His words bear witness to a faith that continues through heartbreak—a trust that, even when the road ahead cannot be seen or understood, the Lord remains near and will carry them through.
Those who will forever cherish Aria’s memory include her parents, Michael David Anderson and Megan Marie Reaves Mullins; her siblings, Alexis Anderson, Kalop Anderson, Josh Anderson, Mila Mullins, Elijah Mullins, and Charli Decanter; her grandparents, David and Gloria Reaves; her grandmother, Kathleen Anderson; and many aunts, uncles, extended family members, and friends.
She was welcomed into Heaven by her twin brothers, Ru’shon and Ro’shon Anderson.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to several special people who walked alongside them throughout Aria’s journey: Nina Paidas, Megan’s maternal-fetal medicine specialist; Diego Menendez with the Paisley Foundation; and the staff of Nemours Children’s Hospital. The love, compassion, and care shown by each of these individuals will never be forgotten. They also extend a sincere thank-you to Chandler Funeral Home for their kindness and assistance in bringing their precious Aria home to Ripley.
As they honor Aria’s memory, Michael and Megan also ask that other families facing a diagnosis of thanatophoric dysplasia be remembered in prayer. Having experienced the uncertainty, heartache, and deep love that accompany this journey, they pray that these families will find comfort, support, and strength for each day, knowing that their children’s lives are precious and that they do not walk this road alone.
The family asks that contributions be made in Aria’s memory to the Ronald McDonald House Foundation. Ronald McDonald House holds a special place in Michael and Megan’s hearts, having provided them a home for two months during one of the most difficult seasons of their lives.
Aria’s family will forever carry her memory in their hearts. Her days here were few, but every one of them mattered. She was wanted, she was cherished, and she will always be loved.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”— Proverbs 3:5–6, KJV
Ripley Funeral Home is honored to serve Aria’s family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Tuesday
October 6, 2026
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home
Ripley, MS
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Service
Tuesday
October 6, 2026
1:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home
Ripley, MS
