Lauren Elizabeth Branson

Lauren Elizabeth Branson was born August 21, 2005 in Little Rock, AR. She is the daughter of Chad and Andrea Branson (Jones). She is LB to those who know and love her. She was a senior at Mount Saint Mary’s Academy, and had been accepted to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in the fall where she wanted to pursue a degree in nursing, and could not wait to be a Razorback.  Lauren was taken from us too soon on the night of March 17, 2023 but she lived a full and beautiful life in her short 17 years.

She became our sunshine the moment they laid her in our arms, and that ray of sunshine brought love and joy to so many. She began her school career at Christ the King Catholic School where she spent 10 years building friendships, learning, and growing in her faith.  Her favorite memory of elementary school was being Mary in the first grade Christmas pageant. She had set that goal at the age of 2, and she never quit pursuing that dream. She also found her passion for volleyball in fifth grade on the school team. Her ten years at Christ the King blessed her with many great teachers and friendships.

She began her high school career at Mount Saint Mary Academy in 2019, and was excited about graduation in May. She continued her love of volleyball by playing on her high school team and several competitive teams. She ate, slept, and breathed volleyball for many years, and she loved every minute of it. She had a passion and fire on that court that was amazing to watch, and that competitive spirit drove her on and off the court.  Just as Christ the King did, Mount Saint Mary’s blessed her with many great teachers and friendships.

As passionate as she was about volleyball, she was more passionate about the people she loved. She loved fiercely, and she never did anything halfway. She was happiest when she was around close friends and family.  She always wanted to make sure those around her were happy and laughing, and when she flashed that gorgeous smile and laughed that contagious laugh she had everyone around her happy and laughing.  She was fearless, and was always up for a new adventure like learning to lake surf, tubing, parasailing, or riding the most terrifying roller coasters.

In her free time, she loved deer hunting, fishing, and riding four wheelers with her dad and brothers at The Farm. She was her dad’s best hunting buddy. Her happy places were the beach and the lake where we spent many summer vacations. Lauren also loved animals, especially her loyal friend, Shadow Dog. Wherever Lauren was, so was her furry friend. She spent many hours serving at CARE for Animals.  She knew the value of hard work, and worked at David’s Burgers in Maumelle for almost 2 years and she had recently started a new job at Fringe Boutique in LR. Babysitting was something she enjoyed, and the children she cared for were always so special to her. She loved her work and her work friends.

Lauren was also a faithful Catholic, and she loved the Lord. She was baptized, received her First Communion, and was confirmed at Christ the King. She never missed Mass, and loved the Eucharist. She was an altar server for Christ the King for many years. She had just sponsored her brother through his confirmation. She did her best to follow God’s plan each day.

Lauren was always dancing and singing, and she would challenge anyone to a Just Dance competition She sang in the shower and in her car with the windows down. She was always up for a concert.  She mastered the art of bossing around her brothers, Brodie and Eli, and giving them a hard time when she thought they deserved it. The Christmas season was her favorite time of year, and she would kick it off in November by singing Christmas songs in the shower. The best family times were spent playing four square or family baseball, and lounging by the pool. She adored her grandparents and cousins and treasured all the time she spent with them. She made even the simplest moments amazing. Everyday was a better day with LB. She made all who knew her want to be better, and she was an example of how to enjoy the gift of each and every day.

As fiercely as she is loved, she will be fiercely missed by her father and mother, Chad and Andrea Jones Branson; her brothers, Brodie Branson and Eli Branson; grandparents, Mike and Harriet Fox Jones and Steve and Peggy Morris Branson; uncles, Steve Jones (Angela), Kirby Jones (DeAnn) and Chris Branson (Jeanna); and other extended family and friends. Words cannot describe the void that has been left on so many hearts with her passing. Spread your wings and fly our sweet girl.

Visitation will be Monday, March 27 at 9:00 a.m., the Rosary at 9:30, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Bishop Francis I. Malone, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to CARE For Animals at 5516 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, AR 72207 https://www.careforanimals.org/donations or Christ the King Catholic Church and School, 4000 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, AR 72212.