Lauren Jade Reynolds was born on March 11, 2004, to David & Jeannie Reynolds and her very excited big sister, Jordan. David, Jeannie, and Jordan were able to enjoy a few days home with Lauren before they noticed that her lips had a blue tint and she was breathing with her entire chest.

After a trip to the pediatrician, who sent them to Arkansas Children's, it was discovered that Lauren was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, which meant that the left side of her heart didn't work at all. Miracle number one was getting her to the hospital, where she was surrounded by the most knowledgeable team in Arkansas. In the eyes of the family, they were the most knowledgeable team in the country.

The late Dr. Drummond-Webb performed the first stage of repair, which was called the Norwood procedure. In total, Lauren was hospitalized for 49 days before being sent home, where her parents and sister were told to enjoy their time with her--she had maybe 6 months to live.

Her mom and dad planned a 6-month birthday party for her, where family and friends joined to celebrate the potential one birthday Lauren got. Her big sister started homeschooling so she could be home with her.

When Lauren was a little over a year old, they decided to proceed with the second stage repair, called the Glenn procedure. Her little body had such a hard time with this procedure that after 47 days inpatient, they decided to put the third stage surgery on hold and see how long her little heart could make it.

It turns out that her little heart could make it to 8 years. On July 6, 2012, Lauren was listed as a status 2 on the transplant list, which meant she would be waiting at home. On October 21, 2012, Lauren received her first gift of life, surrounded by all of her loved ones. After a few weeks of recovery, she was able to run, play, and keep up with her cousins for the first time in her life.

A few short years later, Lauren was diagnosed with coronary artery disease and was told she would need another transplant. She received her second gift of life on March 11, 2015, on her 11th birthday.

The next nine-and-a-half years of her life were filled with so much joy and fun. She loved spending time with her big sister, her parents, her nana and papa, and her cousins. She got to go to concerts and meet her favorite bands and spread her story to anyone who would listen. She never took a day for granted--no matter if she was in pain physically or mentally.

Lauren is preceded in death by her mom, Jeannie Reynolds; her nana, Sandy Lunsford; her papa, James Lunsford, Sr.; her Mamaw Bev, Beverly Reynolds; her Papaw Bob, Robert Reynolds; and her Uncle Jay, Jamie Lunsford Jr. Lauren leaves behind her daddy, David Reynolds; her big sister and best friend, Jordan Reynolds; her beloved dog, Kona; her dog nieces, Khaleesi and Mose; her cousins: Madison Whiting (Lunsford), Karli Lunsford, Kristen Elliott (Reynolds), Tyler Reynolds, Cole Reynolds, Robyn Reed, and Landon Reed; her Uncle Larry and Aunt Susan; and her Aunt Cindy and Uncle Ray. She also leaves behind a host of family and friends who became more like family.

Lauren's honorary pallbearers are:

Ashton Kidder

Trentt Whiting

Holden Lester

Chase Davis

Trev Ragan

Though our hearts are heavy, in honor of Lauren's love for life and laughter, we are going to gather, and rather than mourn her death, we're truly going to celebrate the 20 awesome years God blessed us with her light! Please join us Friday, February 7, 2025, at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel from 5:00-7:00 P.M.  Please dress casual and comfortable, and help us honor the greatest encourager any of us ever knew.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to ARORA, the Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency, at 1300 Wilson Road, Little Rock, AR 72205.