of Little Rock, AR

May 3, 1972 - August 12, 2023

Many hearts have been broken when one of the most exceptional, creative, passionate and loving people left us way too soon. Lauren Emery McCants, 51, departed our world Saturday, August 12, 2023. She died suddenly and unexpectedly after a brief illness. She was born May 3, 1972 in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was Lauren or ''Renzie'' to her family and her brother called her the baby that came in May. She attended public schools, graduating from Little Rock Central High School in 1990. She attended Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, graduating with a BA in Sociology/Psychology in 1994. Lauren lived in Atlanta for several years, during which time she and her dear friend, Keely Harris, founded and ran Heaven's Kitchen Catering. In 1998, she and her husband, Derek Kass, welcomed their beloved daughter, Audrey.

The following year, they moved back home to Little Rock where Lauren found her calling as a chef. Working as a bartender at The Rev Room in the River Market and later the Big Orange West, she was known by many people. A dream to open her own restaurant sparked her idea of being the owner/operator/chef of the Southern Salt Food Truck from early in 2014 through August 2018. Her signature Cuban Reuben sandwich was one of many innovative and original offerings on the menu and in April, 2015, Lauren was featured in a ''Women's Day'' magazine article, titled ''Road to Success''. This article spotlighted female food truck entrepreneurs.

Following her Southern Salt years, Lauren was Production Chef at Food Jobs Work and was the Culinary Director at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center.

Lauren was sundresses and cowboy boots, pool cues and chess. She was bright rays of light who moved full force through life with a big heart ready to fight for and to protect anyone who needed it. She could thread the needle of calm as well as the needle of chaos.

She was preceded in death by Audrey's father, Derek Kass; father, Mac McCants; cousins, Timothy Hoffman and David Daniel and grandparents, Leon and Jean Hoffman.

Lauren is survived by her daughter, Audrey Kass; her husband, Kevin Stanbery; parents, Jay and Jeanie Barron; 4 brothers and their families, Chris (Jayme) McCants, John Barron (Connie), Tom (Holly) Barron, Pat (Sharon) Barron; her nieces and nephews, Gray, Sean and Matt Barron, Gavin Branson, Lauren Ragar, Lindsey (Matt) Farris, Hunter (Chelsea) Barron; grandnieces, Penny and Poppy Farris and Quinn Barron; grandnephew, Emery Richmond; Aunt, Donna Hoffman Peterson; cousins, Kyle (Kris White) Harvell, Darcie (Mike Keller) Harvell and Lydia, Elizabeth, Leilonnie and Isaac Harvell; as well as a large extended family and many, many dear friends. Special love and remembrance to Lauren's beloved Chihuahua, Leon Kenny Rogers, son of Willie Nelson, friend of Toby Keith, heir to the Dolly Parton throne, AKA Chicken Nugget.

As said by Beth Littrell, Lauren lit up Atlanta for nearly a decade, leaving an indelible impact on everyone she met - especially her family of like-minded, strong-willed, renegade women. They worked, played, laughed, cried, vacationed and celebrated life together year after amazing year. Her spirit sisters in Atlanta have loved and missed her since the day she headed west and will never stop missing or loving their beautiful, fiery, one-of-a-kind friend.

Susan Mussellwhite, another of the Atlanta friends: ''Lauren's unwavering, unconditional, sincere loving heart had an amazing ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. Every single time. I'll never forget how she made me feel. Loved. She made me feel loved. Her voice will live in my heart. Always.''

Lauren made the world a better place and everyone she met became her friend. A celebration of Lauren's life will be held at 5 pm August 26, 2023 at Dunbar Gardens, 1720 S. Chester Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. Lauren was passionate about helping others and any memorials can be made to the cause of your choice.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com