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.
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36 Condolence(s)
Terry Allmon
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Condolences to Chris (we were schoolmates at Henderson Jr High).
Danny Holmes
Friday, September 29, 2023
Losing family has always been hard time for me to leave in peace. Makes me want to
somehow fight the world and keep them safe. Sadly some losses don't pain as much as others
but they were all precious+
In the past 6 months I have lost my eldest step daughter, she was my sunshine. Gone at 64.
April6, oldest bro a great guy, Sept 26, no2 bro passed. My 52 yo niece now diagnosed with bone
cancer, stage 4.
Never thought that being older has bump in life I didn't consider, losing all these people
you loose just seems to compound that loss. Well all move on but never forget who they were,
how you loved them and how you know you always will.
I think we are finding out the hurt and loss we feel, it just make them brighter, more loved
more missed and look forward to seeing and meeting them again, I know this is how I feel.
I hope you do well, others love you, It doesn't heal one it does leave memories to think of
them and get a warm feeling for them.
I know this is too long but good love is long and enduring too. Dan
Beckie Stovall Miles
Thursday, September 14, 2023
Prayers for the entire family. Peace for you all. So sorry Jeannie. âœï¸âœï¸
David McCreery
Sunday, September 10, 2023
I've only now realized that you have suffered such a loss, Jeanie, and am terribly sorry to learn of it. You are one of my favorite people. God bless you and your family. David
Jenna Novic
Saturday, August 26, 2023
I am so sorry to the generations that will miss out on the wise words and teachings of Lauren Mccants. She was a person unlike no other. Fearless, powerful, selfless, full of love and light...look over us Lauren.
Stephen & Stephanie Hurst
Friday, August 25, 2023
Jeanie, Donna and Family,
Lauren was always so thoughtful and friendly. She will be missed in the neighborhood. We are sorry for your loss and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. S & S
Stephen & Stephanie Hurst
Friday, August 25, 2023
Kevin-
Lauren always had a great smile, an enthusiastic wave and a friendly "Hi Neighbor" to greet us. She will be missed in the neighborhood. We are so sorry for you loss. S & S
David Casey
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
I am very saddened to hear of Lauren’s passing. She will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
David Casey
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
I am very saddened to hear of Lauren’s passing. She will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Lee Bowser
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Mac and Jeanie were close friends of mine at the time of Lauren's birth. I would like to give my most humble regards to her parents and extended family.
Melissa A Johnson
Monday, August 21, 2023
RIP to an amazing, one of a kind woman.
Fletcher Clement
Sunday, August 20, 2023
You always had a smile...
You were always interested. Always genuine, and now, Always...
forever, truly missed.
Cheri Fink
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Dearest Nini/ the precious Girl Scout Troop of Audrey and her friends, you are so loved. I pray for your whole family and just want to wrap my arms around you and Audrey. In my heart, I remember Lauren teaching Audrey and Hannah how to make pumpkin purée soup and how to knit…. Such special memories!
Mary Ann Campbell
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Oh how Guy loved to offer her, "candy, little girl?" just to see her beautiful grin and sparkle in her eyes. It's shockingly sad to know she's gone too soon. She did cover a lot of ground in her short years and touched a LOT of hearts. My condolences to all. She will be missed, but so very glad we were blessed to know her.
Much love,
Mary Ann
Jerome Fitzgerald Aubrey
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Lauren was a special person, who I liked very much. Rest in Power, Lauren.
Emese Boone
Saturday, August 19, 2023
I’m deeply heartbroken to hear about Lauren. She was always a bright light! My heart is holding you tight Jeanie, Audrey and Chris.
Queene Hippolyte
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Sweet Lauren…your Beautifull spirit will be missed by all. May you flow in energy & light through the Universe watching over us with your pure Love. Praying for you Audrey and for all that loved and treasured your Mama. Love you always/all wayz Sistar. ðŸ™ðŸ¼â¤ï¸
Angela Justice
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Praying for God to wrap his arms around Jeanie and her precious family during this difficult time. Sending love and light.ðŸ™ðŸ»â¤ï¸
Gloria Boone
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Lauren’s bright light will be missed by so many. We share your family’s grief, Jeanie. May her memory bring some comfort to all of you, especially our dear Audrey. Much love to you and Jay.
Brooke Cingolani
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Here’s to seeing each other in Kroger.
Tanya Hollifield
Saturday, August 19, 2023
What a powerhouse she was. Living life on her own terms. Taking the lead. What a woman. We could all aspire to live like Lauren.
Sherry Kellum-Presley
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Lauren, the woman exudes awesomeness. Her love was strong and you always knew she cared. She was fierce and walked with such confidence. I will miss her light. I thank her for her wisdom, her love, and her friendship. I will greatly miss her.
Linda Aldridge
Friday, August 18, 2023
Jeanie, I am so sorry for your loss. I never had the privilege of meeting Lauren but I have always heard wonderful things about her from Donna. We are praying for you and your family during this time. Hugs and prayers â¤ï¸ 🙠from Duray & Linda Aldridge
Louis Goldberg
Friday, August 18, 2023
Praying for all of her family, so very sorry. So glad I knew her at Henderson Jr. High & Central.
Beckie Stovall Miles
Friday, August 18, 2023
Praying for peace and comfort for all of you. âœï¸
Tim McGugin
Friday, August 18, 2023
Kristin Owen
Friday, August 18, 2023
Lauren was amazing! She loved, listened, and let us all be ourselves with a fierceness she embodied naturally. From the moment I met her (when she and Derek brought Audrey to LR as an infant) I knew she would be a part of my life. A very important part. We met that day at Vagabonds Vintage Store. We all had Starburst China dreams!
She always loved my love for her baby Audrey. That always made me feel special. It always will. Thank you Lauren for making me part of your world. I will always love you, Derek, and Audrey Kass.
Christopher Smith
Friday, August 18, 2023
Lana Parker
Friday, August 18, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss.
I’m praying for peace and comfort for all of Lauren’s beloved family and friends.
Brandon Holloway
Friday, August 18, 2023
Lauren was an awesome woman. She could light up a room. I always had fun working and hang out with her. She will be truly missed. â¤ï¸
Katie Brun (Earle)
Friday, August 18, 2023
My heart is broken, yet I'm grateful to have shared hard work and even greater fun with Lauren. She was an unstoppable force, always commanding any room she entered. Yet, Lauren was wise enough to find humour in those who took themselves too seriously, herself included.
Nola Ballinger
Friday, August 18, 2023
Donna, I'm so saddened for you and sister Jeannie! Remembering you and yours during this time of grief. A long time of grief I'm afraid. Prayers for heart healing.
Charles Sanchez
Friday, August 18, 2023
Lauren was a dynamo. She was feisty and fierce and loving, and the world is a little less cool without her.
Don Campbell
Friday, August 18, 2023
Tom, John and Pat, I am so sorry to read this about your sister. Prayers for all of you. Don
Paul Bowen
Friday, August 18, 2023
I hate to hear this. I liked Lauren very much.
Jason sharp
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Mom, Bari and I offer our sincerest condolences. We were shocked and saddened by the news of her passing. On a personal note, I truly loved my little cousin. She will be missed.