Laura Dawn James went to her heavenly home October 8, 2018 at the age of 17 years old surrounded by her family and friends.
Laura had been battling glioblastoma brain cancer since May of 2017. She was a loyal child of God, a huge Taylor Swift fan, a very loyal teammate, a vegan lifestyle promoter and the perfect daughter. She made us so proud with how she helped everyone and inspired us all to be better people.
Laura will be forever remembered by her mom, Amber James; dad, Brian James; sister, Erika James; her grandparents, John and Wanda Barnett, Laurie Miles and Jim and Joyce James; her close friends, Hailie Luebbers, Olivia Couch and Ryelee Snider. She will also be remembered forever by our many family, friends and community who have loved her dearly.
The Celebration of Life service will be held at the Elkins High School at 5:00 PM Wednesday, October 10, 2018. The address is 349 North Center St, Elkins, AR 72727.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the National Children’s Cancer Society, Lighthouse Family Retreat, Arkansas Children’s Hospital or the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Little Rock. Links to donate can be found on the Love for Laura Facebook page.
Joyce and I will miss her so much, as she was a great inspiration to everyone who knew her. As a little girl she would come over for Halloween dressed as an animal and I would hold her hand and take her out trick or treating. Memories of the fun things we did together, are what we will hold on to and keep next to our heart. We will always hold on to the hope that we will see her again in heaven, that is our ultimate goal, our prayer and what we will continually hold on to for the rest of our days. As Taylor Swift says, “Hold on to the memories and they will hold on to you!”. We Love you Laura, Forever and Always Jim & Joyce James!
I have no words to express what Laura meant to our family. She was truly one of the sweetest souls we will ever know. It was a pleasure to watch her grow up into the amazingly strong, beautiful and inspiring young woman that she was. God gave her a huge cross to bear and she bore it with such strength, dignity, grace and beauty. While our hearts are shattered, they are also bursting with pride and love for her. She made such an impact in such as a short amount of time. She will never be forgotten. Her legacy will live on in all those who were impacted by her. My life will never be the same both because you were in it and because you are gone. I love you so much sweet, sweet girl. Fly high precious angel. Love, Aunt Laura
It is amazing how one person can have such a profound impact on so many in such a short amount of time. Laura was a beautiful young woman who was gracious, humble and kind. She inspired us with her grace, courage and unwavering trust in her Savior. As Amber chronicled your journey we moved to tears countless times; we felt like we were able to take this journey with you and could pray in more tangible ways. You have been in our prayers since Amber’s first post and will be in prayers as you move forward in the days, months and years ahead. We have been very impressed with how the community of Elkins has surrounded you with their love, prayers and anything else you needed. God Bless You Brian, Amber and Erika! #loveforlaura #lovelikelaura
Prayers for the family, all her friends and the community that loved this girl so much. Love Like Laura…
So sorry for your loss. She can fly with the other angels now. Prayers for the family
Laura’s story has touched so many hearts. I’m so blessed to have known her through the Swiftie fandom. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you through this tragic time. We sometime can’t inderstand the way God works but we have to remember He’s a good, good Father. His plans are HIS plans, even when it hurts. Laura was loved by so many. She will be leaving a legacy behind.
My deepest condolences. Prayers and love to you all!
Amber,Brian and Erika, There never seems to be the right words to say at this time, but I am so sorry for your loss. I only saw Laura a few times, but she was always the most pleasant young woman you could ever meet. I never seen Laura that she didn’t have a smile on her face regardless of how bad she was feeling. May God wrap his around all your family and friends and bless you all. Love Gwen,Jackie and Nick Young
We are so sorry. We love u all and if we can do anybody please let us know Hinchman famiky
My condolences…
I didn’t know Laura, I knew her story on her Instagram account thanks to the Taylor Swift fans community about two months ago, and I’m very happy that she was able to make a dream come true before leave this world. I hope Laura’s family and friends can be strong at this difficoult time and I’m so sorry that she had a short life, but I’m sure that was enough to touch and inspire so many people. Send my love from Brazil to all those who stay here and celebrate Laura’s life.
I could not be there physically today but please know that my heart and my prayers are with all of you. Laura was such a special girl and inspired so many and we know she is with Jesus but we will miss her a whole lot here on earth, May God comfort you Amber, Brian and Erika on this day as you celebrate Laura’s life.
Laura was and is my hero forever more.🖤
I would like to express to the family my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your beautiful young Laura. What pain of heart you must be feeling. Our loving Creator never intended for families to endure such tragedies or for our dear young ones to have their lives cut short. And He has made arrangements so that we will be able to see our loved ones again. I hope that you will find some comfort in the words of Jesus at John 5:28,29 where he promised that the day is coming when he is going to resurrect back to life those in the grave. And they will be brought back to a beautiful paradise earth with no more sickness. (Psalm 37:11,29) (Isaiah 33:24) Until then, it is just like your precious young Laura is sleeping. (John 11:11-13) May your family draw strength from Jehovah, the God of all Comfort.
I’m truly going to miss your sweet face & kind words. You were always so very nice to me & always tried to include me in things at Church. I’m glad you aren’t suffering anymore & I hope you’re dancing to all your favorite Taylor Swift songs with angels. You’re deeply loved sweet girl. I can’t imagine the pain of the family, so I pray for strength & comfort for you all. Rest is Peace Laura.
Fly high beautiful angel. God needed you home and we may never understand why. Love you always ❤️💔
In the short time I got to know Laura on Twitter I realized I was blessed to meet such an incredible soul. I’m so thankful that I got to take part in the big Laura movement on twitter to get her to Taylor. Seeing her smile in that moment was worth everything!!!! I’m so sad that such a beautiful soul had to depart earth at such a young age but I’m praying god wraps his arms around you all in this terribly hard time. Thank you for letting us get to know Laura. I will never ever forget her.