With heavy hearts, we announce the death of our precious daughter Lauren Johanna Gilson. Lauren passed away unexpectedly on the evening of Saturday, November 2, 2024 from an automobile accident.
Lauren was born on September 5, 2004, in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Jamie and Karin (Miller) Gilson. She came into this world with her identical twin sister Alaina Audrey the day before her brother Brayden Richard turned 2 years old. From the instant these three were together, the Gilson household was never the same. The three siblings shared a love for many of the same activities. When they were all young, they loved playing on the massive play set in the backyard, riding dirt bikes, and skiing on the Waterboard Warriors water ski team.
In 2015, the family moved to Bentonville, Arkansas. Lauren attended school there and graduated with honors from Bentonville High School in 2022. While at Bentonville High, Lauren was a member of the lacrosse team and helped them win two championships. She went on to attend the University of Arkansas, but eventually found her passion in welding and was pursuing that as a student at the Ozark Welding Institute.
Lauren is survived by her parents Jamie and Karin Gilson, her siblings Brayden and Alaina Gilson, and Drakeo her beloved black lab. She is additionally remembered by her extended family in Wisconsin (Grandparents – Alan and Dona Miller (Brillion), Richard and Galenda Gilson (Greenleaf), Barry and Debra LeClaire (Allouez) and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Lauren was a friend to many, a fiercely loved daughter, sister and best friend. She was a radiant ball of sunshine who meant so much to many. We will miss her smile and infectious laugh along with her recent love for cooking (especially when she shared her delicious creations with all of us). She will be greatly missed at our Sunday family cookouts.
While we are deeply saddened by this loss, we know that Lauren loved life to the fullest and would have disliked a traditional funeral. We are holding a celebration of life gathering on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 3-7 pm at Beard’s Funeral Chapel in Fayetteville, AR. Please join us to share stories and show Lauren the love we all have for her.
We love you & your family & Lauren will forever be missed ❤️
I miss you L. Love you 🕊️
I know the heartache when one loses a child too. My prayers are with the family at this time
My heart goes out to all of you. Sending my love and thoughts to all of you. Lauren is truly missed and will forever hold an even more special place my heart than she already had. 💓
My deepest condolences on the loss of Lauren. May God hold you close and comfort you during this difficult time.
Kathy Racette (mother of Christy Murray.)
One of my very first friends since I moved to NWA. You have a heart of gold and the most infectious smile. I’ll always cherish our memories and our special bond 🩷 My girl forever! I love you, I always have! And I just know you’re watching over your sister correcting and judging her every move! Lol. I’ll miss seeing the two of you together. I’ll watch over her for you. See you eventually, Lou🩷
Brayden, I’m deeply sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the pain you’re feeling but I hope God and your family are there to mend your heart. Love you.
🙏so sorry for you and your families loss🙏
To Donna & Allen Miller, My sympathy. May God Bless her with a Heaven of peace.
Sorry for the loss of your sweet girl. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers
We are so sorry to hear about your beautiful daughter Lauren. We can’t imagine what your family is going through. We are praying that the Lord gives you comfort that only He can give at such a time as this. God bless you and your family.
What sad thing to happen to a beautiful young lady!! We are praying for peace & memories to your entire family!! God Bless!!
Oh Lauren, rest easy. I’m so sorry for your loss💔
May everyone be at peace and get closure during these difficult times. The whole situation leaves me at a loss for words and deeply saddens me. Please know many family and friends have you guys in their thoughts and prayers. Love Josh.
So sorry for your loss of your daughter
Karin and Jamie, we were so sorry to hear about your daughter. We are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Coming from a cousin of Lauren’s cousin in WI… I’m so sorry to hear about this loss. I’ve heard many amazing things. Thought and prayers coming from me to your family.
So so sorry for your loss. We had the privilege to spend time with Lauren for a brief time when she became friends with our son and was spending time with him. She was a bright light and so full of life. The world is a little dimmer without her, but Heaven is a lot brighter. Our prayers and thoughts go out for all of you.
Praying for you all during this difficult time. So very sorry for your loss.