Acquaintances, friends and family members somberly walked across the parking lot as they prepared to pay their final respects to Barnes.  Many still in disbelief that her life was cut so short.

Our beloved Lauren Jay Barnes, 20, and her unborn daughter Avery Barnes of Oklahoma City, OK, died unexpectedly Nov. 23, 2007. Lauren was born in Moore, OK on February 11, 1987. She was preceded in death and welcomed with loving arms by her grandmothers, Sandra Lou McNutt and Betty Jean Barnes; grandfather, James Elvis Barnes; and great grandmother, Mary Elizabeth McNutt.

Lauren is survived by her father, Charles ''Jeff'' Barnes; mother and step-father, Katherine and Tanner McDaniel; sister, Cassandra Barnes; brothers, James Barnes and Ryan and Sean McDaniel; grandfather, Jon McNutt; great-grandfather, William McNutt; great-grandmother, Margaret Polson; grandparents, Larry and Diane McDaniel; great-grandmother, Mary Stupka; great grandfather, Melvin McDaniel; uncle Troy and aunt Apryl McDaniel and cousin, John Tanner; aunt Karen and uncle Gil DeGuzman and cousins, Kelly and Eric Englund; aunt Alicia Middleton; aunt Marianne Barnes; aunt Lisbeth McCarty and cousin, Jamie McCarty; uncle Jim and aunt Nancy Barnes and cousins, Chad, Joseph, and William Barnes; and cousin, Sheli LeMieux and husband, Steve, and their daughter, Allison; and too many friends to mention, but you know who you are! Lauren enjoyed life and looked forward to Avery's anticipated arrival. Quiet and reserved until you got to know her, Lauren was the light of many lives. Lauren's sense of humor will stay in the hearts of all who love her. We were blessed to have had Lauren with us this short time. The family would like to show their gratitude to all of the family members and friends who have supported them with prayers and calls, and to the volunteers who aided in the search for Lauren. The overwhelming outpouring of love that Lauren's friends have shown has been a tremendous blessing to her family. Lauren's father, Jeff, would like to extend a special thank you to Richard Banther, Danny Winstead, Everett Blasingame, J.R.G., the Putnam City School group and his close friends for lending their strength during this difficult time. 

Services will be held at Putnam City Baptist Church (11401 N. Rockwell) on Tuesday, December 4, 2007, at 2 p.m. with interment to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens (8701 NW Expressway). In lieu of flowers the Putnam City Schools Foundation has set up a memorial fund. You may send your donations to the Lauren Jay Barnes Memorial Fund c/o First Bethany Bank, P.O. Box 218, Bethany, OK 73008.