Obituary of Lauren Ann Holbrook

With immeasurable love and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Lauren Ann Holbrook, age 25, of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, formerly of Talladega. On Saturday, October 26, Lauren's remarkable journey ended unexpectedly in Mountain Brook due to an automobile accident. Born on March 31, 1999, in Talladega, Lauren was the cherished daughter of Mark and Alicia Holbrook, who held her as both a light in their lives and a model of grace. She attended The Donoho School, graduating in 2017, and earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Samford University's McWhorter School of Pharmacy in 2023. Known for her dedication and compassionate spirit, Lauren embarked on a PGY1 residency at the Birmingham VA Health Care System and had just begun her PGY2 residency in ambulatory care at UAB, where she was highly respected for her kindness, skill, and commitment to patient care. A beloved granddaughter, Lauren, was preceded in death by Finley and Ann Holbrook, Billy Franklin, and Anna Williamson. Her memory lives on in her devoted parents, Mark and Alicia Holbrook; her grandparents, Myra Franklin and Doc Williamson; her uncle, Andy Franklin (Amy); her aunt, Rebecca Franklin Wentz (Dan); and her dear cousins, Morgan Franklin, Sarah Kate Franklin, Jacqueline Wentz, and Franklin Wentz. Lauren was treasured by all who knew her, and her presence remains a guiding light within her family. Lauren was an active member of her church, Dawson Family of Faith, where she immersed herself in service, fellowship, and worship. She was deeply involved in the Young Professionals Life Group, women's discipleship group, and sanctuary choir, sharing her radiant voice and genuine heart with everyone around her. Her Christian faith was evident in her actions, kindness, and dedication to serving others, and she lived out her beliefs in every aspect of her life. Professionally, Lauren was equally accomplished and esteemed. She held memberships in Phi Lambda Sigma, the American Pharmacist Association, and the Alabama Pharmacist Association. She was a valued American Pharmacist Association's Pharmacy Residency and Fellowship Standing Committee (communications subcommittee) member. Her peers admired her as a professional dedicated to her field and a leader with an inspiring commitment to excellence. Outside of her academic and professional achievements, Lauren was a vibrant, multifaceted individual. She was an avid reader, an enormous Broadway fan, and a lover of all types of music. She frequently attended concerts and shared her voice as an accomplished singer. Her love for travel took her to new places, and her adventurous spirit found joy in Battle Republic fitness classes, where her tenacity and energy shone through. Lauren’s family will receive friends at Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega, 516 North St. E., Talladega, AL 35160, on Thursday, October 31, 2024 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. A celebration of her life will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Friday, November 01, 2024 at Dawson Family of Faith, 1114 Oxmoor Rd., Birmingham, AL 35209 with David Eldridge and Rob Paul officiating. Her family will receive friends at the church from 5:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. and directly after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations in Lauren’s honor to the Dawson Family of Faith music ministry, 1114 Oxmoor Rd., Birmingham, AL, 35209 or at www.dawsonchurch.org, which would be a tribute to her dedication to uplifting the world through the gift of faith-inspired music. In addition, McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford University will be establishing a scholarship fund in Lauren’s memory. Donations can be made to the university. Please specify that your donation is in memory of Lauren, so it will be included in this fund. Lauren's impact, warmth, and compassion will be remembered by all whose lives she touched. Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com. Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing the services.