Eason Lane Clay

Eason Lane Clay, beloved son of Parker and Lauren Clay, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the age of one and a squishy weight of 19 lb. 12 oz.

Eason was born on September 30, 2025, fifteen weeks before his due date, weighing 1 lb. 10 oz. Although Eason spent his entire life in the hospital, his world was filled with immeasurable love. Eason loved to snuggle with his mom and dad and knew that he was loved unconditionally. Every day of his life was surrounded by courage, hope, and devotion.

Eason faced more challenges in one short year than most people face in a lifetime. He was a beautiful and deeply cherished child whose life brought joy, meaning, and love to everyone fortunate enough to know him. His tiny hands, bright red hair, and brave spirit left an everlasting mark on the hearts of his family and friends.

Lauren and Parker loved Eason with a strength beyond words. Always bursting with pride for their son, they celebrated every milestone, found joy in the smallest moments, and remained faithfully by Eason’s side through every difficult day. Their love gave him a life of comfort, dignity, and belonging. While they had dreamed of bringing their baby home, they made a home around him wherever he was and ultimately celebrated his heavenly homecoming.

The family is deeply grateful to the doctors, practitioners, specialists, nurses, respiratory therapists, and countless other caregivers at Arkansas Children’s Hospital who cared for Eason with such compassion and became part of his extended family.

Eason is survived by his parents, Parker and Lauren Clay; grandparents, Beth and Gary Clay, Angela Waldrip and Larry Mueller, and Mark and Cyndy Waldrip; aunts and uncles Allison and Aaron Bragg, Nathan and Maegan Waldrip, Katie and Ethan Branscum, and Austin and Katelyn Clay; and cousins Austin and AJ Bragg, Miles and Ava Waldrip, and Maeve, Maverick, and Georgia Branscum.

His family finds comfort in the faith that carried them through his life and trusts that Eason’s Gran, Rosa Mae Eason, along with many others were there to welcome him into the arms of Jesus.

A service celebrating Eason’s life will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, October 9th at New Life Greater Little Rock.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to www.arcf.org/EASON in his honor.

Eason’s life was brief, but it was incredibly impactful. He taught those around him about courage, unconditional love, grit, hope, and faith. Though his family dreamed of watching him grow up, they are grateful for every precious day they were given with him. He is healed, and his family’s faith has been deepened through knowing him.

Eason will live forever in the hearts of those who loved him.

Guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114. 501-758-1170.