Laura Jean Burris Fritzius

Laura Jean Burris Fritzius fought the good fight and finished her race hearing, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." on April 29, 2024. Laura was born December 12, 1969 at St. Vincent Hospital, and Melvin and Raynette Burris received their bundle of joy April 10, 1970 in Forrest City, AR, two days before she cut her first tooth. 

Laura came to know Jesus as Savior at West Bauxite Missionary Baptist Church in 1980. Christ's strength in her, her spirit of perseverance and her mental toughness carried her through her long battle with cancer with the help and prayers of her fellow servants at West Bauxite and many others. This took unwavering faith, patience, courage and resilience. She encouraged many as she lived a life of hope and joy in her suffering, radiating a smile that defied the pain and suffering in her body. 

Laura is survived by her son, Joseph Ray West and wife, Christina; her beloved grandchildren: Carter Ray, Liberty Grace and NovaLynne Jean; her mom and dad, Melvin and Raynette; her sister-in-law, Cara Ballard; nephew, Cade Burris; many cousins in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas; as well as her precious church family at West Bauxite Missionary Baptist Church and many other special friends.

Memorial Service to be held May 1^st, at 1 PM at West Bauxite Missionary Baptist Church, 5701 Bauxite Hwy, Bauxite, AR 72011.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.