Laura Nell Kent

Laura Nell White Kent was born in North Little Rock, Arkansas on August 6, 1980, to Michael C. and Linda White. After facing a lifetime of health challenges with an unconquerable spirit, she transitioned to a new life of wholeness and joy on June 18, 2024.

Laura graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1998 and received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2006, majoring in Early Childhood Education. She was a gifted elementary school teacher, leading children to achieve not only educational skills but also respect for themselves and others. In addition, she served as a developmental therapist with one- and two-year olds through KidSource, Inc. Through dance growing up, singing in choirs and praise teams, and sharing songs with her children, Laura expressed her lifelong love of music. Her life was exemplified by her strong spirit, determination, courage, empathy, and her steadfast Christian faith that permeated her entire being. She held unwavering devotion for her family and friends, particularly for her cherished children, Taylor, Brady, and Audreyana Kent. In addition to her children, she is survived by her parents; her children’s father, Michael Kent; her brother, Steven White; her bonus sister, Rosa Flores; and her nieces, Emily White, Olivia White, Leah Flores, and Emma Owens. Laura was preceded in death by her grandparents, Clarence and DeLois White, Ben and LaRue Quertermous, and Bernice Quertermous, and by her sister, Wendy Elizabeth White.

A celebration of Laura’s life will be held Saturday, June 29, at 12:00 noon at Smith Family Funeral Homes- North Little Rock, with visitation from 10:00-11:45 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Great River Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 4724 Hillcrest Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72205, https://grrdisciples.org, or to The Van, PO Box 250061, Little Rock, AR 72225, https://itsthevan.org.