Lauren Riley Stafford

In Loving Memory of Lauren Riley Stafford

A Life of Love and Service

On Saturday, July 5, 2025, Heaven gained an angel. Following her courageous 12-year battle with cancer, Lauren Riley Stafford peacefully passed away. She was surrounded by love to the very end, and we still feel the love she shared so freely with all of us in our hearts. Her life was a testament to the power of faith, love, and selfless service to others.

A Heart for Healing

As a clinical pharmacist, Lauren dedicated her professional life to patient care, going beyond merely dispensing medication to provide understanding, compassion, and prayer when needed. Her commitment to healing extended both locally globally through her work with IMPACT and Cross-Eyed Ministries, including medical missions to Honduras, where she served the underserved with unwavering dedication.

Faith and Family

Lauren's faith journey led her to meet her beloved husband Matt at Florida State University during a Campus Crusade ice cream social - a divine appointment that blossomed into a beautiful marriage centered on love, service, and ministry. Lauren faithfully served her church including on the board of trustees, as a lay deacon, and as a children’s Sunday school teacher. Together, they built a loving family with their children Alexandra and Riley in St. Augustine, FL.

Legacy of Love

Throughout her cancer journey, Lauren remained a beacon of hope and inspiration. She found a renewed sense of purpose helping others through their cancer journeys. Helping to birth Apryle Showers foundation in order to serve patients ages 30-55, Lauren served as its first president. She later joined the board of directors for the Live For Today Foundation, helping to plan activities and life adventures for members ages 18-35 as well as organize much needed mental health events. Lauren went above and beyond for members, advocating for them and helping guide them individually through the complex health system. She displayed countless acts of kindness that touched lives worldwide.

Surviving Family

Lauren is survived by:

• Her husband, Matt, and children, Alexandra and Riley (St. Augustine, FL)
• Parents, Lillian and Donnie Riley (Russellville, KY)
• Sister Lindsey Riley Walker and Cory, nephew Henry and niece Kate (Franklin, TN)
• Grandfather Carroll Riley (Jo) (Russellville, KY)
• Matt’s parents, Jill and Craig Stafford (Saint Johns, FL) and brother, Paul Stafford (Marietta, GA)

Celebration of Life

A celebration of Lauren's life will be held, Saturday, July 26, 2025, 3:00-4:30PM with reception following at Redeemer Church 190 South Roscoe Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Honoring Her Memory

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Lauren's memory donating to Live for Today (https://www.live-for-today.org/) or Okoa Refuge (https://www.okoarefuge.org/) - a fitting tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to serving others.

Final Thoughts

While we mourn the loss of Lauren's physical presence, her spirit of love, kindness, and inspiration lives on through the countless lives she touched. Her legacy reminds us to live fully, love deeply, and serve others selflessly, just as she did throughout her remarkable journey.

May her memory be a blessing and continue to inspire acts of love and kindness in all who knew her.