Sarah M. Lanton

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Sarah M. Lanton, 20, of Harrisburg passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, in West Memphis, Ark., as the result of an automobile accident. She was born on Dec. 13, 1987, in Champaign, to Alvis DeJuan and Maria (Gasca) Lanton. She was a student at Mississippi State University and a member of the Apostolic Church of God in Harrisburg.

Our beloved Sarah was a person who knew and loved God. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter and niece. Sarah genuinely loved her family, friends and others. She not only aspired to be all she could, but passionately encouraged others to pursue their hearts desire.

She was known by many for her infectious smile and graceful zeal. Sarah had few strangers and readily conversed with all. She possessed the ability to make others feel special and sincerely cared for all. Her heartfelt laughter filled the room and lifted the souls of others. With great persistence, she prayed for her family, friends and schools.

Filled with wisdom, insight and love beyond her years, she was a refuge and fresh air for the broken hearted and joy followed her wherever she went.

With unsurpassed passion she pursued her dreams. As an athlete she played hard and motivated the best in her teammates. As a student, she pursued great achievement. As a poet, she wrote from the heart. As a vocalist, she sang the praises of heaven. As a daughter, she filled our lives with inexpressible joy.

Heaven's gain has created a void only God can fill. But her life has greatly blessed our family, our church, our schools and our communities.

Until we see her again, she will be greatly missed.

Sarah is survived by her parents, DeJuan and Maria Lanton of Harrisburg; sister, Sandra Bradford of Harrisburg; brother, Michael (Keysha) Thomas of Harrisburg; brother, Amando Neal of Milwaukee, Wis.; sister, Allecia Lanton of Harrisburg; grandparents, Elvis and Shirley Lanton of Harrisburg; aunt, Patricia Gasca of Harrisburg; aunt, Sarah Alcox of Harrisburg: aunt, Tanya (Barry) Spencer of Glendale Heights; uncle, Adrian Lanton of Chicago; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles survive.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Maria J. Gasca.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, at Davenport Gym at Harrisburg High School. Pastor Ronald Williams will officiate. Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery in Carrier Mills. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008, at Davenport Gym. Reed Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family through the obituary page of www.reedfuneralchapel.com.