Laiken Michelle Small, daughter of Douglas G. Small and Donna Whiteaker Beene, was born June 29, 1986 in Calico Rock, Arkansas. She departed this life November 13, 2018 in Conway, Arkansas at the age of 32 years, 4 months and 15 days. Laiken spent her life as devoted daughter, sister, cousin, aunt and friend. She was a 2004 graduate of Melbourne High School. She was of the Baptist faith and a member of Belview Baptist Church in Melbourne.

During her time on this earth, Laiken chose to spend her days doing what she loved the most. Up until her accident, she participated in sports, but even after so, her passion did not fade, it simply changed forms. She was a dedicated sports fan, especially when it came to the Arkansas Razorback and Duke Bluedevils. This love inspired her to interact with thousands daily across social media spreading her knowledge, and slightly biased opinion, about the sports scene. Her knowledge of sports and NASCAR were something you could always count on to never fail you. She also spent her time reading and writing. She was able to express her hopes, dreams, and even fears as words, sometimes too vulnerable to share. The ones she did share, however, overwhelmed her readers with joy and enthusiasm as they could feel the emotion she indeed felt too. Most of all, she spent her time with family and friends. Whether it be family holidays, concerts, Ryan's horse shows, Cheyenne's softball games, or just simple quality time, Laiken loved to be surrounded by those that loved her.

Her body was broken, but her spirit was not. She inspired those around her to keep going, because she did. She gave others strength, because she had enough to make it another day. She always believed that God had a plan for her life even if we did not understand it. We ask you to remember her as what she was: a true hero to those she impacted. She left this earth displaying the upmost courage, bravery, compassion, and love. Her disability did not defeat her; she defeated it.

Laiken is survived by her father and stepmother: Doug and Jamie Small of Mountain Home; her mother: Donna Beene of Conway; two siblings: Cheyenne Beene of Little Rock and Ryan Small and wife Jenna of Mountain Home; two nieces and one nephew: Adelynn, Daxtyn and Emery Small all of Mountain Home; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; her boyfriend: David Dillavou of Arkadelphia; a special friend: James Powell of Vilonia; her canine companion: Brinx and a host of other relatives and many good friends. Laiken was preceded in death by maternal grandparents: Lecel and Jimmie Rowden Whiteaker; paternal grandmother: Patsy Small; step-grandmother: Norma Dykes; maternal great grandmother: Iris Rowden; and paternal great grandmother: Ruth Mason and her beloved dog: Buddy Love.

Visitation will be Friday, November 16 from 6-8 p.m. at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Calico Rock. Funeral service will be Saturday, November 17 at 12 noon at Belview Baptist Church in Melbourne with David Small officiating. Burial will be at Pineville Cemetery.