Photo © by Jan Fendley

Obit posted by Janet Laubhan Flickinger

http://www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com/

Funeral services for Alayna Nicole Price, age 16, of Norman will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, June 9, 2011 at the Bethel Baptist Church, 1717 West Lindsey in Norman with Pastor James Ehrlich and Pastor Bruce Ingram officiating.

Alayna was born January 18, 1995 in Midwest City, Oklahoma. She is the daughter of Douglas Alan and Jaime (Allen) Price.  She passed away Friday afternoon, June 3, 2011 at her home in Norman.   Alayna was diagnosed with cancer during her kindergartener year at Adams Elementary School in Norman.
Alayna was a very dynamic little lady, with a very strong independent attitude.  In the midst of her illness, Alayna laughed often and loved much.  She was always most concerned about those around her, especially making sure that her Mommy, Jaime, was taken care of.
Alayna never questioned the life she was given, instead, she choose to live life to the fullest and she made a point to smile everyday.  Alayna had the opportunity to travel to Hawaii, Las Vegas, Disney World in Orlando, Florida and enjoyed spending time with her family on the East Coast.  Her favorite trip, however, took place just two years ago, when she traveled with her Mother and Kamil to Mexico. She had a passion for animals and planet Earth, so spending time in Mexico was a natural fit for Alayna.  The beauty of the ocean, the sandy beaches, the marine wildlife, and the beautiful sunsets over the water was what made Alayna smile the most.  She could often be found reading a National Geographic magazine, admiring the wonderful stories of nature.           
When she was not traveling, Alayna enjoyed being at home with her family watching movies and roasting marsh-mellows.  She loved comedy shows and the new animated movie “Tangled,”  also  “Finding Nemo,” and “Sponge Bob.” 

When Alayna became a teenager, she encircled herself with several close friends.  Together, they could be heard laughing and giggling and just having fun.  Alayna grew strength from her family and friends and learned to value true everlasting relationships.  The example she showed and the perseverance she exhibited was a testimony of her faith to everyone she encountered.  Her attitude was not one of questioning, blaming, or self pity, but instead of living, laughing, and loving!    
In addition to her family and friends, Alayna enjoyed snuggling up with her favorite blankets and stuffed animals.  She was a member of the Wildlife Federation, The International Thespian Society, World Wildlife Fund, and the Bethel Baptist Church of Norman.
   
Alayna attended Whittier Middle School and at the time of her death was a sophomore at Norman North High School.  Alayna had also been inducted into the National Honor Society while at Norman North.

Alayna's family would like to convey a heartfelt and very special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the Make A Wish Foundation in Oklahoma City.  Words cannot adequately say how much of a blessing these two organizations have meant to Alayna and her family over the past ten years.  They are truly angels on earth.
  
Survivors include her mother, Jamie Price and her step-dad, Kamil of the home in Norman; her father, Doug Price and her step-mom, Stacy of Frisco, TX; one brother, Connor Price of Frisco, TX; her maternal grandmother, Loretta Allen of Beckley, West Virginia; her paternal grandparents, Ann Price of East Freedom, Pennsylvania; Tom Price and his wife, Huong of Middletown, Pennsylvania; two uncles, Kevin Price and Greg Price; one aunt, Jackie Ferguson, a host of cousins, close friends, and her Beagle pet dog, Chelsey.

Alayna's family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at the Havenbrook Funeral Home, 3401 Havenbrook Street in Norman.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Alayna Nicole Price to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Burial will conclude in the I.O.O.F Cemetery in Norman under the direction of the Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman.

Online condolences may be shared at www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com