Lauren Ashley Sheppard Johnson, 27, loving wife of Stewart W. Johnson, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at Hospice of the Bluegrass Care Center in Lexington, KY. She was born on Feb. 8, 1990 in Lexington, KY, to Scott Sheppard and Karen Pike Sheppard.

She attended high school in Scott County and then continued her education at the University of Kentucky where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Lauren worked as a social worker with Arbor Youth Services were her compassion for caring for others shined as she worked with homeless children. Lauren had a passion for painting, music and the love of nature. Although she had attended high school with Stewart, it was not until later that these two fell in love. Through this beautiful union, a wonderful gift was given to this world, Sadie Marie Johnson, born on July 22, 2014. Stewart and Lauren continued their love for nature and was united in marriage on October 16, 2015 at Red River Gorge.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was the devoted mother to her daughter Sadie Marie, also known as Sadie Bug ; and is also survived by her brother, Shea (Paige) Sheppard, Phoenix, AZ; nephew, Scott Sheppard; in-laws, Barry and Lois Johnson of Lexington, KY; and brother-in-law, Lucas Johnson of Lexington.

Visitation will be 3-6 PM Sunday at Johnson’s Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be 11 AM Monday. Memorials may be made to Arbor Youth Services of Lexington.