Lauren Renee Cole, age 26, of Morgantown, passed away Thursday, July 9, 2020 after an 8 year battle with addiction. Lauren was born in Morgantown on September 16, 1993, a daughter of Michael and Cherie Cole of Morgantown. Lauren was a 2012 graduate from University High School and graduated from WVU with a degree in Social Work. Lauren was working towards her Masters in Social work, having completed a year and a half of the program. She worked as a social worker for Valley Mental Health. She had the biggest heart and never met a stranger she couldn’t bond with. Her empathetic nature helped many people. She put the needs of others ahead of her own. She had a very kind and generous heart. Lauren had so many family and friends that loved her. Lauren grew up playing many sports including softball, swimming, soccer, cheering, tumbling, snowboarding and lacrosse. She was 1st team NCAC all four years at UHS Lacrosse in addition to scoring over 100 goals. She was cheer captain at UHS and competitive cheer. She also loved to hunt and fish with her family. Later, Lauren found happiness and companionship at Ridgeline CrossFit. In addition to her parents, Lauren is survived by her sister, Kristin Ward and her husband Joey of Morgantown; brother, Ryan Cole of Morgantown; nephews, Jacob and Joshua Ward; maternal grandmother, Ruth Mullins and husband, Ed Whistler; paternal grandparents, Mike and Kathleen Cole; cousins, Rachel Camden and her husband Zach and their son Cooper, Samantha McLaughlin, David and Matthew Goodwin, and Olivia and Isabel Mullins; Aunts and Uncles, Bill and Debbie McLaughlin, Ralph and Elisandra Mullins, and Michelle Goodwin; and canine best friend, Brodie Lee, her golden retriever and constant companion providing support and love. Lauren was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Ralph Mullins; and great grandparents, Mike and Bertie Cole and Ted and Virgie Mullins In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to West Virginia Sober Living at 206 Spruce Street, Morgantown, WV 26505. Friends and family may gather at McCulla Funeral Home, 770 Fairmont Road Morgantown, WV on Monday, July 13th from 3-8 pm. Due to COVID-19, proper precautions should be taken including wearing a face mask and social distancing. A private funeral will be held and burial will take place at Fletcher Cemetery. Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.mcculla.com