Arica Lynn O'Quinn

ARICA LYNN O'QUINN, was born on October 1, 1995, as a beautiful blessing to Jerry Lynn O'Quinn and Carla Jean (Gillham) O'Quinn. She grew up in a loving home surrounded by her family, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. Arica had such a quick sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She was quick to learn and very competitive.
Arica attended Lebanon Public Schools and graduated with the class of 2014. She then attended Missouri State University for three years, and after working for awhile, she graduated from OTC with an Associate of Arts degree. She recently graduated from Paul Mitchell The School, after completing their Esthetician Program. She and her family were so proud of her accomplishments as she eagerly planned to start her new career in October.
Arica loved to play soccer, starting at four years old and loved the competition. She was still playing at this time on an adult co-ed team.
She really enjoyed painting for relaxation and making jewelry. During the years preceding Covid, she loved going to music festivals with friends. Arica was friendly and always ready to make new friends. Above all, she adored her family and loved them unconditionally. She was the one to reach out with texts of photographs of her beloved golden doodle, "Vinny", and with simple, "I love you's" with hearts and kisses. In every phone call she would include, "I love you and Daddy so very much!" Arica adored her nephews, Braden and Caleb and her niece, Norah. She loved to spend time with them and always hoped to do more.
When Arica was little she would always say, "You're the best Mama in the whole wide world!" Her mother was then supposed to say, "You're the best little girl in the whole wide world!" She continued this on occasion, and it would always make them laugh.
Arica was preceded in death by her infant brother, Clinton, her paternal grandparents, Jim and June O'Quinn and maternal grandparents, Carl and Leola Gillham.
She is survived by her parents; her sister and brother-in-law, Angela and Adam Harshman; her nephews and niece, Braden, Caleb and Norah Harshman; by her half siblings, David, Christina and Amber Mendez and their families; and by many aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends.
Arica was such a sweet, loving part of her family, filling it with her own type of sunshine. Life without her will be much emptier.
Memorials have been suggested in memory of Arica to Missouri State Christian Campus House or to Competition Cemetery. Donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel's Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948 or 1001 N. Lynn, Lebanon, MO 65536.
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