Lauryn Pumpkin Efird Explained: What Really Happened After the Divorce

You probably remember her as the teenage sister who stepped up when things went south with Mama June. For years, Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird was the rock of the family. She was the one holding the house together while the cameras rolled and the drama escalated. But lately, the headlines haven't been about her helping Alana or managing her mom’s latest crisis. They’ve been about her own life imploding and rebuilding in ways nobody really saw coming.

Honestly, the transition from "stable sister" to "single mom in a messy divorce" has been a lot to process. People got used to seeing her and Josh Efird as the only functional couple in the Shannon family tree. When that bubble burst, it didn't just shock fans; it flipped her entire world upside down.

The Split That Broke the "Perfect" Image

For ten years, Lauryn and Josh were a unit. They survived reality TV, managed four kids, and even took in Honey Boo Boo when she had nowhere else to go. Then, in August 2024, the news hit: Lauryn filed for divorce. She didn't just move out and call it a day, though. The pair ended up in a "nesting" arrangement for a while—basically trading off weeks at their shared house so the kids didn't have to move.

"I wake up at work, go to sleep at work," Lauryn admitted during a recent episode of Mama June: Family Crisis. It sounds exhausting because it was. She was literally sleeping at the warehouse for her business, The Sisters Closet, during her "off" weeks.

Why did they call it quits? According to court documents, the marriage was "irretrievably broken." Lauryn has been pretty vocal about the fact that they had become more like roommates than a couple. She spent years "filling everyone else's cup," as she put it, and eventually realized her own was bone dry.

Life as a Single Mom of Four

Raising four kids is a marathon. Doing it as a single parent while your life is televised is a different beast entirely. Lauryn is currently 26, and she’s got a lot on her plate:

• Ella Grace: Her eldest, who has lived through the height of the family's TV fame.
• Bentley Jameson: The middle son.
• Stella and Sylus: The twins who are now energetic toddlers.

They’re doing 50/50 custody now. No child support is being exchanged because, surprisingly, both Lauryn and Josh are reportedly pulling in about $20,000 a month each. That’s a lot of money for a "small-town" lifestyle, mostly fueled by their reality TV salaries and Lauryn’s social media ventures.

The Darrin Kitchens "Cousin" Controversy

If the divorce wasn't enough drama, Lauryn’s new relationship definitely did the trick. She’s currently dating a guy named Darrin Kitchens.

Here’s where it gets "kinda" weird for some people: Darrin is technically Josh’s cousin.

Before you jump to conclusions, Lauryn has been very quick to point out that they aren't "blood cousins." Darrin is related to Josh’s stepfather’s side. Still, the optics were enough to make Mama June herself go speechless—which, let’s be real, doesn't happen often. June’s reaction? "The divorce ink ain't even dried yet."

But for Lauryn, Darrin represents a shift. She’s stopped "begging for the bare minimum." He’s been appearing in her Facebook photos at Zach Bryan concerts and family dinners, and she seems genuinely happier. She even told People that she finally feels like she's "back at the top."

Money, Evictions, and the Warehouse Life

You’d think with a $20k monthly income, things would be smooth sailing. But reality is rarely that tidy. In mid-2025, reports surfaced that Lauryn was facing eviction from a Georgia property over roughly $4,000 in back rent.

🔗 Read more: Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson: What Really Happened with the Palm Beach Engagement

It’s a bizarre contrast. On one hand, you have the "TikTok Shop" success and the TV checks. On the other, you have legal filings for unpaid rent. It reminds you that despite the "celebrity" status, this is still a family that has struggled with financial literacy for years.

Currently, a lot of her focus is on The Sisters Closet. She’s often seen at the warehouse managing inventory and trying to turn the boutique into a long-term safety net. She knows reality TV doesn't last forever. She’s even mentioned that she sometimes wonders "what if"—like what if she had gone to culinary school or opened a bakery instead of becoming a teen mom and a TV star.

Where Does She Stand with Mama June?

The relationship with her mom is... complicated. It's always complicated. June has been sober for several years now, which has helped mend some bridges. Interestingly, June and Alana have actually stood by Lauryn during the divorce.

Even though Alana viewed Josh as a father figure, she’s backed her sister’s decision to leave. The death of their sister, Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell, in late 2023 really changed the family dynamic. It made them realize that life is too short to stay in situations that make you miserable.

What’s Next for Lauryn?

If you're following her journey, expect more transparency. She’s stopped trying to maintain the "picture-perfect" family image that she felt forced to project for years.

• Watch the show: Mama June: Family Crisis continues to document the co-parenting struggles.
• The Business: Keep an eye on her boutique; it’s her main pivot away from the "Shannon" brand.
• The Name: She’s officially going back to her maiden name, Shannon, signaling a full break from the Efird era.

The biggest takeaway from Lauryn's recent path is the importance of "walking away when it's time." She’s navigating the messy middle of a life reset. It isn't always pretty, and there are definitely more legal and personal hurdles ahead, but for the first time in her adult life, she’s making choices for herself instead of just being the "fixer" for everyone else.

To stay updated on her latest business moves or family updates, following her official Facebook and Instagram is your best bet, as she often shares real-time life updates there before they ever hit the TV screen.