Lauren Elizabeth Dever

Today we gather with heavy hearts to celebrate and remember the life of Lauren Elizabeth Dever born May 5, 1988, to Samuel & Christine Kirby and known to so many of us as a daughter, sister, wife, cousin, friend, and a radiant light in our lives.
Lauren lived with a warmth that was rare. She was loving, kind, and deeply compassionate. Whether you knew her for a moment or a lifetime, you felt her care. She didn't just listen-she truly heard you. She had the gift of presence and the ability to make others feel seen, understood, and valued.
She was adventurous in the most beautiful ways-not just in her love of travel and trying new things, but in how she loved. Lauren stepped into people's lives with a fearless, open heart. Her laughter, loyalty, and belief in others were wholehearted and full of grace.
Her faith was the foundation of her life. Through life's highs and lows, Lauren's belief in God gave her strength, direction, and peace. She didn't speak her faith loudly but lived it quietly and powerfully-in the way she forgave, gave, and loved. She showed us what true goodness looks like.
Lauren's sense of joy was gentle but unmistakable. A soft wit, a kind smile, and a calm spirit that could make the hardest days feel lighter. Simply being near her made things better.
She also lived with curiosity and purpose. A proud graduate of Putnam City North High School, Lauren went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Oklahoma State University. She was driven, intelligent, and always eager to learn and grow.
But above all, Lauren loved deeply and fiercely. She showed up-in texts, in phone calls, in thoughtful gifts, in words that always seemed to come at the right time. If you were loved by Lauren, you knew it-and you felt it fully.
Lauren was preceded in death by her father, Samuel W. Kirby; and her grandparents, Patsy and David Simpson, and Samuel J.H. Kirby.
She is survived by her loving husband, Michael Dever; her mother, Christine Kirby; her brother, Samuel P. Kirby, and his wife, Ashton Kirby; her grandmother, Connie Kirby; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends who were blessed to know and love her. Lauren may no longer walk beside us-but now, she walks ahead of us in glory. And until we meet again, we will carry her with us-with deep sorrow, and even deeper gratitude.
Services will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 2:00pm at St. Lukes Methodist Church, 222 NW 15th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73103 with reception immediately following. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of LAUREN, please visit our floral store.