Lorie Jean Kirkman

Lorie Jean Kirkman, 40 years old, left this world peacefully on July 07, 2026, after a long and courageously fought battle with cancer. She was a devoted and selfless wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.

Lorie was born on December 07, 1985, in Hollywood, Florida, to Debra Dever and Lawrence DeGrange. She spent her early childhood in Miami, Florida, with her family. She was the loved little sister of Roger, Larry, Michele, Rose, and Cousin Tara. Her young life was filled with countless memories made with her family. She loved the water and going to the beach. She was especially fond of caring for her baby dolls and cats, which she dressed up like babies too. Lorie made many memories as a Girl Scout. Her mom was her troop leader, and Lorie loved being involved. After her family made the move to Lake City, Florida, Lorie enjoyed time spent with the many friends that she made. She loved to ride her bike, explore nature, and attended youth programs at Parkview Baptist Church. Lorie has always had a love for children and naturally chose her first job working at a daycare. She first cared for little ones at Lake City Kiddy Club and then at Little Red Schoolhouse, where she fostered many relationships with her babies, their families, and her coworkers. So many of those people have remained a longstanding and important part of her life.

At the age of 18, Lorie met the love of her life, Michael Kirkman, who would go on to be her husband on July 10, 2009. She was devoted to Michael and spent all the time that she could supporting and cheering him on, while he chased his dream of playing baseball. She loved traveling the country with him and made many friends on that journey. She lived in Washington, Iowa, and several cities in Texas; Roundrock was her favorite among them. After retiring from baseball, Michael and Lorie moved back home to Lake City to raise their family.

Becoming a mother was the most cherished part of Lorie’s life. She and Michael's twin daughters, Anna and Ellie, were born in 2011, and she took on the role of being a twin mom with ease, often traveling across the country baseball, with both perfectly dressed little girls in tow. Her baby girl, Caroline, was born in 2015 and completed their family. She was a proud mother and a selfless one. From the moment of their births, her children became the center of her world, and that never ceased. Her children were her number one motivation to live a healthy and happy life, as she fought cancer.

Lorie leaves behind many friends, whom she loved fiercely. She would do anything to help a friend and had a thirst for adventure alongside them. She didn't turn down an opportunity to spend time in nature, water, or sunshine. She loved trips to the beach, paddling a river, laying poolside, hiking mountains, nature trails, boating, and any other excursion that she could have with her friends and family. Lorie never missed an opportunity to make a good memory, take a picture, or laugh with the people that she loved. The strength and courage that Lorie carried with her, despite a difficult diagnosis, was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She chose to never slow down on making memories and adopted the mantra “Keep Going,” and that’s exactly what she did. She had an infectious smile that would light up any room and one that will never be forgotten.

Lorie leaves behind her husband, Michael Kirkman, her daughters, Anna, Ellie, and Caroline Kirkman; her mother, Debra Dever, her brothers Roger Dever, Larry (Amanda) DeGrange, Michele (Chip) Mooneyham, and Rose DeGrange and several nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. She is preceded in death by her father, Lawrence DeGrange.

A celebration of the life that Lorie lived is being planned and will follow at a later date.