Katherine “Katie” Laura Kirby, 19, from Friendswood passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016.

Katie graduated from Clear Brook High School in 2015 and continued her education at Abilene Christian University and majoring in elementary education.

Katie truly enjoyed her short life here on earth to the fullest by always encouraging others with her engaging and infectious smile. She was active in both church and school while attending high school and college where she participated in choir, handbells, UM Army, PALS and various other activities. Katie was excited to have recently joined ACU women’s social club GATA, where she became a true “flame”: a bright light that continues to shine. Besides her passion for music and singing, Katie loved popcorn, movies, reading and traveling, and she especially loved to cruise.

Katie had made Song of Solomon 4:7 her life verse:

“You are altogether beautiful, my darling: there is no flaw in you.”

Katie shares her heavenly life with her grandfather, Francis Collins; grandparents Ben and Betty Kirby; her cousin, Teri Rae Gilpin and her uncle, Gary Loke.

She is survived by her parents, Dawn and Jerry Kirby of Friendswood; grandmother, Jane Collins; aunts and uncles Martha and Ray Montgomery, Kay Loke, Brenda Collins, Ann and Jerry Richmond, Clarence and Mimi Collins, Elaine and Noe Acosta. Katie is also survived by her cousins Shannon Smith, Holli and Brynn Tutt, Matthew and Joel Loke, Aryn Acosta, and many loving second cousins and cherished friends.

A visitation will be held on Monday evening, Nov. 14 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Jeter Funeral Home in Friendswood, and her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. at Friendswood United Methodist Church in Friendswood. Following the service, the burial will be at Forest Park East in Webster, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Katie Kirby StudentCare Fund at Abilene Christian University (acu.edu/give).