Laura Michele Roberts

On the morning of Friday, November 6, 2020, Laura Michelle Roberts, a loving and
dedicated mother of two children, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep at the age of
42. Laura was born on December 17, 1977 to Dennis Roberts and Helen Roberts.
She graduated from Fairfax County High School in Virginia in 1996 and worked as an
Early Childhood Educator for many years in Virginia and Florida. She was engaged to
her partner Irvin M. Deener III of 23 years. They have two children, Whitney Elle
Deener, 8 and Jacob Lee Deener, 4. Laura was preceded in death by her paternal
grandparents Kenneth Benard and Elma Laura Roberts, her maternal grandparents,
ElVan Richard and Helen Katherine Thorpe, her Aunt Virginia Lee Thorpe, and her
stepmother Sharon Roberts. She is survived by her parents Dennis Roberts and Helen
Roberts, and several beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Laura was a dedicated mother and had a passion for teaching preschool. She served
her community and worked tirelessly to support the children and programs at Riverside
Elementary School volunteering in the PTO, in the school store, and acting as a cheer
mom for the Pop Warner Hub City Bulldogs. She earned respect and admiration from
her peers, students, and families while working for Merritt Academy (Fairfax, VA),
Appletree Preschool (Crestview, FL), and at Twin Hills Learning Center (Crestview,
FL). Lovingly known as “Miss Laura” she inspired, encouraged, and educated
hundreds of young children. Her compassion and enthusiasm that brightened young
children’s lives now remains a part of her legacy.
There will be a private family viewing on Tuesday, November 17 from 5:00PM –
6:00PM followed by a public viewing from 6:00PM – 7:00PM followed by a Memorial
Service from 7PM – 8PM at Brackney Funeral Services, 480 E James Lee Blvd,
Crestview, FL 32329.