Lauren Safley

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Lauren Paige Safley, 31, of Joplin, Mo passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2020.

Lauren was born on September 25, 1989 in Joplin to Dan and Kim (Safley) Gilstrap.

Lauren was said to be absolutely brilliant. In school, she was off the charts in testing and was enrolled in all the enrichment classes that she could possibly take. 

Lauren loved to play sports, volleyball was her favorite and she was an excellent player. After graduating from Joplin High School, she attended MSSU. Lauren began her marketing career with Ramsey Marketing where she was able to become Google certified, a certificate that not many in the marketing field have.

Lauren was an overachiever. She was too smart for her own good at times and was often sassy. She loved shopping, especially for shoes, she got that from her mom. Lauren was faced with many struggles in life that helped shape her as a person. She was caring, compassionate, and put others before herself. 

Lauren loved being a mom to Jase. She passed her brilliance on to her son. She cherished the time that they were able to spend together. They enjoyed playing games, coloring, being creative, creating Lego structures, and completing puzzles. Lauren and her boyfriend, JJ, were said to be like peas and carrots. They completed each other, where one went the other followed.

Lauren was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Don and Jean Gilstrap and maternal grandparents, Len and Ionia Safley. 

She is survived by her parents. One son, Jase Stoner of the home, two sisters; Catlin Gilstrap of Joplin, Mo and Kendall Gilstrap of Reno, NV, one nephew, Brayden Lee of Joplin and her significant other Justin “JJ” Johnson, many aunts, uncles, cousins and beloved friends.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory.