MSgt Lora J. Bright (Ret.)

MSgt Lora J. Bright (Ret.), age 56, of Davenport, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, at AdventHealth Orlando. Born on May 5, 1970, in Honolulu, Hawaii, she was the beloved daughter of James Arthur Kipp Sr. and Jeanne Lorraine Fath Costa. In August 2022, Lora made Florida her home after relocating from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Lora dedicated more than 24 years of faithful service to her country as a member of the United States Air Force and with the National Nuclear Security Administration. She retired honorably in 2017 after a distinguished career marked by professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment. Her many military decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device and three Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one Service Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with one Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster.

Beyond her military accomplishments, Lora will be remembered most for her compassionate heart and love of life. She enjoyed RC hot air balloons, scuba diving, hiking, and getting lost in a good book. She deeply loved her furbabies and never passed a homeless or stray dog without offering a treat, often carrying dog biscuits in her pocket wherever she went. Family meant everything to Lora, and she cherished every moment spent with those she loved. Her infectious laughter, generous spirit, quick wit, and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Many described her as an extraordinary woman whose warmth and compassion brightened every room she entered. To her second father, Richard, she was not a stepdaughter—she was simply his daughter.

Those left to cherish her memory include her devoted husband, Scott Straley; her father, James A. Kipp Sr.; her mother, Jeanne L. Costa; her stepfather, Richard Costa; her son, Quentin Bright and his wife, Rachel Nipper; her brother, James A. Kipp Jr. and his wife, Joyce; her sister, Janette VanWie; and several loving nieces and nephews.

No services are scheduled at this time.