Margaret Kirkland

Obituaries

Tuesday, 31 May 2022 09:36

Margaret Ann Edmonds Kirkland, 84 of Grant, passed away at her home on Sunday, May 22, 2022 after a courageous battle with kidney and bone cancer. Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at Grant Memorial Chapel with Bro. Clayton Tuggle officiating. Burial followed at Free Home Cemetery.

She was a Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin and friend to many who referred lovingly to her as Nan. She was born on Saturday, April 23, 1938 in Grant and grew up in Mt. Shade. Margaret was a woman of strong character, shaped by growing up in a time of little means. While attending DAR, she also worked in the cotton fields during harvest, milked cows, gathered eggs and helped raise her siblings when her mother went to work as a seamstress. In 1956, she and Sam eloped to Miss. and began their lives together. Her family was her life. She took pride in being a homemaker, spending time with Sam and raising four children. Once they were grown, she was employed at the DAR Thrift Store and later became the manager. She frequently spoke about how she loved her customers and considered them friends.

Let it be said she loved the Lord and was a faithful member of His church, following her baptism at an early age. She was one of the original members of the Grant Church of Christ where she attended faithfully before her failing health prevented her from doing so. Before that time came, it was not uncommon to see her sitting in her bedroom chair with the shades open to let in sunshine while she read from the good book. She believed in the golden rule and had a special talent when it came to making people feel special. Her kind words and gentle laugh were soft and welcoming. She never met a stranger and never missed an opportunity to brighten someone’s day with a compliment. Never a harsh word; she always found the good in everyone.

She loved pastels, Angel perfume, apple butter, Coca-Cola, flowers and Baby Ruths. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren, whether playing in the yard or at their events. She particularly looked forward to trips with Sam every year. In the end, the things she cherished most were cards, calls, visits and flowers from family and friends, meals from her church family, talking to Sam about their life together and the special bond she developed with Cheryl and Chlo, her hospice care team.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Sam Kirkland; children, Pamela (Joey) Vaughn, Eric (Karen) Kirkland, Dr. Barry (Beverly) Kirkland, Marla (Daniel) Martin; grandchildren, Erica (Daniel) Nolan, Dr. Joseph (Rica) Vaughn, DMD, Mason Kirkland, John Kirkland, R.T. (Bailey), Dr. Mallory Kirkland, DPM, Holly Vaughn, Esq., Erin Martin, Avery Martin; great-grandchildren, Iveigh Nolan, Gabriel Nolan, Lillie Nolan, Josie Kirkland; siblings, Jerry Edmonds, Marcia Black, Brenda Givens. She was preceded in death by her parents, L.D. and Velma Edmonds; brothers, Harold Edmonds, Dr. Charlie Edmonds, Esq.

Her sweet smile and friendly nature will be missed by many.

Ecclesiastes 12:7 – “…and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”