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Mother Mary Elizabeth Kirkwood was born September 16, 1943, to the late Rufus and Samella Tuggle. Mary professed a Hope in Christ as her risen Savior at Greater Hope Baptist Church. Later she became a member of Mount Moriah East Baptist Church which she served as the president of the Mother Board; she was a Sunday School teacher, choir member and a member of the flower club ministry.
Mary was an alumnus of Melrose High School. Mary was employed by Hunter Fan Company and she went on to retire from FedEx in 2005. She was married to the late Curtis Kirkwood Sr. for fifty-one years.
Mary fought a good fight, she finished her course, and she kept the faith. On Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at Baptist-East Memorial Hospital, Mary heard the call of her Savior, and she answered, thus completing this earthly journey.
Mary leaves to cherish her memory, three children, Curtis Kirkwood Jr. (Regina), Marsha Kirkwood and Marcus Kirkwood (Nico); eight grandchildren, Kesean Kirkwood, April Kirkwood, Marasha Kirkwood, Mar’Kiyla Wilson, Curtis Kirkwood III, Sta’Kira Kirkwood, Raven Kirkwood and Marlesia Kirkwood; sisters-in-law, Judy Inouye (Robert), Joyce Tuggle. Loving Jean Gray, Edna Dortch and Joyce Kirkwood; brothers-in-law, Charlie Kirkwood (Diane) and Larry Kirkwood; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, greatnephews, other relatives and friends.
The Celebration of Life
Mary Elizabeth Kirkwood Saturday, April 8, 2017 • 11:00 A.M.
Mt. Moriah East Baptist Church 1248 Haynes St. • Memphis, Tennessee 38114
Dr. Melvin Charles Smith ~Pastor~
Processional.............................................................................................Ministers & Family Scriptures: Old Testament..........................................................................Minister Jackie Robert New Testament....................................................................................Rev. John Smith Prayer...................................................................................................Minister Dollie Buggs Selections........................................................................................................Music Ministry
Expressions:
(Respectullly 3 Minutes, Please)
Chairman.................................Elder Marvell Mitchell Deacon.....................................Elder Anthony Withers Missionary Ministry........Missionary Mattie Patterson Neighbor..................................................Erica Nathan Brother in-law..................................Charles Kirkwood Solo.............................................................................................................Charles Kirkwood
Reflections:
Mar’Kiyla Wilson & Sta’Kira Kirkwood (Granddaughters)
Selection..........................................................................................................Music Ministry Words of Comfort...............................................................................Minister Shirley Mosley Acknowledgements...................................................................................Marasha Kirkwood Solo.....................................................................................................................Donna Cryer Eulogy..............................................................................................Dr. Melvin Charles Smith Recessional
T ributesove L of
How do I began to write a Tribute to a woman that I have loved and admired all my life? I can go on and on about you and how special you are to me and so many others. You were the glue and nurturer that held our family together. I know that God loved me so much that He gave me you as a mother. I will always cherish our memories we shared and now take comfort in knowing you are in the arms of Jesus. Thanks for being the mother I could talk to about anything. I will miss seeing your smile on this side, So…. until we meet again! Love Always, Your Son,
Curtis Jr. God Saw you Getting Tired When a cure was not to be He wrapped his arms around you, and whispered, “COME TO ME.” You didn’t deserve what you went though so He gave you needed rest, God’s Garden must be beautiful He only takes The Best. Love Always,
Marsha
We had a wonderful mother, One who never really grew old; Her smile was made of sunshine, And her heart was solid gold; Her eyes were as bright as shining stars, And in her cheeks fair roses you see. We had a wonderful mother, And that’s the way it will always be. But take heed, because She’s still keeping an eye on all of us, So let’s make sure She will like what she sees.
Love Your Son, Marcus
My grandma, you will forever walk with me for I know your prayers alone help me make it this far. I know you are happier with grandad. Make sure y’all save a spot for me.
Love , Your First Grandchild
Y our G randchildren
You left us beautiful memories your love is still my guide, and though we cannot see you, you’re always at our side. We Love You Granny.
~Mar’kiyla & Sta’kira
It’s so hard to say goodbye to someone you love so much. I know that we will see each other again. I love and miss you, Granny
~April
Granny I have so many good memories with you but my favorite was when you invited all your granddaughters over to spend the night. I would always feel so happy because you made me smile. I will always love you and have you in my heart.
~Raven Granny I will miss having you around. I know God has decided He wanted you there as an angel. For you are forever stuck in my heart. Love Always,
Marlesia
“A grandma is warm hugs and sweet memories. She remembers all of your accomplishments and forgets all of your mistakes.” Quote by Barbara Cage Confirmed by
Curtis Kirkwood III
Granny I always thought you were mean. Why? Because of the times, you made us (Mar’Kiyla, Sta’Kira, Marlesia and I) stay outside to play until we were in for the night because you said “Yall not finna be running in and out letting in bugs” or the times you made us go to bed early on nights we weren’t sleepy at such an early time. I realized it was tough love you showed and behind tough love, there are lessons learned and a great token of love than no love at all. All in all, it was really appreciated granny and I love you always from your third oldest grandchild,
Marasha!
~ Acknowledgement s ~ The family of Mary Elizabeth Kirkwood are truly blessed to have such loving,
caring and encouraging people around us during this most difficult time. We thank everyone for their visits, calls, words of inspiration, helping hands, and other kind deeds that were done in love. You will always have a treasured memory in our hearts. May God Bless each of you.
~Honorary Pallbearers ~ PGA Players Golf Association ~ Active Pallbearers ~ Roderick Kirkwood
Tony Kirkwood Jermell Woods Anthony Watkins
Larry Kirkwood William Bogan Karim Tennial
~Interment ~
Forest Hill Cemetery - South 2545 E. Holmes Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38118
~Repast ~
Mt. Moriah East Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 1248 Haynes St. Memphis, Tennessee 38114
Distinctive Services by View Funeral Programs Through Your Mobile Device
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