Mrs. Margaret Ann Kirkland

Margaret Ann Edmonds Kirkland, 84, passed away at her home in Grant on May 22, 2022, after a courageous battle with kidney and bone cancer. She was a Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin, and friend to many who referred to her lovingly as Nan. She leaves behind her husband of 66 years, former Grant mayor, Sam Kirkland; four children: Pamela Vaughn (Joey), Eric Kirkland (Karen), Dr. Barry Kirkland (Beverly) and Marla Martin (Daniel); eight grandchildren: Erica Nolan (Daniel), Dr. Joseph Vaughn, DMD (Rica), Mason Kirkland, John Kirkland, R.T. (Bailey), Dr. Mallory Kirkland, DPM, Holly Vaughn, Esq., Erin Martin, and Avery Martin; four great-grandchildren: Iveigh Jane Nolan, Gabriel Nolan, Lillie Nolan, and Josie Lou Kirkland; three siblings: brother, Jerry Edmonds and sisters, Marcia Edmonds Black and Brenda Edmonds Givens. She was preceded in death by her parents, former Marshall County Commissioner, L.D. Edmonds and Velma Jones Edmonds, and her brothers: Harold Edmonds and former Marshall Co. Superintendent, Dr. Charlie Edmonds, Esq. She was born on April 23, 1938, in Grant, Alabama, and grew up in the Mt. Shade Community. Margaret was a woman of strong character shaped by growing up in a time of little means. As a young girl, she worked in the cotton fields during harvest time, milked cows, gathered eggs, and helped to raise her siblings when her mother went to work as a seamstress. She graduated from KDS DAR in the spring of 1956. In January 1956, she and Sam eloped to Iuka, MS, and began their life together. Her family was her life. She took pride in being a home-maker spending time with Sam and raising 4 children. Once her children were grown, she was employed at the DAR Thrift Store and later became the manager. She frequently talked about how much she loved her customers and considered them friends. Let it be said that she loved the Lord and was a faithful member of the Lord’s 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 Ruth’s. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren whether playing in the yard or at their events. She particularly looked forward to trips with Sam every year to Florida or Pigeon Forge and especially liked the Christmas Place Inn. 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. Her sweet smile and friendly nature will be missed by many. Visitation will be from 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at Grant Memorial Chapel. Funeral service to follow at Grant Memorial Chapel on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 1 p.m. Brother Clayton Tuggle officiating. Burial will be at the Free Home Cemetery. Pallbearers will be nephews: Dr. Charles Edmonds, Stuart Givens, Dr. Vince Edmonds, Jason Black, Brandon Givens, and Brian Edmonds. Ecclesiastes 12: 7 ... and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Arrangements Entrusted to Grant Memorial Chapel

Mrs. Margaret Ann Kirkland

April 23, 1938 - May 22, 2022