Mary Kirkman
Mary Frances Robinson Kirkman of Greenville died on Sunday, September 22, 2013. She was born in Lynnville, Tennessee, June 27, 1919, to Mary Sue Cavnar Robinson and May Overton Robinson. She graduated from high school in Nashville and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana Tech and her Master of Arts degree from East Texas State University. She taught high school English for thirty-eight years in Louisiana, Greenville and Quinlan. She was married to A. W. Kirkman who preceded her in death.
Our mother believed in contributing to her community. She was a past member of the Altrusa Club, the Wolfe City Book Club and AAUW where she served as president. She was also a Girl Scout leader and a member of the Community Concert board, as well as the Hunt County Tuberculosis Board.
She was equally active in her profession, holding several offices in the Texas State Teachers’ Association and was elected president of the Hunt County Classroom Teachers’ Association. She was a founder of the Hunt County Teachers’ Credit Union and served as its president for many years. Her greatest professional contribution, however, was her lasting influence on the lives of the thousands of students who passed through her classroom. Since her retirement, she was contacted by many of her former students who wished to thank her for this strong and positive influence.
Our mother loved to travel, having visited most states in the country, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as several European countries. She was an accomplished seamstress and a gifted artist who painted many beautiful landscapes. She spent many happy hours crocheting lovely afgans for her family. She was passionate about reading and collected thousands of books over her lifetime. Our mother loved telling family stories about her ancestors and how life was in the past. Above all else, she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who lovingly gave of herself to her family. Hers was a long life, well lived.
She is survived by two daughters, Suzanne Sorrells of Celeste and Jane Coleman (Britt) of Birmingham; three grandchildren and spouses, John Blisard (Candi) of Celeste, Dr. Libby Todd (John) and Emily Botts (Wesley), all of Birmingham; two great grandchildren, John Blisard of Celeste and Britt Botts of Birmingham; and her beloved caregiver Sandra Cerda.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Memoryland Memorial Park under the direction of Coker-Mathews. Funeral Home. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church or charity of your choice.