LaTane Stewart Kirkley

LaTane Stewart Kirkley

Augusta, GA – LaTane Stewart Kirkley, age 102, a resident of Brandon Wilde, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, May 6, 2018. She was born in Garfield, Emanuel County, Georgia, in 1916, to Roger Atwood and Effie Forehand Stewart, one of six children. She grew up in Twin City, Georgia. Preceding her in death were her husband William Benjamin Kirkley, son Michael Eugene Kirkley, her parents and her five siblings. She is survived by her daughter Mrs. Janet Kirkley Hudson (David), grandsons David Brooks Kirkley Hudson (Tara), Benjamin Eugene Taylor Hudson PhD, and great-grandson Nash Bowden Hamilton Hudson. After graduating from high school at Emanuel County Institute, she moved to Savannah. She lived with an aunt and uncle while going to school and working. It was there that she met and married her “Ben”.

Mrs. Kirkley was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and a devoted aunt and friend. She had a strong faith and love for her Lord. She lived it daily as she cared for those she loved and others who came her way. She attended Burns Memorial United Methodist Church for over sixty years. She devoted herself to service there and viewed the church members as “family”. She served for many years on the Church Council, was a Chair of the United Methodist Women, a Chair of the Mary Culler White Circle, the founder and advisor of a circle for young women, which was later named the LaTane Kirkley Circle in her honor. She served on many church committees, and was always supportive and involved in Boy Scouts Troop 12 at Burns where her son, Michael, received his Eagle Scout Award. She was honored with the Burns “Mother of the Year” award in 1983. The Fellowship Sunday School class and the Wednesday morning Bible Study were an important part of her week. Her life revolved around Burns Church and the opportunity it gave her to serve her Lord.

She loved and served the Augusta Community. Her love of children led to her favorite volunteer commitment with the “Love a Child” program at MCG. In her children’s schools, she served many years as a Room Mother and several times as President of the PTA. She was a Troop Leader for the Girl Scouts and for the Cub Scouts.

She had many interests and talents. She was a beautiful seamstress, an avid gardener, an excellent bridge player and a wonderful cook, always delivering something tasty to friends. She loved and cared for family and friends, always finding time to do for others. She was a wonderful example of a beautiful Southern lady with a heart for the Lord.

Her greatest pride was in her grandsons and great-grandson, whom she loved dearly. She took an active part in her grandsons’ lives, supporting their interests and activities and loving their friends.

Her family wishes to express deep gratitude to the wonderful, loving staff in the Pavilion at Brandon Wilde and in the Colonnade where she first lived. Their excellent care, the many activities, and the genuine love and concern for her welfare, enriched her life. The family also wants to thank Trinity Hospice for their wonderful care and love. They walked with the family every step of the journey, meeting the needs at every turn.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Burns Memorial United Methodist Church, 2372 Lumpkin Rd., Augusta, GA 30906 or to the Boy Scouts of America, Georgia-Carolina Council, 4132 Madeline Dr., Augusta, GA 30909.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. at Burns Memorial United Methodist Church. Burial will be private. Honorary pallbearers will be the LaTane Kirkley Circle and the Fellowship Sunday School Class. Pallbearers will be the husbands of the LaTane Kirkley Circle.

The family will receive friends Monday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son and also following the service at the church on Tuesday. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com