Celeste Kirkland Eason

Celeste Kirkland Eason was born in Quitman, MS, February 17, 1952, and was promoted to her Heavenly Home December 7, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, George Albert Kirkland and Pauline Elizabeth Garrison Kirkland of Arkadelphia, AR.

Celeste grew up as a Delta girl, graduating from Lakeside High School in Lake Village, AR, 1970. She was a cheerleader, homecoming maid, and of course, everybody’s favorite. She had many fond memories growing up on Lake Chicot, including meeting the love her of life, Jim Eason who grew up across the Mississippi River in Greenville. After high school graduation, she attended Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR where she pledged Alpha Sigma Tau sorority.

Affectionately known as “Peach” by family and close friends, she was married to James Claud Eason in 1971 and moved to Pensacola, Florida where he was stationed in the United States Marine Corps. They were married for 53 years. She always said those early days in Pensacola, especially on the beach, were among their happiest.

She retired from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson in 2017 after 30 years of supporting the Vice Chancellor’s Office. She loved the Medical Center, and she especially loved the UMC Family. She was a member and past president of the UMMC Women’s Club and was well known by every department on the Mississippi Health Sciences campus. Her last “Boss” dubbed her the “heart of the Medical Center.”

After living in Rankin County, MS, for 40 years, Celeste and Jimmy moved to Louisiana in 2019 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Known for seeking adventure, she enjoyed travel, whether international or to Florida’s gorgeous Destin and Rosemary beaches. She loved college football, and never missed Saturday morning ESPN Game Day. Tailgating in the Grove at Ole Miss was her favorite fall adventure.

She is survived by her husband, James Claud Eason; daughter, Courtney Eason Newbill (Todd Newbill), son, Kyle Coleman Eason (Kelly Smith Eason); grandchildren, Hollis Ann Newbill, Eason Elizabeth Newbill, and Coleman James Eason; Sister Rebecca Kirkland Whitehead (Fordyce, AR), twin Sister Cecilia Kirkland Kadane (St Louis, MO), nieces and nephews whom she loved so dearly Aaron, Jamie, Wesley, Drew, Katelyn and Zach. Celeste is also survived by numerous other faithful family members and treasured friends who know the value she brought to their lives.

For 45 years, Celeste studied Bible Doctrine under R.B. Thieme, Jr (former pastor of Berachah Church) and Bobby Thieme Bible Ministries in Houston, TX. She also studied and supported beloved Rick Hughes Evangelistic Ministries in Cropwell, AL. She was a diligent student of the Word and very comfortable with her faith. As she said “I know who my escort to heaven is”. Following her wishes, Celeste was cremated. A memorial service will take place Friday, January 10, 2025, 1pm, at First United Methodist Church, 930 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802. Reception to follow.

Special thanks to Dr. Daniel K. LaVie, and the outstanding 6th floor Infusion Nurses at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center as well as Clarity Hospice of Baton Rouge. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to UMMC Development Office, 2500 State Street, Jackson, MS, to Celeste’s favorite veteran non-profit, woundedwarriorproject.org or to marybird.org.