Mary Jane Kirby Tallant

Mary was born on August 20, 1935, in De Queen, Arkansas, to Emmett and Lillie Williamson. She was raised in De Queen and graduated from high school in 1953.

In 1954, Mary moved to Dallas, where she met and later married Bobby Howell Kirby. The couple moved to Seagoville in 1955, where they had two sons, Ricky Bob and Mickey Lynn. Mary and Bobby spent nearly 30 years together before his passing in 1982.

On September 1, 1983, Mary married Wilbourne Tallant. Through this marriage, she gained two stepchildren: Ricky Tallant and Sue Herring.

Mary was deeply devoted to her family, her church, and her community. She loved helping others and was a lifelong servant to her community. She worked at the Seagoville State Bank and later at Roselawn Funeral Home until her retirement in 2015. Mary was also a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Seagoville, where she cherished her time as a member of the Bethany class.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Emmett and Lillie Williamson; her first husband, Bobby Kirby; her second husband, Wilbourne Tallant; her son, Mickey Lynn Kirby; her brothers, Luther Williamson and wife Loreen, Owen Williamson and wife Doris, and Carl Williamson and wife Betty; her sisters, Blanche and Nadine Breeland and husband Jimmy; and her brother-in-law, Richard Van Voast.

She is survived by her son, Ricky Kirby and wife Nova; her sister, Shirley Van Voast; her sister-in-law, Mary Lackey; stepson, Ricky Tallant and wife Connie; stepdaughter, Sue Herring and husband Greg; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and beloved friends.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Alinea Family Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Mary in her final weeks. They also express their deep gratitude to Mary Lackey for always being there to lend a helping hand when Mary needed it most.