Gladys Elaine Kirkland

Gladys Elaine Dickerson Kirkland went to be with the Lord on July 13, 2017, at 94 years of age. She was born to Porter and Velma Potts Dickerson in Oakdale, Louisiana, on July 8, 1923, when her father went to work for Humble Oil and Refining Company.

She is preceded in death by Cecil W. Kirkland, her husband of 59 years; her parents, Porter and Velma Dickerson; sister, Elizabeth (Sissy) Pierce; son, John W. Kirkland; and grandson, John Lee Kirkland.

She is survived by her son, Larry Lee Kirkland of Blanket, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, JoAnn and Billy Locke of Mont Belvieu; grandchildren, April and Darrell Kalbitz, David and Alicia Locke, Chris and Kelly Kirkland, Jaimye Locke, Tara Kirkland, Lauren Kirkland and Tyler Kirkland; sisters, Tom and Pauline Brumfield of College Station and Eddie and Sandra Kirby of Abilene; a lot of great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Elaine was an active member of Central Baptist Church for more than 80 years, and actively served as Director of Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and other leadership roles in various mission organizations.

Elaine graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1941 and later the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in 1964 and a Master’s in Education in 1965. While visiting in Hawaii, she attended the University of Hawaii and earned a teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education. For over 20 years, she taught students in the Deer Park School District.

Elaine was a charter/lifetime member of the Evening Pilot Club of Baytown and for 10 years was a member of the Lifeline Emergency Response Board. Along with other members of Evening Pilot Club of Baytown, she directed the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon in Baytown for 10 years.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, July 16, 2017 from 1:00 to 5:00pm at Earthman Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Monday, July 17, 2017 at Earthman Funeral Home. Reverend Mark Wells will be officiating.

Those desiring to give a memorial may do so by donating to: Lifeline Program of Baytown, P.O. Box 1765, Baytown, TX 77522; 281-428-3359.

Arrangements are under the direction of Earthman Funeral Home, 3919 Garth Rd., Baytown, TX 77521; (281) 422-8181. To view the online obituary and post a tribute for the family, visit www.eathmanbaytown.com