Bobbie Kirkland

On the morning of March 28 2022, in a rare event, Venus, Saturn, and Mars aligned. Solar winds from a storm that occurred on the Sun days prior, bathed the earth in its energy. And, at 12:38AM of that same morning, Bobbie Fay Kirkland departed this earth on her long awaited journey home to reunite with God, and the sons and siblings that went before her. For those that knew and loved her, these celestial events were noted with no great surprise. The soul of a true Christian was departing this earth and returning home to heaven.

Bobbie Kirkland, was born Bobbie Fay Hancock on December 22nd, 1935 to Alice and James Hancock in Knoxville, Tennessee. At age 15, Bobbie married Robert Pierce. She bore nine children, eights sons and one daughter. Nathanial, Michael, David, Johnathan, and Daniel were born in Knoxville Tennessee. Grace, James, Joel, and Samuel were born in Detroit Michigan where the family moved so Robert could find work.

After Robert became Ill and unable to work, Bobbie labored to raise her children while she cared for her invalid husband. For over ten years, she cared for him while nurturing her children with unwavering faith, patience and a strength that could only have come from God. When Robert died in 1979, Bobbie went to night school, studied, and obtained her G.E.D. She found a job as a seamstress and went to work to support herself and the children that were still living at home.

Around 1983 Bobbie was introduced to Ralph Kirkland by her sister Barbara. They married and the family relocated back to Knoxville Tennessee. Bobbie persevered through a difficult marriage and ultimately found herself again caring for a dying spouse as Ralph fell ill with Lung Cancer.

A while After Ralph’s death, Nathaniel, her eldest son, moved in with her. Then, and until her passing Nathan took care of Bobbie and she took care of Nathan. They cared for each other with love, humor, frustration, and joy. I believe it was the happiest period of her life.

The broad strokes of the life detailed in the paragraphs above cannot convey the struggle, tears, adversity, love, faith, and endurance that characterized Bobbie’s life. Through it all, she unwaveringly put her trust and faith in God. A devout Christian, her life was a testimony to steadfast faith in good times as well as in adversity.

While her children mourn her absence. We take great joy is knowing her tiresome travels are over. The open wounds of her life have been healed. Her heart, broken by sorrow has been mended, and this great woman, is now whole. She is with Michael, Daniel, and Johnathan. She is holding hands with her twin sister Barbara. And she is with God.

The family will receive friends Thursday, March 31, 2022 in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920 between the hours of 5:00pm until 7:00pm. Family and friends will meet Friday, April 1, 2022 at Pollard Cemetery, Pollard Cemetery Road, Kodak, TN for an11:00am Graveside Service. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryfuneralhome.com for the Kirkland family.