Avonelle N. Kirby

Avonelle Norred Kirby, 86, of Palmetto, Georgia, passed away on October 24, 2024, after a joyful and fulfilling life. Avonelle was born on October 6, 1938, in Roanoke, Alabama, to Marvin Elton Norred and Iris Mae Breed.

Avonelle married the love of her life, Jerry Mearl Kirby, Sr. in 1955. During their 55 years of marriage, they had one child: Jerry Mearl Kirby, Jr. They lived in Nocona, Texas, until after Jerry Jr. graduated high school in 1979. They then moved to East Point, Georgia, where Avonelle served as Principal of Arnold Elementary until she retired in 2000. After Avonelle retired, she and Jerry Sr. moved to Palmetto, Georgia, to be closer to their son and grandchildren. They became members of First Baptist Church of Newnan, Georgia, where she served in the children's ministries through leading Sunday school classes and working with special needs children. She was routinely seen dropping off her entire neighborhood for Sunday and Wednesday night youth group services.

Avonelle was well known for her passion of sharing Jesus with others and loving them immensely and unconditionally. She was recognized for her strong will, unwavering determination, and her stalwart love and support for her family and friends. In recent years, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, feeding the birds (and squirrels), and loving on her dogs.

Avonelle is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, two sisters, her husband, and her son. She is survived by her grandson, Kyle (Layne) Kirby; granddaughter, Kaylan (Jordan) Griffie; great-grandson, Kai Griffie; daughter-in-law, Lisa (Don) Hurst; and numerous loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2:00pm (EST) followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00pm (EST), in The Chapel of Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home in Peachtree City, Georgia. On Monday, November 4th, a committal service will be held at 2:30pm (EST) at Holly Hill Memorial Park in Fairburn, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, Avonelle has requested donations be made, in her honor, to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, an organization Avonelle passionately supported. Donations may be made at: https://www2.breakthrought1d.org