Willene Kirkland

Willene Kirkland, 82, of Jonesboro, died Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at NEA Baptist Hospital. She had lived in Jonesboro since 2003 moving here from Imboden and was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Willene was a Southwestern Bell Pioneer, a Silver Haired Legislator, and the Clover Bend Historical Association. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Billy Joe Kirkland; son, William Joseph “Bill” Kirkland; and parents, Olene and Willie Baker.

Survivors include the son, Michael Kirkland and wife Teresa of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; sister, Marilyn Kinder, Swifton, Arkansas; grandchildren, Stephen Michael Kirkland and wife Kristin; Spencer Kirkland and wife, Bentley, and Whitney Kirkland; one great grandchild, Katelyn Kirkland.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 12, 2011 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Reverend Patty Soward officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Burial will be at Lawrence Memorial Cemetery with David Doyle, Tom Baker, Stephen Kirkland, Spencer Kirkland, Michael Kirkland, Bob Nall, Phil Kirkland and Tim French serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be from 5-7 Friday night at Emerson Funeral Home.

For those wishing to leave lasting memorials, the family requests you please consider the Clover Bend Historical Association, 4679 Hwy 63, Black Rock, Arkansas 72415.