Obituary: Linda Jane Smalley Kirk
Linda Jane Smalley Kirk, age 85 years, 1 month and 5 days, who passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on April 6, 1941, to Millard and Chasteen Smalley. She graduated from Middleton High School in 1959. She married the love of her life James David Kirk on March 22, 1962. Their love for each other brought two daughters into this world. They lived in Bolivar, TN for seven years before moving to Middleton where they made their home.
She was a faithful Christian woman, a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She worked as a teller at the Bank of Middleton, Hardeman County Bank, and First South Bank in Middleton. She was co-owner of Piggly Wiggly and Kirk’s Supermarket, also in Middleton, where she was the secretary and bookkeeper. She was very active in the Lord’s church at New Hope church of Christ. She became a christian at a young age. She also taught cradle roll and Vacation Bible School for many years. She was a deacon’s wife and eventually became an elder’s wife. Over the years, she has welcomed many preachers, church members and their families into her home for food and fellowship showing her hospitality to others. She raised her family in a Christian home and showed them how to live a good and faithful life for the Lord.
She was a proud member of the “Golden Girl’s Club”, made up of high school classmates – Katherine Vincent, Helen Coffman, and Peggy Lanier. They would get together on occasion to re-live the days of old. They shared many memories of their days together. One time, James fixed them breakfast at the corn crib cabin and Helen left him a one penny tip. That penny is still on the table.
Our family would like to say a special thank you to Pam Coble who has become family. She sat with her and took special care of her. She was her “ladybug”.
She loved her flowers and hummingbirds. She would water her plants and enjoyed taking care of them. She loved to vacation with family and friends. She always loved to go to the Diana singing in Pulaski, TN every chance she had.
She leaves behind her loving husband James David who adored her, two loving daughters, Rhonda Avent (Barry), Misty Crowley (Lynn) both of Middleton, four grandchildren Kimberly Borden (Chad) of Bolivar, Paige Vales (Alex) of Middleton, Chelsea Crowley of Collierville, TN, Lyndon Crowley (Madison) of Middleton, Six great-grandchildren who were her pride and joy and called her Nana – Greyson and Delainey Borden, Mason and Jaycee Vales, Bennett and Riggs Crowley. A brother Larry Smalley (Brenda) of Middleton and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Millard and Chasteen Smalley and a sister Texie Annette Smalley who all welcomed her home.
She leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will be cherished by her family and friends.
Services will be as follows: Visitation Wednesday, May 13, from 4:00-9:00 at Shackelford’s Chapel in Middleton and Thursday, May 14, from 12:00-2:00 at New Hope church of Christ with Funeral Services beginning at 2:00.
A special thank you to Legacy Hospice, Delana, Emily and staff for the excellent care provided for her during her illness and Shackleford’s Funeral Home for your excellence of professionalism.
Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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