Willene Kirkland

Willene Kirkland, 82, of Jonesboro, formerly of Imboden, and a lifetime Arkansas resident, passed away February 1, 2011 after an acute illness in NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. She was a member of the United Methodist church. She was a one of a kind mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She was loved by her many friends and acquaintances and will be greatly missed. Survivors include: Michael and Teresa Kirkland, son and daughter-in-law of Siloam Springs, Ark.; Stephen and Kristin Kirkland, grandson and daughter-in-law and Katelyn and Lily, great-granddaughters of Keller, Texas; Spencer and Bentley Kirkland, grandson and daughter-in-law of Farmington, Ark.; Whitney Kirkland, granddaughter of Siloam Springs, Ark.; Marilyn Kinder, sister of Swifton, Ark.; several cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews; Bob Nall, beloved friend of Jonesboro, Ark.; and Genevieve Moore, best friend of Jonesboro, Ark. Preceded in death by: husband Reverend Billy Joe "Bill" Kirkland; son, William Joseph "Bill" Kirkland; and parents C.W. "Willie" and Olene Baker. The funeral will be Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro, Ark. Visitation will be Friday, February 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. Minister of service will be Patty Soward, Care Minister Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro. Eulogy will be by Viola Meadows of Clover Bend Historic Site. Pallbearers: Michael Kirkland, Stephen Kirkland, Spencer Kirkland, Bob Nall, David Doyle, Tom Baker, Phil Kirkland, and Kim French. Burial will follow at Lawrence Memorial Gardens in Walnut Ridge, Ark. Upon leaving the grave, family, friends, and acquaintances are invited to a "Memory Lane Celebration" at the fellowship hall of the United Methodist Church in Walnut Ridge, Ark., hosted by the Clover Bend Historic Site to share the joys of a life well lived. You may remember Willene by memorials to Clover Bend Historic Site, 4679 Hwy. 63, Black Rock, Ark. 72415. Online registry at www.emersonfuneralhome.com.