Shirley Ann Kirkland Mrs.

Shirley Moore Kirkland, known also as “Mom” or “Granny” to the family who loved her, died on April 5th at her home in Lilburn, Georgia. She was 80 years young and a fighter to the end in a battle she ultimately lost to cancer. Shirley was born at home in Emporia, Virginia, to John Albert and Elizabeth Williams Moore on March 15, 1934. The next-to-the-youngest child in a family of eight girls and two boys, Shirley spent her early life as a “tomboy” working on the family’s farm. In 1951 she graduated from Emporia High School, where she was a four-year member of the Glee Club, class president, 4-H Club president, member of the Dramatic Club, a cheerleader, and on the annual staff. Upon graduation, 17-year-old Shirley accepted a position with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, DC. She met the love of her life, Byron, at the FBI and they married in March 1952. A son, Curtis Wayne, was born in 1953, followed by Michael Shane in 1954 and Keith Douglas in 1958. During their early years, Shirley, Byron, and their sons spent every weekend, holiday, and summer on the farm in Emporia, surrounded by Shirley’s large, extended family. As many as 50 people would be served at a typical Sunday dinner, and it was here that Shirley honed her culinary skills and began developing a lifelong reputation as a phenomenal cook! The Kirkland family moved several times during the 1960’s as Byron’s work in the fledgling technology industry required. They finally settled in Lilburn in 1972. The following year Shirley was hired by Russell Stover Candies to manage the Norcross distribution center, a job she held for 11 years. In the mid 1980’s she had the chance to elevate her cooking talents to another level when she joined Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc., where she assisted the company chef in preparing daily meals and catering corporate functions for five years. Shirley ended her career preparing nutritious meals for children in Gwinnett County Public Schools for 16 years. She worked at Shiloh, Minor, Britt, Hopkins, and Alford elementary schools, winning countless hearts and fans with her charming personality, incredible work ethic, and hallmark cinnamon rolls! As Shirley’s sons grew up and married, their families, including eight grandsons, would gather at her table on most Sundays, holidays, and birthdays to laugh, learn, celebrate, and share a great meal. Whether the crowd numbered six or sixteen, she always had plenty of food for all, plus leftovers to enjoy the following week. Christmas was Shirley’s favorite time of year. The feasts she provided on Christmas mornings became a family legend, along with the many gifts and shopping bag “stockings” she filled to overflowing for every family member. Generosity knew no bounds with “Santa Shirley.” Byron and Shirley were active members of Campus Church of Christ in Norcross for more than 37 years. Her best friend for almost six decades, Byron preceded her in death in 2010. Shirley then attended the Snellville Church of Christ for the last three years. Shirley’s family and friends will always remember her unconditional love, tremendous sense of humor, strength and determination, ability to stretch a dollar, love of gardening and flowers, and devotion to those she loved. Shirley Kirkland exemplified all the best things the words “Mom” and “Granny” denote.