Shirley Ann Kirkland
August 3, 1942 ~ October 29, 2025
Shirley Ann Kirkland, 83, of Tomball, Texas, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on October 29, 2025. Born on August 3, 1942, in Percilla, Texas, she was the first daughter of Jessie Lee and Marvin Lee Burnett.
Shirley graduated from Slocum High School in 1960 as salutatorian of her class and captain of the girls' basketball team. After graduation, she moved to Conroe and began working for the local gas company. In December 1961, she met the love of her life, JW Kirkland, when he asked her to dance. The two married on May 26, 1962, and shared 56 and a half beautiful years together before his passing in 2018.
Shirley was a resident of Channelview, Texas for 59 years. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was filled with creativity, generosity, and faith. She owned a beauty salon in Channelview for several years before pursuing her lifelong passion for art. A gifted painter, she studied under a well-known Houston artist and went on to teach oil painting for more than a decade. Her work was displayed many times at the Grapeland Peanut Festival, as well as in numerous local and regional art fairs throughout Texas, where her portraits and landscapes were admired for their warmth, depth, and remarkable attention to detail. Her John Wayne portrait was even considered for a western art exhibit in Paris, France.
Her talents extended to quilting, sewing, music, and cooking. During the COVID pandemic, she lovingly sewed and donated over 1,000 washable masks to neighbors, churches, and local businesses. Above all, Shirley cherished her family and filled every gathering with love, laughter, and warmth.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband JW Kirkland; her parents, Jessie Bishop and Marvin Burnett; her siblings W.A. Burnett, Buck Burnett, and Rita Madeley; and her son-in-law, Timothy Howell.
She is survived by her daughters Lori Howell and Dena Wilhite (and husband Howard); grandchildren Maeghan Roberson (and husband Shelby), Kassie Woolweaver (and husband Michael), and Brett Howell (and wife Keelei); and bonus granddaughters Jennifer Dulworth, Kristen Plymier, and Katlyn Gilford. She was blessed with twelve great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sisters Jean Ballard and Linda Harrison, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Graveside services to celebrate the life of Shirley Kirkland are to be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Elkhart, Texas.
Graveside services for Shirley Ann Kirkland are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit her online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.
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Shirley is one of the sweetest ladies I have known. She had a big heart, so kind. I was an upcoming quilter didn’t have a lot at the time, and she surprised me with a big box of goodies. I treasure everything she gave me and will always have a special place in my heart. She always spoke of her children and Grandchildren as well and loved them all so much. I have been very blessed to call her a dear friend, and I will miss her so much. Rest in peace my dear friend.
JW, Shirley’s soulmate, and my husband were friends before they met, so I’ve had long history with her. She was so talented, artsy, crafty. Could do anything… plus cook. Shirley’s pies were so good
and she loved making them for folk. . My fav was her chocolate with pecan a close second.
Will miss Shirley, know we will meet again where all will be wonderful. When I see her, I will expect to be greeted with a chocolate pie. Thanks for the many memories . Till we meet…… Pat
Shirley made the most beautiful quilts for all of her family. She asked me what my favorite color was. I told her blue. She made ME the most stunning quilt! I was so honored. She was a giver. She loved Jesus. And now she’s there.. with Him. I’m blessed to have had her in my life.
Shirley Kirkland was a pillar in my life growing up. She was the mother to the best friend you could ever ask for (Dena). This would be a small book if I could put into words the memories of the talents this woman carried. She loved with the love of Christ, unfailing, unconditional, and never ending love. I learned so very much from this woman, her talents were beyond measure. She was one of the sweetest and kindest person I ever met. She will ALWAYS be treasured in my heart as a “bonus mom” and never forgotten. Shirley Kirkland indeed walked in faith and not by sight, she was a wonderful model of Christ’s image and carried the fruits of the Spirit outward, for everyone to see as we are instructed to do so in this lifetime. I can’t tell you how blessed I was to know her, words cannot describe the love and admiration I will always carry for her. I rejoice in the times I knew and learned from her and now rejoice in the fact she is with my “bonus dad” JW and Jesus and not suffering anymore.
There is one saying and truth that I NEVER will forget when Dena and I were in trouble, she said and I quote “BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER” and have used that same quote so many times in life, as I could see her in my mind saying it again to me. I thank you Lord, for this beautiful woman as a “bonus mom” in my life. You will be loved and cherished always!!! Thank you for the memories and not to mention the lessons that I would have NEVER known without you love and compassion. I will carry you in my heart forever. I will not say goodbye, but see you soon. You are loved and will be deeply missed. Until we meet again I love you.
I had the best Mom ever and I’m very very sorry I am doing better out of the hospital after 3 back to back I know you understand….. but I’m still so sorry I was not there… hopefully I will beat this but if not I will you and daddy and my one only…..i love you all