Mrs. Mary Louise Kirkland, age 85, of Jonesboro, born on August 18, 1927, passed away on Sunday August 4, 2013. She was a member of The First Baptist Church of Jonesboro since August 15, 1956. She was retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad. She would like to thank her caring nurses, Easter Harris, Tressa Matthews, Stephanie Hayes, Michele Fievre, Sadie Robinson, Marie Easton and many others at Vitas Hospice. She is preceded in death by her husband; Samuel Dewey Kirkland. She is survived by her children; Connie (Mike) Beal of Jonesboro, Dr. Ken M. (Nancy) Kirkland of Dallas, TX, grandchildren; Molly Beal, Dalton Beal, Brent Matyas. Funeral services will be held, Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at 3 PM at The First Baptist Church of Jonesboro Chapel. Dr. Charles Q. Carter, Rev. Irvin Pearre will officiate. Interment will be at Jonesboro City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 from 5-8 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contribution can be made to a charity of your choice in her name.