June Kirkland Harbison passed from this life on September 17, 2016 at the age of 74 with family at her bedside. She was born on June 23, 1942 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, to Daniel R. and Pearl Glover Kirkland. She grew up in Jefferson County and graduated from Tarrant High School. She earned Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees from Jacksonville State University, where she met Jethro Harbison. The couple was, married in 1963 and settled in Cullman where Mrs. Harbison had a career of 30 years as an English teacher in Cullman County schools, during which time she enjoyed many rewarding experiences in her effort to encourage students to improve their skills in using language correctly to communicate effectively through speaking and writing.
Mrs. Harbison loved music, and throughout her life, she participated in her church choir, and in various church and community ensembles. She also enjoyed playing dulcimer and became a proficient player, providing music at a number of occasions and events, and reaping much personal pleasure as a member of an organization of players.
All who knew Mrs. Harbison admire her courage and determination in facing cancer, which took her life only after a 25-year hard fought battle. She is preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter, Maleigh Ellen James. She is survived by Jethro Harbison, her husband of 53 years; daughters Laura Doss (Morrow), Julia James (Ken), and son Steven Harbison (Paula); by grandchildren Tyler Newman, Ethan James (Alexandra), Garrett James (Ashley), Leah Doss Lewis (Forrest), Emma Doss, Lacey James Host (Ryan), Mikayla James and SaraBeth Harbison, and by four great grandchildren, Grayson James, Ezra James, Holden James, and Maleigh Host; sister, Kay Brown (Huey), Brothers, Dan Kirkland and Rex Kirkland (Jean). She will be deeply missed by her family and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, September 19, 2016 at Seventh Street Baptist Church, with burial to follow in Cullman City Cemetery, with Rev. Eric Martin & Rev. Sam Hollis officiating. The family will receive friends for to one hour prior to the funeral, and at the church on Sunday, September 18, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Cullman Funeral Home directing.
