Just as the sun will set then rise with each and every dawn, the souls of those who lived life will eternally live on. On December 27, 2019 the sun set on one very dear. God’s angels whispered “Well done thou good and faithful servant” in her ear. She danced through heavens gates with tears of joy. Her work was completed and she has gone to be with her Heavenly Father forever more.
The sunrise of Minnie Lee Bivens Thirkill occurred through the union of Hubert and Millie Bivens on January 31, 1929 in Tuscumbia, Alabama. She was the third born of nine children. She accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age at First Missionary Baptist Church, Tuscumbia, AL. As a young adult she joined St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama where she continued to share her faith and love of God with everyone she met. To know her was to instantly love her. She was a devoted Christian woman and worked hard in her church. A few of her spiritual activities included: Sunday School, Baptist Training Union, Missionary Society, Sunbeam Band and Florence Bible Band.
She loved traveling and sightseeing. She visited numerous states across the country. However, she mostly enjoyed spending time with her family and making memories with her grandchildren whom she loved beyond measure. She was truly a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
She was preceded in death by: her husband, James Thirkill, son, Dennis “Earl” Thirkill, parents, Hubert and Millie Bivens, sisters, Annie Grace Owens, Sarah Robinson, Nellie Smith, and brothers, Charlie Bivens, Willie Bivens, Hubert Bivens, and John Bivens.
Those who cherish her memory include four children: James Thirkill, Jerry Thirkill (Pamela), Linda Harris (Paul), and George Thirkill; ten grandchildren: Felecia Harris, Nakia Ward, Shannon Olds, Tameka Thirkill, Falonda Harris, Jerry “J.J.” Thirkill, James “J.T.” Thirkill, Ashley Thirkill, Farrin Harris, and Emily Thirkill; sixteen great grandchildren: Sierra, Deonte, LaKilah, Jaylon, Harmony, Jonah, Tanner, Taylor, Ja’lynn, Kenise, Tre, Christian, Elizabeth, Tybalt, Kaicen, and Naomi; a sister: Judy Jackson; and a host of family including several nieces, nephews, and friends all with whom she shared a special bond.
