Our dear mother, Peggy Ann Todd Kirkland of Tuscumbia, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2023 at the age of 92.
Peggy was born in Russellville, Alabama on November 1, 1930. She went to Russellville High school where she was head drum major. Under the Friday night lights at the Russellville vs Deshler football game is where she met the love of her life, Ralph Kirkland. She married Ralph in April of 1950. Forty-nine beautiful years of marriage was shared between the high school sweethearts before Papa was called to heaven. Peggy dedicated her life to raising her five children. Her grandchildren and a number of their friends referred to her as “Nana.” She was always willing to open her home or lake house to everyone for a delicious meal, family reunion or a party at her pool.
Peggy was a Proverbs 31 woman. She managed her household well, she used her spirit of gentleness to raise her children, she spoke wisdom and kindness to everyone, and exemplified faithfulness in all aspects of her life. She served the Lord at Tuscumbia Church of Christ. Peggy enjoyed traveling the world and playing bridge with her closest friends. She also enjoyed spending time with her 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Even though she was only 5’2” in stature, she was truly a GENTLE GIANT. She leaves behind a legacy of courage, strength, generosity, and most importantly love.
Peggy is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Leola Todd, her husband, Ralph Kirkland, her daughter, Pam Kirkland Mann as well as her four siblings, Betty O’Mara, Rita McGuire, Jane Braley and Jimmy Todd.
She is survived by her son, Steve Kirkland (Pam); daughter, LeAnn Aldridge (Drew); son, Todd Kirkland; daughter, May Beth Martin (Scott); son-in-law, Roger Mann (Cheryl); grandchildren, Leslie Thorn (Keith), Terry Kirkland, Josh Kirkland, Leah Frith (Charlie), Kent Mann (Kim), Molly Johnson (Chris), Brian Mann, Lindsey Key (Ben), Robin Aldridge, Loren Kirkland, Nathan Martin, Natalie Abrams; great-grandchildren, Casey Thompson (Daniel), Cameron Thorn (Ellen), Chaylie Cook (Logan), Chelsea Thorn, Samria Frith, Baylee Kirkland, Devin Kirkland, Noah Johnson, Audery Johnson, Case Johnson, Colton Patton, Dalton Patton, Ryland Key, Piper Key, Peyton Key, Jill Abrams, and Wales Abrams; 4 great-great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family
Pallbearers are grandsons and great-grandsons.
The family would like to thank Alabama Hospice of the Shoals for taking such good care of mother, and a special thanks goes out to Madeline Hayes for her loving care of our mother during her final days.
Visitation and a celebration of life will take place at Colbert Memorial Gardens, 700 Hwy 43 in Tuscumbia, AL on Sunday. October 15, 2023. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 with the service following at 2:00 in the Chapel at Colbert Memorial Gardens. Burial will be at Colbert Memorial Gardens as well.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Judes’s Childrens Hospital.
