Lena Mae Kirkland was born on March 11, 1939 to Jim Gamble and Lela Belle Craddock. She attended Rosenwald School in Newville, Alabama. She was a member of True Vine Chapter 181 Order of Eastern Star. Lena was a Deaconess at St. Matthew Baptist Church where she was a member for approximately 60 years.

Lena departed this life on Tuesday, March 5, 2019. She was preceded in death by her son, Willie Jerome Kirkland; granddaughter, Jirishua “Rish” Thompson; parents; Jim Gamble and Lela Belle Craddock; in-laws, Bozzie and Corrine Kirkland; sisters, Rebecca Palmer and Virginia Craddock.

Lena leaves behind to cherish memories: her beloved husband, Willie Earl Kirkland; children, Wanda Kirkland and LaTosha Bing (Kenneth); stepson, Kenneth Kirkland (Joyce); brother, Sinard Smythe; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; goddaughter, Yvette Carter; several other relatives and a host of friends.

The funeral service for Lena Mae Kirkland will be held 11AM, Saturday, March 16th, 2019 at the St. Matthew Baptist Church 3731 Moncrief Road. The visitation will be 5 - 7PM, Friday, March 15th, 2019 at the mortuary. Interment in Restlawn Cemeteries. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 765-1234