Mavis Higgs Kirkland

Mrs. Mavis Higgs Kirkland age 86 of Pearson, Ga. passed away Thursday, October 8, 2009 at her residence in Pearson following an extended illness. A native of Atkinson County, Mrs. Kirkland was born on January 23, l923. She was the daughter of Noah and Willie Mae Wiggins Higgs. Mrs. Kirkland was preceded in death by her husband, the late Broughton Parker Kirkland. Those surviving Mrs. Kirkland include her daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Philip Liles of Pearson, two grandchildren, Parker Liles and Kira Liles of Pearson and special friends and caregivers, June Chaney of Willacoochee and Janice Adams of Pearson. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Mrs. Kirkland was a veteran educator in the Atkinson County School System, having retired after 43 years of service as a teacher and administrator. Mrs. Kirkland's unique style of teaching English and caring for each student she taught created lasting impressions on thousands of pupils over the years. Many former students, both young and old, called Mrs. Kirkland the best teacher they had in Atkinson County, as well as the most memorable one. Mrs. Kirkland was know to run a tight ship when it came to her classroom, but her tough exterior easily gave way to compassion and thoughtfulness when it came to educating children. Mrs. Kirkland was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and attended Pearson United Methodist Church. Graveside funeral services for Mrs. Kirkland were held at 3:00 P. M. Saturday, October 10, 2009 at Antioch Cemetery with Rev. William Swafford officiating. Special musical selections included "When I Get Where I'm Going" and "Amazing Grace" rendered by Charles and Tammy Wood with Charles accompanying on guitar. Special memories of Mrs. Kirkland's days in the classroom were shared by Rev. Swafford during the service. The interment followed in Antioch Cemetery. Serving as active pallbearers were: Mike Spivey, Starling Mercer, Locky Joyner, Hampton Giddens, Scotty Souther and John Wesley Tanner. Honorary pallbearers were, Marvin Giddens, Ashley Vickers, Harry Smith, Kirk Dukes, and Kenneth Saunders Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.