Mrs. Patricia Ann Fender Kirkland, 84, of Pearson, GA., passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, GA., after a brief illness. Patricia, who was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, will always be remembered for her unwavering kindness and generosity.
Born on March 16, 1940, in Willacoochee, GA., Patricia grew up the daughter of Aubrey and Clara Fender, and sister to Florence, Marjorie, Faye, Aubrey Lee, Bo and Betty Ann. On June 14, 1958, she married Randolph Jefferson (Jeff) Kirkland. Over the next several years, Patricia and Jeff welcomed their three children, Carman, Randolph and Amanda.
Throughout her life, when she wasn’t gardening or tending to her family’s beloved Lazy Nine farm, she enjoyed painting, biking and traveling with loved ones. Her greatest joy in life was her family; in particular, attending numerous extracurricular activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including swim meets, baseball games, tennis matches, and piano recitals, to name a few.
Patricia was a beautiful person, both inside and out. She was known for her unique sense of style, often accessorizing with broad-brimmed hats and animal prints. A dedicated OR nurse, Patricia devoted twenty plus years caring for patients at Coffee Regional Hospital. Furthermore, she was a loyal member of Union Hill Congregational Christian Church in Pearson, GA., for over fifty years, where she enjoyed teaching Sunday school.
Patricia is survived by her daughters, Carman Walker (Greg), of Pearson GA., and Amanda Anderson (Ron), of Fernandina Beach, FL.; grandchildren Kaycee Hopwood, Autumn Amos, Leigh Ann Bailes (Charlie), Amber McLean (Lee) and Lauren Friel (Patrick); great-grandchildren Jackson McLean, Ella Hopwood, Walker Hopwood, Vivian Bailes, Finn Bailes, Charlotte McLean, Molly McLean, Banks Bailes, Hank Friel and Boone Friel; and one sister, Betty Ann Metts.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Randolph Jefferson (Jeff) Kirkland; parents Aubrey Foster and Clara Fussell Fender; son, CPT (U.S. Navy) Randolph Jefferson Kirkland, Jr., brother Foster “Bo” Franklin Fender; and sisters Florence Morgan, Marjorie Crosby, Faye Vickers and Aubrey Lee Kirkland.
The funeral service for Mrs. Kirkland was held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Union Hill Congregational Christian Church in Pearson, GA., with Retired U.S. Army Major Paul C. Elliott officiating and Mr. Bruce Corbitt performing the eulogy. Special music was performed by soloist Blair Bridwell accompanied by pianist Jay Beverly. Included in the ceremony were a few of Patricia’s most-cherished hymns and songs, including “Blessed Assurance”, “It Is Well With My Soul”, “In the Garden”, “Edelweiss”, and “Amazing Grace”. The internment was held immediately following the service in Union Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers included Jerome Crosby, Jay Crosby, Brian Fender, Justin Fender, Pharr Mullis and Sammy Sweat. Honorary pallbearers included Connie Harrison, Audrea Bennett, Emmye Anderson, Julisa Nunn, Nicole Hooper, B.J. McCullough, Jamie Howard, Amanda Fender and Calvin Day.
Funeral services were provided by Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, GA.
The family would like to extend our gratitude to all family and friends for their comfort and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Mrs. Kirkland to Union Hill Congregational Christian Church of Pearson, GA. Donations may be mailed to Bruce Corbitt, 2322 Park Rd., Pearson, GA., 31642.