of Leslie, AR
July 17, 1972 - October 17, 2024
Mary Kathryn Kirk, age 52, of Leslie, Arkansas passed from this life on Thursday, October 17th, 2024 at Baptist Health in North Little Rock. She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on July 17th, 1972 to William H. Kelley and Jewell D. Mitchell Kelley. Mary was married to David Ardith Kirk.
Mary was a lighthouse for those adrift at sea. In her life, Mary had many passions; the biggest of all were always her family, her dogs and teaching. She pursued those passions as an educator for 23 years at the Leslie Adult Education Center, where she touched many lives by helping those who felt hopelessly lost and misunderstood. Because she could not have children of her own, she took on the title of Aunt-Momma to her nephews and nieces, both adopted and biological, as well as her students. When she retired, she left behind a legacy that not many could live up to, thus the whole of Leslie felt a little hollower. Most days Mary could be found in the passenger seat with her husband "Bo" and her Pug "Pipsqueak" or spending time with friends and family. She was the best friend anyone could've asked for.
Survivors include her husband, David Ardith Kirk; her siblings, Grace Marie Dutton (Brandon) of Sulpher Springs, William Ernest Kelley (Sandra) of Seligman Missouri, Maria Ann Kelley Blair (Kenneth) of Witts Springs; brother-in-law, James Kirk (Teresa) of Fayetteville and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, William "Bill" Harold Kelley and Jewell Dean Mitchell Kelley.
Graveside services for Mary will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 at Marshall Memorial Gardens in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Doug Burris officiating. Friends and family will serve as bearers.
Sign Guestbook
15 Condolence(s)
James and Theresa Kirk
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Heather Baker
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Maria and family I am so sorry for ur loss Mary was very sweet caring lady our loss is truly Heavens gain.
Becky
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Prayers for the family. Mary will always be remembered in my life as the person who helped me receive my GED at age 17. She truly cared for the people there and pushed them towards success.
Tiffany Wellman-Wright
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
I never thought I would never see you again… I always knew we were gonna figure it out and there we’d be… Where ever that is…. On a beach, somewhere…. I don’t know when it got away Time…. I will not be able to make it on Wednesday, but I will find a beach, maybe I’ll steal some sand…. I will say a prayer for you, your friends and your family. Rest in peace Mary We will carry you in our hearts forever
Pat Halsted
Monday, October 21, 2024
I was so very sad to see this post. I remember how loved Mary was by students when she was the GED adult ed teacher and director, Mary truly cared about her students, and she helped many to successfully graduate. Mary truly had a gift and loved sharing it with others. God bless and comfort her entire family,
Mary Ann Murphey
Monday, October 21, 2024
I met Mary briefly just before she retired . Everyone loved her and often spoke very highly of her. She is definitely our loss but Heaven's gain.
Donna Upton
Monday, October 21, 2024
So sorry for your loss. My son Marty loved and respected Mary. Marty would not have gotten his GED without Mary’s love and persistence.
Carla Treat
Monday, October 21, 2024
Mary, you were always kind, funny, and radiated positivity when we were in school and will be missed by all who had the honor to know you. Praying for your family and loved ones.
Kim and Robert Cook
Monday, October 21, 2024
May you rest in peace Mary. You will be missed by all that knew you. You touched so many lives both young and old.
I so look forward to seeing your smile again. Much Love my dear friend...Much Love,
Kim and Robbie
Diana Brodie
Monday, October 21, 2024
Mary was one of my heroes. She was the very essence of what it means to be a great and caring teacher. She was a wonderful friend. Her open-hearted approach to life and education was a role model for co-workers, friends, family, students and her community. Life was rarely easy for Mary, but she met every challenge with grace, humor, and dignity. If you had the great good fortune to know and love Mary, you know how wonderful she was and how much she will be missed. Fly free, Mary my friend. I will never forget you.
John and Bridgett Cronk
Monday, October 21, 2024
My heart is so sad for all of you. She was always such a bright spirit. She was always giving and kind.
Troy&Peggy Ragland
Monday, October 21, 2024
We are so so sorry to hear this our prayers are with you all. May GOD Send you peace and comfort.
Levi Brown
Monday, October 21, 2024
Mary, this absolutely saddens me to see such a beautiful soul gone so soon. You shed so much light on my life and helped me pursue dreams I didn’t even imagine possible for myself. I will forever be so thankful for you being a part of my life that has shaped me to who I am today. I honestly don’t think I would be in my position today if it wasn’t for you stepping up, standing behind me and pushing me to succeed. I will always hold our memories together so close! You will forever hold such a deep place in my heart. You are the definition of an angel. Rest easy auntie momma. Laying you to rest with all my love.
Peggy
Monday, October 21, 2024
Mary, you will be missed. I was your teacher in high school and many years later I worked with you at GED. You always tried to help each student. Prayers for your family
James and Jeri White
Monday, October 21, 2024
Our deepest sympathy