Mary Anne Kirklin: 1942-2025

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Mary Anne Kirklin, 83, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on March 2, 1942, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Mary Anne was the daughter of the late John and Evelyn Luckett. She spent her life in the Vicksburg community.

On her 19th birthday, March 2, 1961, she married the love of her life, Charles Kirklin. Together, they shared 45 wonderful years of marriage until his passing. During the 70’s, they embarked on a business venture close to their hearts—opening and operating a Shipley Do-Nuts franchise in Vicksburg, where they joyfully served the community.

Mary Anne dedicated many years of service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC), retiring on May 1, 2004. She was a lifelong member of Christ Episcopal Church.

In her free time, Mary Anne enjoyed the simple pleasures of life—bream fishing, listening to lots of music with the majority consisting of Elvis Presley, and throwing parties at her home with lots and lots of friends. Her heart was generous, and her spirit one-of-a-kind which was known by many. She loved deeply and found joy with her family.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Charles, her parents John and Evelyn Luckett, and her sweet great-granddaughter, Calliope Martinez.

Mary Anne is survived by her three sons: John Michael Kirklin (Annette), Charles Glenn Kirklin (Linda) and Thomas Wesley Kirklin (Paige); seven grandchildren: Blake, Dustin, Storey, Sabrina, Brittany, Mary and Brandie; and nine great-grandchildren. Her legacy of love, humor and generosity will live on in each of them.

A funeral service will be held at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, with the Rev. Sam Godfrey officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23 followed by the service at 11 a.m. A burial service will immediately follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Tommy, Glenn, Blake, Sabrina and Storey Kirklin, and Dustin Brown.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Shady Lawn Nursing Home for their compassionate care provided to Mary Anne during her time there.

Memorials may be made to the Christ Episcopal Church Altar Guild, 1115 Main Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183.

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