Lois Kirkland, 87, was born in Bronson, Texas, on September 11, 1926, to Inez and John Fore. She was the third oldest of eleven children. After high school, Lois moved to Beaumont to look for work. She worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as an operator until her marriage to Harold Hickey. They were married for twenty-five years and had two children, Patricia and Donald. After Harold’s death from cancer in 1971, Lois went to work at Little Folks Nursery. Several years later, Lois married Lloyd Kirkland and they were married for twenty-eight years until his death from cancer in 2003.

Mrs. Kirkland was active at North End Baptist Church during the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. She sang soprano in the church choir, worked in the nursery, and taught preschoolers. Lois chaperoned on several youth mission trips. For a time she attended Amelia Baptist Church and Westgate Memorial Baptist Church with her daughter and granddaughter. Lois was a shut in member of Westgate at the time of her death.

Being a creative person, Lois loved to paint woodwork, do arts and crafts, sew outfits, and work in the garden. She had a green thumb and could grow anything.

Southern cooking was Lois’ forte. She loved to cook for family and friends. Hospitality she excelled at. Late afternoon coffee breaks for her working friends and family were greatly anticipated. Sometimes you even got a meal!

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Shimek and her husband, Larry; stepdaughter, Janet Born and her husband, Cliff; grandchildren, Stephanie Shimek; Heather Rudd and her husband, Marcus; Joel Hickey and his wife, Emily; Jeff Hickey and his wife, Kelle; Leigh Ann Berry and her husband, Lance; and Abbey Sanders; and seven great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Kirkland is preceded in death by first husband, Harold Hickey; second husband, Lloyd Kirkland; and son, Donald Hickey.

A gathering of Mrs. Kirkland’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday, November 18, 2013, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her graveside service will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 19, 2013, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Bethany Home Health for their care of our loved one. Our special thanks to the Odyssey Gentiva Hospice staff. Your compassion and excellent service was greatly appreciated.