Deborah Kirkland

Deborah A. "Debbi" Kirkland, 63, wife of Paul Kirkland, died Aug. 3, 2014 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Bryan. After suffering the last several years of kidney failure, Debbi is now at peace. A Memorial Service is scheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at Brenham Church of Christ, with Dr. Doug Hall officiating. Deborah Kirkland was born Sept. 30, 1950 in Detroit, MI. to Ercie Ray and Julia Francis Burke Smith. Raised in Taylor, MI, she graduated from Taylor Center High School in 1968. Debbi lived in Houston, and also in Port Charlotte, Florida, where she spent a lot of time on the beach. She also lived in Jackson, MI. and finally made her home in Chappell Hill several years ago. She married Paul Kirkland on July. 29, 1977, and was a faithful member of the Brenham Church of Christ. Debbi adored her grandchildren and spending time with her family. Reading was also a favorite pastime. Her dogs, Angel and Chester were special to her. Survivors include her daughters Victoria Gurka and husband Jerry of Chappell Hill; Sylvia Goode and special friend Michael of Punta Gorda, FL, and Heather Pond of Chappell Hill; grandchildren: Christine Bennett, Jeremy Gurka, Shanon Pond, Nicholas Pond, Courtney Turrin, and Cori Gurka; great-grandchild L. J. Baker; brothers and sisters-in-law Ray and Dee Smith of Pt. Charlotte, Florida, and Mark and Terry Smith of New Boston, MI. Other surviving relatives are sisters-in-law Debbie Kirkland, Wynona Tullos, and Shirley Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers-in-law Roma Kirkland, Wendell Kirkland, Charles Kirkland, and mother-in-law Thedolia Kirkland. The family extends special thanks to Dr. Tan and the staff at Liberty Dialysis. Memorials may be directed to the Brenham Church of Christ. Funeral arrangements for Deborah A. Kirkland are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.