Lena Ruth Kirkland

Lennie Kirkland Obituary

         On Friday, October the 12th, 2018 our beautiful mother Lennie Kirkland was swept up in the arms of our heavenly Father. Being a true Christian and such a faithful mother, grandmother, sister and friend to all who knew and loved her, she went out of her way to show her love to all. Growing up as she did within a family of ten children she didn’t always have the finer things in life, but she was taught values, morals, and that working hard was just a part of life. We her children and many of her friends and colleagues would say that they have never met a person who worked harder. She would be meticulous in everything she did. She instilled all those values in her daughters, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter. She always told us, “Just do your best and you will be fine” and in fact her encouragement was the reason we excelled most of the time, especially in our daily lives. Each and every day we thank God we had the amazing opportunity to have Lennie as our mother and our best friend. Lennie was a Baptist Christian who believed in and feared God throughout her life. She was a member of Watson’s Chapel Baptist Church and also enjoyed sermons on T.V. when she was no longer available to attend church because of her health. She was a woman who worshiped God quietly within her own spirit and completed her spiritual awakening by being baptized just three weeks before her passing. It was truly beautiful, and she stayed so peaceful that night. One thing is definitely for certain she had a love for her children and grandchildren that was surpassed by no one and an even greater love for her savior Jesus Christ. She was absolutely and completely ready to meet him. Seeing her leave here and run into his arms was the hardest but most beautiful thing any of us have ever witnessed.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father Ethel Irene Key Norwood and Joseph Allen Norwood, three sisters Novella Norwood, Edith Tallent, and Barbara Prince; four brothers Gloshie (Lavashua) “L.V.” Norwood, Joe Vann Norwood, Glenn Allen Norwood, and Felton Spencer Norwood. She survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Candy and Jeff Helton of Maryville, Melissa and Mark Morgan of Englewood, and Jennifer Kirkland and Cory Smith of Knoxville; one granddaughter Jessica Wilson of Maryville, and one precious great- granddaughter Kaydence McCowan of Maryville. She is also survived by one sister, Patricia “Pat” Kirkland of Etowah and one brother and sister-in-law, Roger Norwood and Theresa Norwood of Delano. She also had several nieces, nephews, friends, and one very special friend Shirley Morgan. The family will receive friends at Serenity Chapel in Etowah on Tuesday October 16th from 5-7 pm with the funeral following at 7 pm. The precession will meet at Serenity Chapel at 1:30 pm Wednesday, October 17th and graveside will be held at Sunrise Cemetery  in Englewood at 2 pm. 

 We invite you to send a message of comfort and view the family guestbook at www.serenityfunerals.com

Serenity of Etowah Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.