Jessie Grant Kirkland

Jessie Grant Kirkland, 81, of 651 Allens Creek Road, Waynesville, died Wednesday, June 22, 2005, at the Oaks at Sweeten Creek. A native of Swain County, she was a daughter of the late James Henry and Flora Johnson Grant. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Franklin Daniel Kirkland, who died in 1989 and by a daughter, Ima Jean Kirkland. She was a member of Allens Creek Baptist Church in Waynesville. Survivors include three daughters, Sharon Lentz and Karen Shaw of Asheville and Norma Jean Rivera of Waynesville; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Saturday at Edgewood Baptist Church in Enka with the Reverend Eddie Deitz officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 pm Saturday at the church prior to the service. After the service, the family will be at the home of Sharon Lentz, 7 Pine Acre Blvd., Asheville. The family would like to thank the caregivers at the Oaks at Sweeten Creek for the wonderful care Mrs. Kirkland received during her brief stay. A special thanks to Linda Webb, a dear friend and neighbor.