Palestine, Texas - Shirley Ann Kirkland, 83, of Tomball, Texas, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on October 29, 2025. Born on August 3, 1942, in Percilla, Texas, she was the first daughter of Jessie Lee and Marvin Lee Burnett.

Shirley graduated from Slocum High School in 1960 as salutatorian of her class and captain of the girls' basketball team. After graduation, she moved to Conroe and began working for the local gas company. In December 1961, she met the love of her life, JW Kirkland, when he asked her to dance. The two married on May 26, 1962, and shared 56 and a half beautiful years together before his passing in 2018.

Shirley was a resident of Channelview, Texas for 59 years. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was filled with creativity, generosity, and faith. She owned a beauty salon in Channelview for several years before pursuing her lifelong passion for art. A gifted painter, she studied under a well-known Houston artist and went on to teach oil painting for more than a decade. Her work was displayed many times at the Grapeland Peanut Festival, as well as in numerous local and regional art fairs throughout Texas, where her portraits and landscapes were admired for their warmth, depth, and remarkable attention to detail. Her John Wayne portrait was even considered for a western art exhibit in Paris, France.

Her talents extended to quilting, sewing, music, and cooking. During the COVID pandemic, she lovingly sewed and donated over 1,000 washable masks to neighbors, churches, and local businesses. Above all, Shirley cherished her family and filled every gathering with love, laughter, and warmth.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband JW Kirkland; her parents, Jessie Bishop and Marvin Burnett; her siblings W.A. Burnett, Buck Burnett, and Rita Madeley; and her son-in-law, Timothy Howell.

She is survived by her daughters Lori Howell and Dena Wilhite (and husband Howard); grandchildren Maeghan Roberson (and husband Shelby), Kassie Woolweaver (and husband Michael), and Brett Howell (and wife Keelei); and bonus granddaughters Jennifer Dulworth, Kristen Plymier, and Katlyn Gilford. She was blessed with twelve great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sisters Jean Ballard and Linda Harrison, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Graveside services to celebrate the life of Shirley Kirkland are to be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Elkhart, Texas.

Graveside services for Shirley Ann Kirkland are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit her online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.