Obituary of Grace Kirkland

Grace Inez Kirkland

(May 21, 1932- September 4, 2011)

Stuart, Florida

" I want to go be with Leroy".

On May 21, 1932 seventy nine years ago Grace Inez Kirkland was born Grace Inez Powell in Hobe Sound, Florida. She was born approximately where the intersection of US 1 and Bridge Road are today. At the time US 1 was a two lane primitive road and the Powell house stood where the current intersection is now. She made the journey from the Treasure Coast Hospice Center in Stuart, Florida at 9:47 pm on Wednesday, September 4th, 2011 attended by members of her family and friends. She passed peacefully due to advanced maturity. It was time to go home and she looked forward to it. Inez had been ill and in pain for many years. One of the last things she said was that she was "going to be with Leroy", her beloved husband who had passed 18 years ago. She was ready as was her soul.

She is survived by her sister Joyce Lanier and brothers, Murray and Wayne Powell as well as her children Virginia Rogers, Ralph Yeary, James Yeary , David Harrell, and Floyd Kirkland. Her grandchildren are: Beth Carson, Angie Cox, Kyle Kirkland, David Harrell , Jr., James Yeary, Jr., and Charles Yeary and six great-grandchildren.

She was a lifelong native of Martin County and worked on local flower farms and later did home child care. Her husband, Leroy Kirkland, had been an employee of the Martin School District in the Transportation Department.

Inez, a huge John Wayne fan, agreed with 'The Duke' when he said:

"I say this: I believe. I can never find a way to argue down you that don't believe. But I believe in the Lord God Almighty. All-knowing and all-forgiving. And I believe that good shall be triumphant in the end."

And

"Tomorrow is the most important thing in life."

She'd want us to get on with life because she's at peace now. She'd want us to get busy on that 'tomorrow'. She'd say in the Duke's words, "We're burnin' daylight".

Happy trails, Grace Inez Kirkland.