HOBOKEN – Evelyn Joyce McElveen Kirkland, 78 of Hoboken, passed away Thursday afternoon, March 5, 2026 at her residence after an extended illness.
Born in Savannah, Mrs. Kirkland’s parents were William Oliver Taylor and Ethel Durrance Taylor. She is also preceded in death by a great grandson, James William Johnson III; and several siblings, Linda Gail Dubberly, Peggy J. Shelton, Jimmy Taylor, Charlie Taylor, Elain Taylor and Becky Taylor.
Mrs. Kirkland worked many years for Waffle House before retiring. She was a champion dart player and loved fishing, sewing and playing games.
She was a member of Hoboken Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Jimmy Lee Kirkland of Hoboken; two sons and daughters-in-law, Ralph Allen Westbury (Valerie) and William Richard Westbury IV (Regina) all of Hoboken; a daughter and son-in-law, Dana Kirkland (William) of Hoboken; 20 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; three brothers and sisters-in-law, James Byrd (Darlene) and Isaac Taylor of all of Waycross, and Wane Taylor (Katherine) of Hoboken; and also several other relatives and a host of friends.
A funeral service was held Monday afternoon, March 9, 2026 at Hoboken Baptist Church with Rev. Ben Glosson officiating.
Burial followed in Hoboken Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Walter Kirkland, Corbin Kirkland, Connor Edwards, Cason Smith, Dakota Brown and Jay Hutchinson.
Arrangements were with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.
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