Betty Jane Gates Kirkland, 86, of Pascagoula went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, November 20, 2023 in Pascagoula. She was born on December 25, 1936 in Butler County, Alabama to Robert and Melba Gates. She was a lifelong resident of Pascagoula and took care of her family as a mother and wife after many years of service at Mechants and Marine Bank. She married Erwin Kirkland on November 22, 1963 and they had two daughters, Tammy Lea and Aimee Renee. Mrs. Kirkland loved her family and her Lord more than anything. 

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Tammy Lea Kirkland, her husband, Willie Erwin Kirkland, and her parents Robert and Melba Gates. She is survived by her daughter, Aimee Renee Culpepper of Vancleave, grandchildren, Victoria (Spencer) Ramage of Pascagoula, Scott (Zoe) Culpepper of Moss Point, and Chloe Culpepper of Pascagoula. She also leaves behind many other family members and friends to cherish her memory. 

The service to honor Mrs. Kirkland’s life will be held on Friday, November 24, 2023 at O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula with Rev. John Turner officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00- 11:00 am with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 am at the funeral home chapel. Interment will be at Jackson County Memorial Park in Pascagoula. Pallbearers will be Jack Culpepper, Scott Culpepper, Spencer Ramage, and Hayden Johnson. 

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