Denise Kirkland

Written by her husband, Sam Kirkland:

Denise attended high school at Tucker High in 1986 and continued her education at West Georgia College. She later became a highly successful real estate agent. Later in life, she changed her duties to be a home maker, mother, and grandmother. She loved to attend festivals, sing karaoke-especially kid rock, cook, frequently drive the tractor at the farm, and spend time with her family and friends. Denise gave back to those in need without asking for anything in return. One of her friends once said, “If you don’t love Denise, then something is wrong with you.” Denise, I miss you so much already. ‘Till I see you again, I’ll always love you more than you could ever know.

Written by her youngest son, David Benjamin Kirkland:

She was more than a mother, she was my best friend. She was there for me at times that I didn’t even know I needed her. She was always the first one to congratulate me on my success. She always did her best even when she was down. She would say to me, “Don’t worry honey, your momma’s gonna be all right. I promise you.” She would then put a smile on her face so big it could blind a room. Nothing could ever break her down. In the darkest of times, it brought out her brightest moments. She was my first responder. I could call her for anything and everything and vice versa. Whether it was about what we were going to have for dinner or what new movies are out, even if she had nothing to talk about, she would call. I never understood why she did that until I realized she probably just wanted to hear my voice or get away from whatever she was going through. I wish I could have more of those phone calls. I wish she could still call me and wake me up in the morning to see if I wanted some Chick-fil-a or Wendy’s. She used to surprise me with new clothes all the time. I never realized just how much my momma thought about me and how she loved her kids so much. She was so much more than just a mother to me. She was everything.

Written by her middle son, Samuel David Kirkland:

She loved her family and her friends passionately. She was constantly thinking of others. She had a beautiful smile and a great sense of humor. The world lost a wonderful and beautiful woman on 9/22/22. I will miss your laugh. I will miss your touch. I will miss your presence. A part of me is gone with you mom. I will miss you until we meet again. I love you so much.

Written by her eldest son, Samuel Houston Kirkland:

I can’t remember a time before she was in my life. I knew her as “stepmom” when I was little and just “step” when I got older. Calling her by her first name never felt right, she earned her title. I know a lot of people whose parents remarried and it was hard on them. Fortunately for me I never experienced that. Instead, I was blessed and grew up with two moms. She loved with everything she had and you could feel it radiate from her. The world definitely won’t be the same without her light.

Written by her daughter, Keilei Kirkland Gooch:

Denise was another mother to Houston and I from the day we met her. I don’t remember life before her. Over the years she took me to do all the fun things, creating so many amazing memories like taking me to Chuck E Cheese even though I was terrified of him, the Stone Mountain Laser Light Show every year, the skylift in Gatlinburg, tubing in Helen, white water rafting in Asheville, riding all the roller coasters at Six Flags, horseback riding in the mountains, watching funny movies at the theater, shopping at the mall, getting our nails done, rides at the Gwinnett County fair, and even picking out the biggest pumpkins at Burt’s Pumpkin Patch. She loved farm days with family. She loved making Christmas mice and chocolate bark every year with her grandkids. She was definitely a dare devil, she hated snakes, and loved a good book. God blessed me with another mom, and the best Meemaw and I couldn’t be more thankful. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later. I will miss you so much and so will Trevor and the kids. We all love you.

Until we see you again,

Keilei Kirkland Gooch

Denise is survived by her husband Sam Kirkland, her four children Keilei Kirkland Gooch, Houston Kirkland, Samuel Kirkland, and David Kirkland, three grandchildren Chloe, Madisyn, and Landon, her mother Carolyn Robinson, her two sisters Pam McDaniel and Traci Gleeson, and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, Denise’s wishes consisted of appreciate donations to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eternalhillsfuneralhome.com for the Kirkland family.