Vera Nell Kirkman

Vera was the wife of Richard Kirkman, and their 26 years together were among the happiest of her life. She was the mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother of a large family.

She lived a life defined by hard work, independence, and resilience. She retired after a long career with South Central Bell, where she began as a switchboard operator. Later in life, she went on to build many homes, an accomplishment that reflected her determination, independence, and entrepreneurial spirit.

She found her joy in the simple, good things: time spent at the lake, working in her garden, and caring for the animals she loved dearly. Her beloved dog, Molly, preceded her in death just weeks before her passing.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Kirkman; her children, Angela Aspinwall (John Aspinwall), Jimmie Hilyer (Donna Hilyer), and the late Janet Ivey; her grandchildren, Kim Brown (Danny Brown), Mandy Hyatt (Daniel Hyatt), Brian Ivey, Noah Hilyer, and Jacob Hilyer; her great-grandchildren, Annelore McMahon (Chas MacMahon), Sam Brown, Sanders Brown, Caroline Chesnut, Patrick Chesnut, Anna Louise Chesnut, Ruth Chesnut, James Chesnut, Anden Hilyer, and Abram Hilyer; and her great-great-granddaughter, Emery McMahon, completing five generations of her family.

Vera will be remembered for her strength, independence, and the life she built over many years in Prattville, where she created many memories with those who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held at Ridout's-Brown-Service Prattville, 347 East Main Street, Prattville, AL 36067, US, on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Oakhill Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be Sam Brown Danny Brown, John Aspinwall, Chas MacMahon, Patrick Chesnut, Daniel Hyatt. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Sanders Brown and James Chesnut.