Blanche Pegram Beard Kirby

Blanche (Peg) Beard Kirby, of Columbia, SC, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 31, 2011. She was born on June 22, 1939 in Lenoir, NC and was a daughter of the late John Rockwell Beard and Blanche Pegram Beard.

Peg is survived by her husband of 54 years, James Harold Kirby of Columbia; son, John (Melinda) Kirby; daughter, Alyson (Thomas) Gill of Concord, NC; sisters, Rebecca (Ron) Sime, Jackie (Bill) Heim, all of Lenoir, NC; sister-in-law, Sarah Link (Bill) Helton of Gastonia, NC; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was the beloved “Pepye” to Jennifer Zundel, Megan Gill, Sam Kirby, and Ashton Kirby. Mrs. Kirby was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Lauren Kirby.

The family will receive friends at the home, Wednesday, August 3, 2011 from 6 until 8 o’clock. A private family service will be held at a later date in Lenoir, NC. The family has suggested that memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 309 Church St. NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.