Mrs. Johnnie Kirvin

With deep love and gratitude, we celebrate the extraordinary life of a beloved mother, who was called home at the remarkable age of 102. Mrs. Johnnie Kirvin was born in Kirvin, Texas on March 7, 1923, to the late Lillian and John Jefferson.

She attended Dogan High School in Fairfield, Texas and went on to graduate with honors from Jackson High School in Corsicana, Texas. After Graduation she participated in poetry contests at Prairie View A & M University winning many first place Awards. During this time she was the primary caregiver for her mother and great grandmother. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was very active at the Primitive Baptist Church in Kirvin, Texas.

As a young woman she moved to Fort Worth and was join in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Willie Kirvin who preceded her in death. They worked together building businesses and starting a family. Mrs. Kirvin and Mr. Kirvin were the owners of stores in Dallas and Fort Worth. But she always said her most important career was raising her ten children. She was very active at her children's school. She served as PTA president for many years at Dunbar Elementary. Mrs. Kirvin saw to it that her children were active in church. As a member of Peaceful Rest Missionary Baptist Church she served as church Secretary, Youth Director and Coordinator for the area’s National Baptist Convention held yearly in Dallas.

A devoted member of First True Love Church under the leadership of Bishop Nolan E. Hightower and Assistant Pastor Cathryn McKnight. She found joy in worship and service as a member of the Mothers’ Board serving side by side with her Sister-Cousin Mother Lillian Pearl Jesse. Who preceded her in death. Mrs. Kirvin steadfast presence was a beacon of faith and resilience, encouraging others to persevere and trust in God’s love.

She raised her children with a firm yet tender hand, teaching them the importance of the love of God, honesty, hard work, and kindness. As a proud matriarch, she lived long enough to establish 5 generations. Her legacy lives on in the lives of each of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and her great, great grandchildren.

Also preceding her in death are her beloved children, sons Billy and Larry, her daughter Lorna; her sons-in-laws Harold (Lillian) and Ben (Cathryn) and two grandsons.

Those left to cherish her memories are her sons Joe (Donna), Dwight (Janie), and Eric; her daughters Kay (Larry), Gloria (Larry), Lillian, and Cathryn. Her brother John Jr. (Maruice) and sister Cathryn (Billy). Her twenty-three grandchildren, forty-five great grandchildren, nine great, great grandchildren. Her first cousins Andrew (Adrian), and Betty, The Hightower Family and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.