Miriam Octavia Kirkland

1929 – 2025

Miriam Kirkland was born in Pensacola, Florida on March 25, 1929 and passed away on April 16, 2025.

Her parents were James Wilburn Bray and Miriam Octavia (Mattie) Sikes Bray.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 58 years – James Harold Kirkland, brothers and sisters-in-laws – Carl Bray, Ernest Bray (Laura), Frank Bray (Jean), Herman Bray (Agnes) and sister – Nellie Mae Bray (2 yrs old), nephew – Kenneth Clifford Bray.

She is survived by her son, James Van Kirkland and daughter-in-law, Teresa Rose Box Kirkland and her daughter, Pamela Anne Kirkland Edwards, son-in-law, Raymond Rick Edwards. Also, granddaughters and their husbands, Amanda Nicole Kirkland Moehle (Michael Moehle), Christina DeAnne Kirkland Roberts (Ryan Roberts) and Raymond Blake Edwards. Great Grandchildren, Ethan Roberts, Elijah Roberts, James Moehle and many other nieces and nephews.

Miriam graduated from Pensacola High School in 1946 and later graduated from Pensacola Junior College in Business. Other than working in the family Grocery Store, Miriam’s career evolved into Administration of Escambia General Hospital, University Hospital and her last 20 years at the Medical Center Clinic.

Miriam was an active member of East Hill Baptist Church (cradle roll), North Hill Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Pensacola.

She was very active in the Singing Seniors, Leisure Timers at FBCP. She was also an active member of Escambia Lodge Eastern Star, Scottish Rite Women’s Group, Square Dancing Groups, Pilot Club of Pensacola, while finding time to sew formals, costumes and square dance dresses. Miriam also spent her time supporting her husband and his love of raising and caring for farm animals.

The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the staff at The Blake of Pensacola for their unwavering care and support during her short stay with them. Also, a special thank you to the caregivers from the West Florida Home Care Services and St. John’s Home Health.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Pensacola Music Ministry, 500 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32501 or to any charity of your choice.

A visitation for Miriam will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, 3351 Scenic Highway, Pensacola, Florida. Following the visitation will be a graveside service at 2:00 PM at Bayview Memorial Park, 3351 Scenic Highway, Pensacola, Florida.

Miriam will be laid to rest in Bayview Memorial Park, 3351 Scenic Highway, Pensacola, Florida.