Eura was born in McKinney, Collin County, TX on July 8, 1931. She died just short of her 91st birthday on June 10, 2022. She was the namesake of her maternal grandmother, Eura Davidson Wilson of Collin County, TX. A Texan to the core of her soul, she had lived in Wichita, KS for only a few short months before her death. Her wish was to have her ashes scattered from a high place in Texas.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Jimmie Lee Wilson Petty; father, Claude Lubin Petty; and her sister, Claudia Lee Petty Bowman.
Surviving members of her family include her beloved husband of 32 years, Kenneth Melvin "Mel" Kirk currently of Goddard, KS: son, Rickey Lynn Nanson and his significant other, Janis Jacobs of Broken Arrow, OK; daughter and son-in-law, Constance and Duane Patrick of Wichita, KS; grandson, Tommy Dean Wright, Jr. of Irving TX and his significant other, Sharon Gallegos of Grand Prairie, TX; grandson, Rhett and his wife, Katya Nanson and great grandsons, Ivan and Yuri, of RI; granddaughter, Krystal and husband, Jason Shultz of Denver CO; grandson, Jeffrey and his wife, Melissa Nanson of Plano TX and great granddaughter, Madison White-Nanson; step-grandchildren Jennifer and husband Matt Celso, Shawn and wife, Jamie Patrick; numerous nieces and nephews who remember her lovingly. Her sister’s children, Rhonda Calhoun, Mike and Randy Hitt, and their families have given her much love, attention and happiness.
Family was most dear to Eura Mae. She worked hard to provide for her children. Gift-giving, hosting and cooking for family gatherings--especially Christmas and birthday celebrations brought her great happiness. She was the glue that held her family together. Working in her flowerbeds and creating a lovely, comfortable home, even cleaning were activities she missed in later years. Quiet appreciation of God’s creation in nature on earth comforted her. She loved being outdoors, especially at a lake, park or her own backyard. When grandchildren needed a chauffeur or a bit of minding, she stepped up and pitched-in.
A skilled artist, Eura painted and drew many beautiful pictures, enjoyed sewing and decorating her home. Eura had a great appreciation of both music and visual art. Her work in Cosmetology was very rewarding. She loved the friendship of her patrons, the creativity of her work and helping women feel more beautiful. As a businesswoman, she operated her own shop, The Beauty Room, in Irving, TX. She continued her career at the Greenhouse Spa in Grand Prairie, TX and in Palm Beach, FL where she and Mel became acquainted.
Eura Mae was a lifelong Christian. The worship of God, giving gratitude and enjoying the fellowship of other Christians were a source of great joy for her. Her children were raised in the First Baptist Church, Irving, TX. She and Mel were long-time members of the Impact Sunday School class at First Baptist Church, Allen, TX. They loved playing games and socializing with their friends there. Eura’s family is grateful to their generous and faithful friend, Marie Driskill, who devoted many, many days and weeks to helping Eura and Mel cope with numerous illnesses and hospital visits.
She was blessed to have a husband who cared for her faithfully and tirelessly during her illnesses over the past few years. Her family and friends are blessed to rely on God’s loving Grace and to know that she is united with her Father and has eternal life with him.
If you would like to memorialize Eura, please do so with a gift to your favorite charity.
A Celebration of Life will be organized at a future date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ResthavenMortuary-Cemetery.com for the Kirk family.
