memories, like the corners of my mind...

This past week would have been the birthday of my cousin Patricia Franklin Brown.  It has been less than a year since she went home to glory, and I thought I would post this sweet picture from 1959 this week:                       Pat with her little brother Jerry Kirby and her mother, my aunt Emily Franklin Kirby Jones. I am sure they are enjoying Heaven together, but we sure do miss you down here! 

Aunt Emily - family photo from the 1950s

Another "Franklin family photo" from the late 1950s - 

my aunt Emily with her son Jerry and daughter Pat.  

Thanks to cousin Pat for sending this one. 

remembering cousin Jerry

In honor of my late cousin Jerry Kirby, who would have turned 57 today, July 5th. Born in 1955 and died in December of 2010.  He was like a brother to me when we were little boys. His mother Emily Franklin Kirby (Jones) was one of my dad's sisters.  We miss you cousin! 

Jerry Wayne Kirby, Sr. 1955-2010

We were saddened to lose our cousin Jerry Kirby to a long battle with cancer this past weekend.



He and I were the only boy cousins in our generation so I have many memories, good memories, from our childhood. We played "Cowboys and Indians" and "Cops and Robbers" together for hours upon hours; we tried to sing like the Beatles with mops and broom handles for mikes; he was faithful to bring me my homework when we were in 6th grade together while I was sick in bed for about four months; he let me shoot his B-B gun since my parents would not buy me one; he stood up for me when the bullies came around; good memories that make you wish we did not have to grow up, but life goes on...



Many years have past since then, but I am glad we got to see Jerry several times over the past few years; at Christmas Eve parties at cousin Judy's; at birthday parties for my mom and dad. We are sad to see him leave us at such a young age. It reminds me once again that we are only on earth for a short time. We hope to see Jerry again in Heaven some day along with his mother, my Aunt Emily and so many others who have gone before us.



****Click to read Obituary from the newspaper

Jerry Wayne Kirby, Sr. (Obituary from newspaper)

CHESNEE, SC-- Jerry Wayne Kirby, Sr., 55, of 214 Dana Drive, died Saturday, December 4, 2010, at Mary Black Memorial Hospital. Born July 5, 1955, in Spartanburg, he was the son of the late Oren Lee Kirby and Carrie Emily Franklin Kirby Jones. He was formerly employed as a supervisor with Pentex Corporation, attended Buck Creek Baptist Church, and was an avid racing fan.

Survivors include his wife, Teresa Lynn Kirby, two sons, Jerry W. Kirby, Jr. and his companion, Ashley Duncan of Chesnee and Jeffrey Smith of the home; a stepdaughter, Elizabeth Smith of Spartanburg; four grandchildren; and a sister, Pat F. Brown of Cowpens.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, December 6, 2010, in Daniel Morgan Memorial Gardens. Visitation will follow the service at the graveside.

Memorials may be made to the Jerry W. Kirby, Sr. Memorial Fund, P.O. Drawer 1530, Spartanburg, SC 29304.

The family is at the home of his sister, Pat Brown, 150 Carson Drive, Cowpens, SC.