Mary Nell Kirklin Glass, to many, Mary Glass; but to family she was Nell, went peacefully to be with the Lord, Thursday, July 9, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. She had been air-lifted to UAB, Birmingham where she was surrounded by loved ones. Among her last words were “Goodnight, I love you”. She had lived 81 years of a loving life. She had been a resident of Demopolis since 1952 when she and Deek, as newlyweds, rented an apartment from Mrs. Leverett. The family continued to live in Demopolis with the exception of five years, when they lived in Mobile, Alabama then Satellite Beach, Florida only to return to Demopolis and “the beloved farm” to raise their family.
Nell was born in Andalusia, Alabama on Sept. 28, 1934 to Annie Will Kirklin of Troy, Alabama (a lifetime educator) and Rufus R. Kirklin of Andalusia (a river pilot and forester).
Those left to cherish her memory include her two sons, Clint Glass of Pensacola, Florida; and Steve Glass (Debbie) of Millry, Alabama: a niece, Gail Flowers of Demopolis; a brother, Joe Kirklin (Jan) of Merritt Island, Florida and a sister, June K. Johnson (Phillip) of Satellite Beach, Florida/LaGrange, Georgia; four grandchildren, Ben glass of Tuscaloosa, AL; Kayla Glass of Birmingham; Brittany Glass of Kansas; and Shannon Glass of New Jersery; four great-grandchildren, 35 nieces and nephews.
Nell loved spending time with the family while at the farm, the beach, summers in the country, family gatherings or just anywhere. Her last thoughts were of picking berries and the snake story, gathering peas at the farm, her trips with Gail to give Probee his afternoon rides and just anything she could think of.
She led a quiet life but one of her greatest pleasures was her career. Nell graduated from University of West Alabama with her master’s degree, but that was not enough as she continued to pursue her studies. While at Livingston she was active in many organizations.
She loved evening vespers, ball games, trips to Montgomery, beauty contest, clubs, and skating; but of course she made time to study.
She, as principal, always gave credit to the staff, administration, and community which allowed their school to achieve the highest degree of success possible. She was an outstanding educator who put her students’ love for learning first.
Graveside funeral services were held at Shiloh Cemetery on Tuesday, July 14, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Scott Stephens officiating.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staff of the hospital in Demopolis and Birmingham for the care they gave her and the family. Thanks to Gail, Steve, and Clint for their loving care.
Condolences may be offered at www.obryantchapelfh.com. Arrangements by O’Bryant Chapel Funeral Home in Linden, Alabama.