Martha Kirk

Martha Jane Jolley Kirk, of Mount Pleasant, NC joined her Heavenly Father, Wednesday, November 12th 2014, one day before her 91st birthday. Born November 13, 1923 she was a native of Cleveland County and the daughter of the late Carl and Vera Jolley. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Y. Kirk; sister, Frances Wood; and brother, George Jolley. Martha had a positive influence on many people in the Mount Pleasant community through her church work, and her numerous years spent as a teacher. Martha joined Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church in 1959 and was an active member for 55 years. During this time, she was a member of the choir; a participant in the community Christmas Cantata; served as President of the United Methodist Women; was a member of the Administrative board; served as delegate for the Church conference; and taught an Adult Sunday school class for many years. Martha earned degrees from what is now, Gardner-Webb University and from Asheville College. She was a member of the women's basketball team at Gardner Webb. She later achieved a Master's degree in Elementary Education from UNC Charlotte in the 1970's. Martha was a teacher in Mount Pleasant for over 45 years, teaching three generations of students. Martha also was co-founder of one of the first women's basketball teams in Mount Pleasant. Martha served four years as the President of the Retired School Personnel Association, and two years as President of her sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa. She also served on the Board of Directors at CMC Northeast for many years and was an active member of the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society. Martha loved reading, teaching, and singing. She also enjoyed gardening, playing bridge with her bridge club, and spending time with her family. Martha is survived by her daughter, Marsha Jolley Kirk of Orlando, FL; son, Max Parker Kirk (Rhonda) of Concord, NC; Step-son, Gene Kirk (Peggy) of Albemarle, NC; Sister, Alma Riley of Columbus, OH; and sister, Suzanne Gibson (Darrell) of Rutherfordton, NC. Martha is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 5-8pm Friday at Gordon Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant. Funeral service will be 2:00pm Saturday at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church with Pastor Bruce Gwynn officiating. Burial will follow at Stony Hill Methodist Cemetery in Albemarle, NC. Family will gather at the home of Martha Kirk, 9150 Hwy 49 N. Mt Pleasant. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Mount Pleasant Bible Teaching Association: PO Box 763, Mt Pleasant, NC 28124.