Mrs. Joyce C. Kirkland, age 82, passed away Monday, November 2, 2020 at her home in Athens. She was born on January 24, 1938 in Tattnall County to Olin Harry and Maudie Thigpen Cowart and lived in Reidsville most of her life until moving to Athens 15 years ago with her best friend, Dewitt Moore. Mrs. Joyce was a homemaker that loved to go camping and fishing. She and Dewitt also enjoyed Tailgating at the University of Georgia football games. She was a member of the Reidsville Baptist Church and is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gene Austin Kirkland; son, Gene Austin Kirkland, Jr., and brother and sister in law, Harry Jack and Reba Nell Cowart.

She is survived by her daughter, Karyn (Rick Curry) Kirkland of Lyons; best friend, Dewitt Moore of Athens; Dewitt’s children that she loved like her own, Mary Beth Henderson of Atlanta and Neal Dewitt (Kelley) Moore, III of Montgomery, Al; grandchildren, Chance (Tia) Kirkland of Reidsville, Kandyce Reynolds of Griffin, Anna Delaine Henderson of Atlanta, William Winslett Henderson of Atlanta, Neal Dewitt "Nye" Moore IV of Montgomery, AL, Ava Grace Moore of Montgomery, Al; sister in law, Linda Weitman of Cordele, Joshua James (Stephanie) Curry of PA, Caleb Michael (Mary Ellen) Curry of PA; great grandchildren; Shelby Austria Clifton, Ashley Skylar Reynolds, Kiersten Angela-Leigh Kirkland, Annelise Laelia Kirkland-Baker, Wyatt James Curry; several nieces and nephews.

Graveside funeral services were held 10:00am Saturday, November 7, 2020 at the Reidsville City Cemetery where Dr. Chuck Jonas officiated.

Low Country Cremation and Burial served the Kirkland family.