Gina Mary Virginia Kirkland

RALEIGH - Gina (Mary Virginia) Kirkland, 64, stepped into heaven into her Lord and Savior’s arms, April 19th, 2019, at her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, surrounded by those who love her. A visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm on Monday, April 22nd, 2019 at Mid-Way Baptist Church, 6910 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. The celebration service will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 at Mid-Way Baptist Church, 6910 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, officiated by Chuck Jones. Gina was born July 4th, 1954, in Alabama to George and Mary Garber. At the age of 16 she accepted Jesus as her Savior and began a life devoted to Him. She graduated Auburn University with a degree in Fashion Merchandising in 1976 and married Mike Kirkland on October 16, 1976. For the first 10 years of their married life they moved all over the US as Mike worked engineering construction jobs in Alabama, Louisiana, Washington, Pennsylvania, New York, and moved finally to North Carolina in 1986 where she resided the remainder of her life. In 1993 Gina and Mike added to their family adopting Michael and Hannah. Gina was a devoted and loving mother and wife and that was her passion. Outside of family she enjoyed fishing, canoeing, sewing, knitting, and crafts, and later in her life became an avid swimmer. Gina loved God and trusted Him through her life and never wavered in her commitment during her battle with cancer. She was an encourager and a giver focused on praising God with her life, a beautiful testimony to God’s grace with her strength and character inside and out. Gina exuded Joshua 24:15 “For me and my house we will serve the Lord”. Gina was proceeded in death by her mother, Mary Garber, and her father, George Garber. She is survived by her Husband, Mike, her two children, Michael and Hannah, and her brother George Garber and his wife Joanie Garber. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Mid-Way Baptist Church Missions, Raleigh, NC. Honorary Pallbearers are Tom Cantley, Mike Lee, Steve Rhodes, Doug Mills, Jesse Ellington, Allen Duncan and Klaus Naku. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ginas memory to Mid-Way Baptist Church Missions: 6910 Fayetteville Rd., Raleigh, NC 27603. Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com