Carolyn Kirkpatrick
1944 – 2026

We are here to remember a woman whose life was marked by love, faith, and perseverance.

In the Bible, in Second Epistle to Timothy, the apostle Paul the Apostle writes these words as he reflects on his life:

“I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7

Those words remind us that a life well lived is not measured simply by the number of years we are given, but by the love we share, the faith we hold, and the way we walk with God through every season.

Our mother lived that kind of life.

She loved deeply, and every one of her children and grandchildren knew without a doubt that they were loved. Her love was steady and generous. It showed up in the way she cared for her family, the way she listened, the way she encouraged us, and the way she made sure we always knew we mattered to her.

Her life had many chapters. She was married twice and raised five children — three from her first marriage and two from her second. Through every season of life, her devotion to her family never wavered.

She also had a joyful spirit. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed adventure. She loved music, singing, and dancing, and she especially loved Elvis Presley. Music brought her joy, and she never hesitated to share that joy with those around her.

She was raised in a Christian home and knew about God from an early age. But it wasn’t until the late 1990s that she truly began walking closely with the Lord. From that point forward, her faith became the center of her life. Over the years, she gently and faithfully led each one of her children to Christ, planting seeds of faith that continue to grow in our family today.

Her love for the Lord also led her to serve others. For many years she taught children’s Bible study at her church, helping young hearts learn about God’s love and truth. She was a valued member of her church community, someone who served faithfully and quietly, with a heart for others.

When we think about her life, we see the beauty of a woman who trusted God, loved her family deeply, and never stopped growing in faith.

And so today, we remember her not only with our words, but with gratitude for the example she gave us.

She kept the faith.

May we honor her by carrying forward what she showed us — trusting God fully, extending grace freely, loving deeply, and holding tightly to faith no matter what comes.

And may it one day be said of each of us, just as it can be said of her:

She trusted the Lord.

She persevered.

She finished well.

Amen.