Harriet Evelyn Edwards Kirk was born November 18, 1919, in Columbia, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Clara Frances Barr and William Henry Edwards. She went home to be with the Lord on February 24, 2022. She was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Richard William Kirk, Sr.
During her younger years, Harriet worked as a Nanny, New York model, and even recorded a record. Once married, Harriet dedicated her life to raising six children as a Homemaker. In her later years, her artistic abilities were recognized and published in numerous Forest Pines Newsletters.
Harriet was an advocate not only her children, but also the community at large. She was responsible for securing proper transportation during segregation for school children at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. She also secured adequate housing for military families on post. She accomplished this quietly, but firmly in the early 1950s. Many neighbors, friends, and family called her the “Pound Cake Lady” as they frequently were gifted with delicious vanilla pound cakes. She always made two cakes as she didn’t measure the ingredients the conventional way. Just a pinch of this, a scoop of that, some flour, butter, sugar, and lots of love.
Harriet was a free spirit. She valued loyalty and authenticity. She believed everyone needed a harmless outlet for stress, and her outlet was fishing on the fish bank and enjoying the sunshine. She loved all music. Everything from Perez Prado to Johnny Mathis to Snoop Dogg. She always wished she played an instrument, but always loved music and the gift of singing. Harriet sang songs with the Hospice Team until she could no longer speak. She was an avid reader who read the newspaper daily. Moreover, she was very protective of her newspapers and would get upset if they were not in their original order – she had to be the one to read them first and if not first she would comment “stop reading all the writing off of my newspaper”.
At the celebration marking her 100th birthday, she explained how she believed her longevity was likely due to a faithful regimen of starting each day with coffee and enjoying an afternoon of pig feet, collard greens with onions and vinegar. At her 102nd birthday she commented that she could eat whatever she wanted when someone commented her proposed birthday meal might have too much salt.
Her beloved husband, Richard, preceded her in death; her brother, Thomas Franklin Davis; two sons, Howard Lorrick Kirk (Patricia) and Richard William Kirk, Jr. (Yvonne); grandson Warren Tilly Kirk; and three wonderful sons-in-law, John Roundtree, Collin Younger, Sr, and Andrew Philips.
Harriet leaves behind to cherish her precious memory: four daughters, Yvonne Roundtree of Fayetteville, NC, Frances Younger and Erma Phillips of Memphis TN, and H. Elena (William) Wright of Lithia, FL; 18 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, her Forest Pines family, and 100+ years of making friends throughout the world.
Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 – “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
I got to know Mrs. Kirk as a hospice nurse. She was such a joy! Last fall, before her birthday, we FaceTimed with Dionne Warwick. I hope she enjoyed that as much as I enjoyed seeing her smile.
With heavy hearts we wish to express our condolences to the entire Kirk Family. May friends comfort you, faith uphold you and loving memories heal your hearts. RIP Ms Harriet, you will forever be in our hearts and prayers. From Teresita, Robert, Melissa and family. Beverage-Younger-Altamirano Family.
Rest In Peace,Ms.Harriett🌹
God open his arms to welcome you to your Heavenly home
Those special memories of you will always bring a smile, if only I could have you back for just a little while. Then we could sit and talk again just like we used to do, you always meant so very much and always will do too.
The fact that you’re no longer here will always cause me pain, but you’re forever in my heart until we meet again.
Ms. Yvonne,
I did not know that Ms. Hariett had gone to be with our father. My prayers are with you all on your loss. May God keep each of you in his loving care, look to the hills from whence comes your help, because all of your help comes from the Lord. God bless you all😇🙏🙏❤
My condolences to the family. I had the pleasure to take care of Mrs. Kirk with the Hospice Team. Beautiful Lady inside and out. You will truly be missed.
Yvonne and Family,. She will be gone from our sight, but never our memories, Gone from our touch but never our hearts. May God continue to give you comfort.
Travis & Connie
Helena, May the Lord Jesus bring comfort and peace to you and your family. Prayers are with you all. Blessings to you and your family.
Praying the Lord gives the entire family strength & comfort🙏
Our family was blessed to have met her & we will cherish those memories.
Many blessings
My Heartfelt condolences to the family…May the Lord keep you wrapped up in his care and you find peace and comfort along with added strength during your time of sorrow 🙏