Mary Lou (Epling) Kirby of Bluefield, WV, died February 8, 2020, at Greystone in Raleigh
County. Born
July 1, 1925, at Keystone, WV, she received her educa- tion at
Northfork High School, graduating in 1942. After attending McLain's Business Col- lege in Bluefield, VA, she was employed as secretary for Gilliam Coal Company until marriage in 1947.
Her husband's employment transfers took them to Oak Hill, Kopperston, Oceana, Sophia and Bluewell. While living in Sophia, she was secretary at First Christian Church in Beckley, secretary for the Women's Society of Christian Service (Methodist) and a sub- district counselor for the Methodist Youth Fellowship. Moving to Bluewell in 1965, she served as secretary for the Bluefield District Women's Society of Christian Service and held other district offices as well. Mary Lou held various leader- ship roles at Bluewell United Methodist Church and worked for 4 years as Administra- tive Secretary at Glen- wood Park United Methodist Home, where she eventually served
as Glenwood's Board Chairwoman.
Mary Lou was noted for her creativity. She wrote poetry, skits and programs for local church and district pre- sentations.
Mary Lou was preced- ed in death by her par- ents, Luster R. and Ida E. (Maxey) Epling, 5 brothers, 4 sisters, 3 sis- ters-in-law, her son Michael Wayne Kirby and her husband of 66 years, Clarence J. "Sam" Kirby, Jr.
She is survived by her son David Allen and wife Anna Lou of Daniels, WV, daughter- in-law, Lynne, of Roanoke, VA, sisters-in- law Dona Kirby of Blue- field, VA, and Juanita Epling of Roanoke, VA, 6 step-grandchildren, 5 step-great-grandchil- dren and many wonder- ful friends, including two very special people, Lana Hartzog and Robin Veneri Legg.
At her request, Mary Lou Kirby wished to be cremated. A memorial gathering will be announced for a future date. Please do not send flowers. Mary Lou would be honored if you made donations in her name to Bluewell United Methodist Church, 228 Warden Ave, Blue- field,WV24701.
Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home.