Elva Kirk, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully on November 15, 2011 surrounded by her family at the age of ninety-four. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am, Friday, November 18, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church of Brownwood. Burial will follow in Greenleaf Cemetery.
Elva Jane Shell was born June 13, 1917 to Oliver and Clemi Ida Shell in Sylvester, TX. She grew up in Gorman Texas.
She had two older brothers, Wilbur and Melvin. She graduated from Gorman High School. She attended John Tarleton College in Stephenville. In Gorman, Elva was a member of the First Methodist Church. She began playing the piano for church Sunday school at the age of ten and she would continue playing for church, weddings, and other church activities for the next thirty-six years.
Elva Shell married William Glynn Kirk on June 6, 1941 at the First Methodist Church in Gorman. Their loving relationship lasted for the next seventy years. At the First Methodist Church in Brownwood, she served as church trustee, chairman of the Board of Missions and pianist for children’s Sunday school classes. She was a church representative for Meals on Wheels. She was a member of the Peggy Boone Sunday school class.
Always interested in volunteerism, Elva served as a member of the board of the American Red Cross in Brownwood, a board member of Meals on Wheels in Brownwood, and a chairman of the Social Services Committee of the Grand Prairie Woman’s Club. She drove patients to Dallas hospitals for the American Red Cross while living in Grand Prairie. She was also a member of the Shubert Music Club in Brownwood and served as President.
Elva will be remembered for her sense of humor, her love of nature, and her love of the simple things in life; from gospel music with its great harmony and spiritual truths, to preparing great meals. Elva enjoyed gardening, pets, flowers, and time with friends and family.
Glynn Kirk and his family are grateful to the many helping hands at Oakridge Manor for their kindness and care of Elva while she was a resident. The family also wishes to thank Solaris for their prompt and caring attention.
Memorials may be sent to the First United Methodist Church in Brownwood or The American Red Cross.
She is survived her beloved husband Glynn Kirk, a son Larry and wife Fran of Odessa, a daughter Ann and her husband Keith of Brownwood, and two grandchildren; Ian Kirk of Odessa and Allison Abdias of Houston, four sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
