Elaine Pierce Kirkman, 96, died early Friday morning, July 24th, at her home in Wingate after a brief illness. Born on June 8, 1930, in Whiteville, North Carolina, to public educator parents, Elaine exhibited early musical talent as both singer and pianist.

After high school, she attended Flora MacDonald College (now St. Andrews University) in Red Springs, North Carolina, where she earned a B.A. in music, served as student body president, and was the valedictorian of her class. Following graduation, she was hired by the First Baptist Church of Kernersville as organist/pianist but quickly ended up serving the congregation in many other capacities. It was during a church service that she met Jerry Kirkman, who was home on leave from the Navy, and they were married in 1954. In addition to Kernersville, they lived in Carthage, NC, and Albemarle, NC, but it was Wingate, NC, that became their true home in 1964 when Jerry accepted a position at Wingate University (then Wingate College). While raising their three children, Elaine taught piano lessons in their home to dozens of residents in the community.

In the 1970s, she joined the staff in the registrar’s office at Wingate University. She had a remarkable gift for remembering names, hometowns, class schedules and other details that endeared her to students, making them feel seen and cared about. She retired from the university in 1992.

Since 1965, Elaine has been a dedicated and active member of Wingate Baptist Church. She has served her church community in numerous roles across the decades, including as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, and musician. In 1976, she made history as the first female elected to the church's board of deacons and served in that role many times over the decades. She was a charter member of the Wingate Prayer Shawl Ministry, distributing hand-made shawls to those experiencing grief or health challenges. Her decades of devotion to the church and her deep affection for its members have sustained and nourished her.

Throughout her life, Elaine loved playing and listening to music, traveling, camping, birdwatching, card games, and attending baseball games with her beloved husband. After his passing in 2015, she continued to be a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan. Few things provided more joy than her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Though small in stature, she had an open heart and will be remembered for her positivity, kindness, and nonjudgmental approach to life. Guided by her deep faith and a steadfast belief in the power of prayer and "hope," she felt that her true purpose in life was to lift up others—a calling she fulfilled daily for family, friends, and even strangers.

In addition to her husband, Jerry, she was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Eddie Pierce, of Lake Waccamaw, NC. She is survived by three children: Bill Kirkman (Lesa) of Waxhaw, NC; Jan Kirkman Kenley (Forrest) of Indian Trail, NC; Tim Kirkman (Drew Barr) of Lexington, KY; four grandchildren: Kyle Kirkman and Alexis Kirkman of Charlotte, NC; Justin Kenley (Courtney) and Lauren Kenley Wayenberg (Colby) of Indian Trail, NC; and four great grandchildren: Rockey and Crosby Kenley, Bennett and Beckham Wayenberg; nephew Rick Kirkman (Sukey) of Phoenix, AZ; nephew Jimmy Pierce (Paula) of Lake Waccamaw, NC; niece Alicia Pierce Parrish (Michael) of Pfafftown, NC; cousin Ann Owens of Charlotte, NC; as well as the many cherished friends in the Wingate community and beyond.

Visitation will take place Tuesday, July 28th, from 1:00-2:45 PM at the Wingate Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, followed by a service at 3:00 PM in the sanctuary. A private burial will follow at the Wingate Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Wingate Baptist Church, Gentiva Hospice of Monroe, or to the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112, is honored to be entrusted to care for the Kirkman Family.