Marietta DeVon Kirkwood
Marietta DeVon Kirkwood, 91, passed away at home in Champaign on the evening of Saturday, March 12, 2011, attended by her daughters and Hospice.
Celebration of Life services will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 17, 2011, at Heath  and Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm, Champaign. The Rev. Jim Elder will officiate.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign.
Marietta was born February 23, 1920, in West Frankfort, Illinois, to Albert DeVon (originally Douvan) and Mary (Shandor). She was raised in Springfield, married Eugene Wallace Kirkwood on April 20, 1941, in Macomb, where he was a student at Western Illinois University, and moved to Champaign after WW II.
Marietta is survived by her daughters Margene Pappas (Peter) of Tucson, Arizona, Judy Kirkwood of Delray Beach, Florida, and Phyllis Kirkwood of Champaign; grandsons Robin Kirkwood Bridgwater (Katie) of Stoughton, Wisconsin, Daniel Kirkwood-Sawyer and Christopher Kirkwood-Sawyer of Champaign, and Jacob Kirkwood Bridgwater of Chicago; by great-grandaughters Kailey Anne, Hannah Vivian, Alexandra Maraye, and Samantha Kaye; and a brother, Robert James DeVon (Dorothy) of Springfield.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Albert DeVon of Ormond Beach, Florida, and her husband “Gene” (May 28, 2006).
Marietta and Gene were married for 65 years and worked together at their business, the Korn ‘n’ Kandy shop on 6th Street on the U of I campus, serving generations of students (formerly called KarmelKorn shop at Country Fair Shopping Center in the 1960s). Marietta was a graduate of Lanphier High School in Springfield (1938) and the Springfield Business College. She also worked for Timothy C. Nugent, noted director and founder of Student Rehabilitation Services at the University of Illinois, as receptionist, typist, secretary, dispatcher, and anything else where efficiency and tact were required. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Champaign and with the same Faith and Belief group for over 50 years; prior to that she was a member of Kumler Methodist Church in Springfield, Illinois.
Marietta's strength and perseverance in the face of adversity was an example to her family, as well as her gift of unconditional love. She was our darling.
Memorials can be made to Circle of Friends, 609 W. Washington, Champaign, IL 61820.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.HeathandVaughn.com.
Condolences
The privilege of knowing Marietta Kirkwood is one of the greatest of God’s gifts to me in my life. I will never forget her smile, love, and kindness. I will remember her always and am truly grateful to her and her family.
Gary Bridgwater
Dear Judy and Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss, but I know your mother is finally at peace and had her loving family around her till the very end. My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow.
Margie Goldsmith
NYC, NY
Phyllis, Daniel, Christopher and Kirkwood Families,
We want to express our sincere condolences to you and your families. Our prayers are with you all. You are blessed to have had your Mother/Grandmother with you for so many years.
Stephen and Marsha Baer
Please accept my condolences in the passing of Mrs. Kirkwood.
She and my mother shared a hospital room at Burnham City Hospital when both gave birth in 1950. I have fond memories of stopping by the KarmalKorn shop to say hello with my parents during the years.
“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.”
Jane Howard
My thoughts and prayers go to the family of Marietta Kirkwood. I'm thinking of you all.
Mickey Goodman
Marietta, GA
Margene:
Shirley and I were so sorry to hear about your Mother's passing. We extend to you, Pete, and your family, our deepest sympathy. We will keep all of you in our thought and prayers.
Your Friends,
John & Shirley
Dear Judy,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Mom. What you’ve shared about her over the years paints a lovely picture of a strong and intelligent woman who was devoted to your Dad (their WWII courtship story is priceless) and all of your family. From the posted picture I see you in her eyes. May this time of sadness be deeply blessed with love and wonderful memories.
Love,
Betta
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