ADA L. KIRKLAND - age 91 of Clinton, died Monday, January 15, 2017. She was born June 5, 1926 to Mossie and Steeley Leach in the mountains of White Oak near Duff in Campbell County, Tn. Eldest of 13 children, Ada helped care for her brothers and sisters and worked on the family farm. An excellent student, she also excelled at basketball despite her petite stature. Married her one true love T. R. on February 28, 1946. After his stint in the Navy, they relocated to Detroit with other East Tennesseans working in the auto industry. Upon returning to Tennessee, they made their home in LaFollette, Tn first on Indiana Avenue then on their own mini farm at College Hill. Work for Y-12 lead to a move to Clinton, Tn in 1967, where Ada loved on Douglas Lane until her move to assisted living in 2013. Ada was a homemaker-a wonderful country cook, excellent seamstress, active in her children's schools and at church. After being widowed in 1990 after 44 years of marriage, she enjoyed bus travel around the U.S. and socializing with here wide circle of friends. Nicknamed "Sunshine", she had a smile for everyone and loved to talk. She was saved at an early age, and walked with the Lord her whole life. We rejoice knowing she is in heaven with those she loved that have gone before. Member of Second Baptist Church, Clinton. Preceded in death by husband; T.R. Kirkland, Parents; Mossie and Steeley Leach. Sisters; Ethel, Pearl, and Billie. Brothers; John, Lindsay and Carl. Survivors: Daughter, Suzanne K. McCarter (Jay). Son; Darryl R. Kirkland (Angie) Grandchildren: Amanda Kirkland, Keith Kirkland, Elizabeth (Lee) Merritt, Stephanie Howell (Fiance, Anthony Palermo)

Isaac Kirkland, Hannah McCarter and Levi McCarter. Great-grandchildren; Brannon, Layne and MaKynna. Sisters; Alma Pack and Peggy (J.D.) Goins. Brothers; James (Jewell), Ed (Lorene), Jerry and Larry Leach. Sister in law; Frances Kirkland. Numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend special thanks to all the wonderful caregivers at Trinity Hills, Avalon Hospice and Right at Home. Funeral service 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 18, 2018 Bridges Funeral Home Rev. Jerry Wright officiating. Family and friends will meet 1:45 p.m. Friday at Woodlawn Cemetery, LaFollette for a 2:00 p.m. graveside service. The family will receive friends 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday at Bridges Funeral Home 5430 Rutledge Pike 865-523-4999 www.bridgesfuneralhome.com
Published in Knoxville News Sentinel from Jan. 17 to Jan. 18, 2018