Funeral service for Mrs. Mary Louise Kirkland, 63 of Killeen, TX will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 9:00 a.m. at Chisolm's Family Funeral Home in Killeen, TX. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 8, 2026 (5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.) at the funeral home.

Mary Louise Kirkland of Killeen, TX was born on January 7, 1963 and entered eternal peace at her residence August 22, 2026. She was the sixth of nine children born to the late Harry and Gladys Daniel in Como, MS.

Mary confessed a hope in Christ at Mt. Level Missionary Baptist Church, she also attended Braham Chapel AME Church with her paternal grandmother Gertrude Daniel, where her faith continued to grow and become an important foundation throughout her life.

Mary later moved to Memphis, TN with her sister where she graduated in 1981 from George Washington Carver High School with honors. Mary then went on to spend her freshman year of college at Memphis State University before answering her calling to serve her country. Mary then proudly enlisted in the United States Army and served as Active Duty from 1984 to 1987. Her service reflected strength, courage, and determination that were so deeply woven into her character.

November of 1987 Mary married the love of her life William C. Kirkland. Their union blessed them with three children and three bonus children forming a beautiful, blended family that was full of unwavering love. Mary cherished her family deeply and devoted herself to nurturing, encouraging, and loving them through every season of life.

Mary was known for her beautiful spirit. She was soft-spoken yet strong, gentle yet powerful in the way she loved. She possessed a quiet strength that spoke volumes and a warmth that made people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Everyone blessed to cross paths with Mary experienced the beauty of her resilience and the sincerity of her heart. She did not need to be the loudest voice in the room to leave an impression. Her presence spoke for itself.

Through her faith, her kindness, her strength, and her unconditional love, Mary showed those around her what it meant to persevere with grace. Her smile, her tenderness, her wisdom, and the love she freely gave will remain treasured memories in the hearts of all who knew her.

Mary leaves to cherish her sweet memories her beloved husband, William C. Kirkland of Killeen, Texas; six children: Preston (Tamika) Kirkland of Killeen, Texas; Michelle (the late Luke) Carreiro of Killeen, Texas; Ashley (Jarvis) Braswell of Killeen, Texas; William Kirkland Jr.; DaJuan (Quiara) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Annettia Kirkland of Austin, Texas; and seventeen grandchildren: Shawn, Michael, Julian, Marcuantonio, Myeisha, Johnathan, Mia, An’Trice, Katalina, Antwone, the late Jayla, Bella, Zoe, Jocelyn, Adrian, Jarvis Jr., and Jalia.

She is also survived by four sisters: Dorothy (Bobby) Coney of Memphis, Tennessee; Earline (Michael) Strong of Courtland, Mississippi; Geraldine (Larry) Watson of Sardis, Mississippi; and Joanne Taylor of Sardis, Mississippi; three brothers: Jimmy Earl Daniel of Sardis, Mississippi; Theodore (Carrie) Presley of Sledge, Mississippi; and Ceola Presley of Chicago, Illinois; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.