Rev. Anzer S. Kirkland Rev. Anzer S. Kirkland departed this life on Sunday Sept.9, 2012 while in service for the Lord. He was a lifelong resident of the city of Chester. He was born to the late Rev. John W. Kirkland and Lillie Mae Kirkland-Gillison on September 20, 1956. He was an ordained minister at Community Baptist Church of Chester where he served as minister of music for more than 46 years.He was founder and executive director of the Chester Fine Arts Center East established in 1976. Anzer was a musical icon within the city of Chester. He was instrumental in developing vocal, dance, instrumental and theatrical talents in many students. He was the "premiere" choir director. Anzer was a graduate of Chester High School, Cheyney University, and Rowan University with degrees in Music Performance and Music Education and a minor in Financial Management.He held a Masters in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification from Cheyney University. He taught music for over 28 years and enjoyed 18 of those years in the Chester Upland School District where he was employed as the Choral, Piano, and Theatre Arts Instructor at Chester High School. He also spent several successful years as District Arts Coordinator.He also taught in the South East Delco and Christiana school districts. Anzer was the youngest of 8 siblings. He was preceded in death by his oldest brother, William J. Kirkland(Dorothy) and son Marshall Caldwell. Survivors: his wife Claretta, five brothers and one sister; John(Mary) and Charles(Diane) of South Carolina, Leola, Alfred(Sarah), and Thaddeus(Susie) of Chester, PA, Wilbur(Elaine) of Glenmore, PA; one uncle, James Kirkland(Wanda) one son, Charles Dixon of Philadelphia, one grandchild, Cianni Dixon, one godchild, Kiara McElroy, two sets of adopted sisters, Barbara D. Mills and the Carroll Sisters and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.Funeral service: Saturday September 15. 2012 10:00 am at St. Luke Community Christian Church 4th Street & Central Ave. Chester Viewing: 8:00- 10:00 am at the church No viewing after the eulogy Interment: Lawn Croft Cemetery - Linwood, Pa. Viewing: Friday September 14. 2012 3:00- 7:00 pm at Community Baptist Church, 325 W. 7th St., Chester A musical Tribute will also be on Friday September 14. 2012 7:30 pm at St. Luke Community Christian Church 4th St. & Central Ave. Chester Arrangements: Earl L. Foster Funeral Home Online condolences: Earlfosterfuneralhome.com
Published in The Daily Times on September 13, 2012
