Jean Elizabeth Kirkman

For 95 remarkable years, Jean Elizabeth Kirkman embraced a life filled with joy, commitment, family, golf, and laughter. On September 28, 2025, she passed away peacefully at her home in Village at Brookwood. Jean was born on January 12, 1930, in Danville, VA, and spent most of her life in Burlington, where she was well-respected for her leadership, compassionate nature, and lifelong dedication to social work.

Jean graduated from Burlington High School in 1947 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Guilford College in 1952, followed by a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina - Greensboro. She dedicated over 30 years to the State of North Carolina as a Program Evaluation Specialist, where she assessed individuals in need and assisted them in securing meaningful employment to support themselves and their families. “I believe people ought to help others when they can,” she often remarked. “I really enjoyed seeing people succeed.” Jean approached her career with determination and humor, known for her quick wit and infectious laughter.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Martha Mitchell Kirkman and William Hugh Kirkman of Burlington, as well as her beloved brother, William Hugh Kirkman Jr. (Marilyn), whom she affectionately called Billy Bacon. The siblings spent their early years on a farm with theirgrandparents before relocating to Burlington. While attending school, Jean worked at her mother’s women's clothing store, Kirkman’s of Burlington. She is survived by three nieces, one nephew, and 13 great-nieces and nephews and five great-great nieces and nephews. Jean\cherished her family and took pride in their adventures.

An avid reader, Jean preferred non-fiction and news, and loved engaging in discussions about current events. She had a passion for travel and felt most alive while on the golf course, often outplaying her opponents and achieving a 6 handicap. A past president of the Old North State

Golf Association, she played golf throughout the East Coast, as well as in Scotland, England, and Australia. In 1990, she competed in the Women’s Senior Invitational at the Broadmoor Golf Course. A member for over forty years, Jean won five golf championships at the Quarry Hills Golf Course and was also the 1981 Alamance County Women’s Golf Champion. “I was a pretty good putter for a girl,” she would chuckle when reminiscing with her longtime friend and confidant, Judy Baskette. “I chased a few golf balls into the brush, but I always had good luck. I especially enjoyed the friendships made and the challenge golf offered.” Judy and Jean shared 40 years of friendship, with Judy caring for Jean daily, for which her family is forever grateful.

Jean had a deep appreciation for music, playing the clarinet in both high school and college. With her beautiful alto voice, she sang in the choir of the First Baptist Church where she was a long-standing member. Music brought her joy and helped her “remember her kinfolk.” She actively participated in the Alamance Chorale choir, performing throughout the state.

Witnessing Jean live her life authentically and joyfully over 95 years has been a true privilege. Her example has taught us to never give up, to pursue our happiness, and to love others without judgment.

Services will be held on October 1, 2025, beginning with a Graveside Service at Alamance Memorial Park (11 a.m.), and followed by a Celebration of Life (2 p.m.) at The Gathering Center, located at Village of Brookwood, 1860 Brookwood Avenue, in Burlington.

Those who wish to remember Jean may donate to a local charity of choice honoring Jean’s belief in the power of local communities to care for and support one another.