Laura Ann Kizer Kirby

Laura Ann Kizer Kirby, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, left us peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Ann was born on February 20, 1939 in St. George, South Carolina to the late James and Lucille Kizer. She lived a life full of love, faith, and service, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her. Ann was dedicated to her family, church, and community in St. George where she grew up, and in Greenville in her later years.
Ann met her beloved husband of 62 years, the late Bryan Carroll Kirby, in St. George. They dated during high school and through their college years. They were married in August of 1961, spending the rest of their lives together in Greenville. Together they raised two children, Bryan and Laurie. Ann was blessed to dearly love six grandsons, a great-granddaughter and great-grandson, while anticipating the birth of another great-grandson.
Ann was a proud graduate of Winthrop University in 1961, earning a degree in elementary education and continued postgraduate studies at Furman University. While studying at Winthrop, she was a member of the ACE club (Association of Childhood Education). Professionally, Ann dedicated over 32 years to the education and Christian development of young children. She taught first grade, kindergarten, and four year Pre-K. She directed the Preschool Education Program at Augusta Road Baptist Church. Ann was ordained as the Minister to Children while serving at Augusta Road Baptist Church.
Ann's Christian walk was very important to her. She was a devoted member of Augusta Road Baptist Church. She impacted many young lives as a Sunday School teacher and church nursery worker. Ann served as chairman of the church bereavement committee for many years, organizing meals and providing hospitality to families during times of grief.
Ann's passions and hobbies included cooking, decorating, gardening, and serving others. She loved entertaining friends and family during the holidays. Ann always welcomed others into her home with open arms.
Ann's spirit will live on in the hearts of her children, Bryan Kirby and Laurie Rumble (David); six grandsons, Josh Kirby, Matthew Rumble (Ali), Lawson Kirby, Andrew Kirby (Madison), Layton Kirby (Alyssa, fiancée), Jordan Rumble; her great-granddaughter, Emma Rumble, great-grandson, Andrew Kirby; her brother Donnie (Lena), sister-in-law, Elinor Malendoski, brother-in-law Will Kirby (Peggy), and sister-in-law Ann Kizer. Ann is now reunited in heaven with her husband Carroll, brothers Jimmy and Hughie Kizer, and her brother-in-law Bill Malendoski.
The family requests that memorials be made to Augusta Road Baptist Church Children's Ministries or to VIA Health Partners of Greenville. The Kirby family is grateful for the loving care provided from VIA Hospice and the many caregivers who assisted with Ann's care at home.