Lynn Marie Kirkwood 

Published 9:25 am Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Lynn Marie Kirkwood, age 83, of Tryon, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at home after a lengthy and very courageous battle with Parkinson’s. Her optimism and good spirit astonished all who knew her. But none were surprised. The outpouring of love, tears, and yes, laughter was immeasurable as our family gathered at her bedside to say farewell and celebrate a woman so rare.

Lynn was born in Harrisburg, Illinois, on January 23, 1942 as the first child of Ira & Ruth Loyd. Her family moved to Casper, Wyoming, and then Tulsa, Oklahoma, the communities where Lynn spent her formative years. After graduation from Will Rogers High School, Lynn studied at Oklahoma State University(OSU) and Northeastern State University(NSU). While at NSU, Lynn met the absolute love of her life, Joe Kirkwood. At the time, Joe was playing and coaching football for NSU. The attraction was immediate and formed the foundation of a marriage that lasted nearly 62 years. Joe’s death in December 2023 paused, here on earth together as a couple, one of the all-time great love stories. A love story envied by many. Their four wonderful daughters and the entire family take great comfort knowing that Momma & Daddy’s love story continues as they are now happily reunited in Heaven.

After college, Joe accepted a sales position with Texaco Oil Company. Lynn stayed home to raise the girls. Lynn was born to be a mom, and she was a terrific mom. She made life fun and exciting for her “4 Little Chicks”. Since there were several career moves to various states, Lynn taught the girls to be outgoing, bold, and engaging. This “jump-right-in” attitude was one that Lynn had lived out as a child and it continued her entire life. Lynn was a natural hostess. People loved receiving an invite to a Kirkwood event. Guaranteed fun! Lynn also understood the importance of planning events for Texaco. She loved it. The family thoroughly enjoyed the stories of the six Masters golf tournaments that Joe & Lynn hosted for Texaco clients on the grounds of Augusta National.

In addition to her mom and hostess skills, Lynn was a very talented artist that specialized in oil paintings. She was a “news hound” that could hold her own in any political discussion. Lynn embraced community leadership and involvement, exemplified by her position on the board of Steps to Hope Foundation in Polk County. Most appreciated by family & friends was her astonishing wizardry in the kitchen. Lynn was a great cook, with creations enjoyed by all. 

Lynn is survived by her four loving daughters, Liz(Greg) Breed of Waynesville, NC; Jill(Jim) Shea of Tryon, NC; Katie McLaughlin(Rob Dennis) of Claremont, NC; Jenny(Brian) Gerber of Charlotte, NC; and her loving youngest sister, Anne(Keith) Dudley of Tulsa, OK.

Lynn was blessed with 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. All of them, along with their spouses and respective boyfriends & girlfriends, will miss this cherished woman immensely.

How can you not think the world of the funniest grandmother, ever, that teaches you, at a very young age, the fine art of Texas Hold’em Poker??!! Yes, Lynn loved gambling. Most times she excelled at it.

Lynn is also survived by many nieces and nephews who often sought her sage advice on life & living. She had the skill to get down to brass tacks and help solve a problem, or just offer encouragement.

In addition to her loving parents and adoring husband, Lynn was preceded in death by her loving younger sisters Mary Bell and Jane(Billy) Martin.

Blessed with God given beauty, this gorgeous woman also possessed an inner beauty, spirit, and personality that folks were attracted to upon meeting her. She was comfortable and confident in her own skin. Lynn provided the energy to any space she occupied.. Charming. Eloquent. Vivacious. Classy. Loyal. Inquisitive. Intelligent. Hilarious.

These are just some of the adjectives that define Lynn. She was a one-of-a-kind unique character.

When Lynn was called Home by her Lord on April 24th, the light here on earth dimmed. But we are all confident Heaven brightened exponentially. Lynn will be missed immensely. She will never be forgotten. We will see her again.

The Kirkwood family is appreciative of all the love, kindness and wonderful care provided to Lynn by her incredible in-home care team that includes Melissa Henderson, Tammy Metcalf, Shanae “NaeNae” Tingling, Wednesday “spa day” provider, Jan Horton, Hospice of the Carolina Foothills nurse, Beth Solesbee and Pastor Mike.

A special acknowledgement for two of the finest women on this earth and Lynn’s besties, Pat Elmore & Pat Sutphin.

And where would we all be if Lynn’s primary care giver, Fannie Hostetler, had not entered our lives over two years ago?? We all agree Fannie was Heaven sent.Their bond of love & friendship & trust is true, rare and meaningful.

As the writer of this tribute to Lynn who happens to be one of her son-in-laws, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to my wife and my three sister-in-laws. For the past three years, these four amazing women have essentially put their lives on hold as they cared for both Joe & Lynn. They are the epitome of stepping up when duty calls. Their love, admiration and respect for their parents was always quietly on display. People inside and outside the family were amazed by their unwavering dedication as they honored their parents. Sure there were challenges, but the bottom line was always about the happiness, safety and care of Momma & Daddy. Few would do what my four friends did. Job well done, ladies. Much love…

On Saturday April 26, 2025 the family welcomed friends to honor Lynn with a gathering at McFarland Funeral Chapel in Tryon. We appreciate all who came to visit and share memories as we bid farewell to our wonderful Lynnie.

On August 2, 2025 we will honor Joe & Lynn with the spreading of their combined ashes in Waynesville, North Carolina. This is per their request. There will be more details to follow.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel

Tryon