Lillie Jane Collins Kirkland

Lillie Jane Collins Kirkland, 95, of Chapel Hill, NC, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Jane was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Alfred S. Kirkland; her grandson, Daniel Lee Kirkland; her parents; five brothers; and three sisters.

Jane is survived by her son, Keith D. Kirkland, and her daughters, Karen Lynch, Kathy Kirkland, and Kay Sharpe (Charles). She is also, lovingly survived by her grandchildren: Chasidy Kearns, Taya Skarda, Nicole Kirkland, Hardy Bobbitt, and Olivia Castleberry; as well as her six great-grandchildren: Aidan, Alfred Tanner, Ryder, Landon, Madeline, and Karlyn. Jane is also survived by her brother, Glen Collins (Betty) of Durham, along with numerous nieces and nephews whom she treasured dearly.

Born the eighth of ten children on April 9, 1931, to Joel Solomon Collins and Ola Mae McManus Collins, Jane grew up in a close-knit and lively family. She graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1950. She played on the girls’ basketball team, served as a majorette in the marching band, and distinguished herself by earning first place in a speech competition on world peace.

Jane met the love of her life, Alfred Kirkland, at Camp New Hope in Chapel Hill. Together they joined New Hope Presbyterian Church, where they remained devoted and active members for decades. Jane’s love for her church bloomed, quite literally, through the many beautiful flower arrangements she thoughtfully created for services and special occasions.

Family was the heart of Jane’s life. She found her greatest joy in cooking for her loved ones and hosting gatherings that brought together close and extended family. Her home was a place of warmth, welcome, and endless hospitality.

A gifted gardener, Jane designed and tended stunning flower beds around her home. She was so very proud of the home that she and Alfred built together for their family. She was also an expert seamstress and creative spirit, crafting dolls and stuffed animals that she delighted in giving to family and friends. Using her great sewing skills, Jane fashioned herself an entire wardrobe of fancy square dance dresses that she wore when she and Alfred went square dancing. Jane was never idle; she always had a project underway. “I stay busy!”, she would always say.

Jane was also a published author. Her book, Moving On, tells the story of her remarkable life.

In addition to being a dedicated homemaker, Jane held several roles outside the home, including Clerk at Hospital Savings in Chapel Hill, Preschool Teacher at Amity United Methodist Church, and Medical Secretary in the Pediatrics Department at UNC Hospitals.

Jane will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 2 p.m., followed by a graveside service, visitation, and reception at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 4701 NC 86, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to New Hope Camp and Conference Center, www.newhopeccc.org, (919) 942-4716, 4805 NC 86, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

Walkers Funeral Home is assisting the family.