Curlean Kirby Lilly was born January 20, 1944, in Wadesboro, North Carolina, to the late Kit and Pauline Kirby. She departed this life and entered eternity on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

She confessed Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age and was a faithful member of Rocky Mount AME Zion Church in Ansonville, North Carolina for all of her life where she served as former head of the usher ministry. Curlean was also employed at Medical Specialties for 24 years.

She was very passionate about “working in the yard” especially in her flower beds, a space that she could dwell in for hours on end (literally). In fact, because of her passion for nurturing her plants and flowers, she proudly earned the prestigious “Yard of the Year” award for the city of Ansonville - A testament to her dedication and care for the beauty of nature. She found peace and joy in nurturing life around her and her vibrant flowers reflected the warmth and kindness that she shared with everyone she knew.

Her love for nature extended to her weekly Saturday walks, where she found joy in the simple pleasures of life, often taking time to notice and appreciate the world’s wonders that many might overlook. A woman of impeccable style and class, Curlean was the epitome of a woman that exuded Grace, Elegance and Integrity.

Curlean was anointed with the gift of creativity specifically in decoration. She could transform the simplest of things into a center / masterpiece to fit any event or occasion but specifically within her own home.

Curlean also had a strong passion for decorating weddings, bringing joy to countless couples with her eye for detail and her warmth. A pillar in her community, Curlean was also honored with the title of “Kwanzaa Queen” in 1997, a recognition of her deep commitment to cultural heritage and her role in enriching the lives of those around her. She took great pride in her heritage and passed down the values of love, unity, and community to her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Charlie Robert Lilly, of 42 years, her son Pierre “Tinchie” Lilly, and her beloved brothers Frank Kirby, Clarence” Pee Wee” Kirby, Richard Kirby, and John Kirby.

Her loved ones that she leaves to carry on her legacy are her beloved son Andrice Lilly (Doraneal) of Wingate, North Carolina, her granddaughter Dorna Pierre (David) of Kissimmee Florida and one niece with great specialty Selena Byrd Grimmitt (Curtis) of Charlotte North Carolina to whom she referred to as “Daughter/Niece.” Her brothers James Kirby (Jeanette) and Jack Kirby, of Charlotte North Carolina. Her only sister Arlene Kirby of Charlotte North Carolina. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The Homegoing Services will be on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 2:00 pm, Smith's Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment will follow in the family plot of the Rocky Mount AME Zion Church Cemetery, Ansonville, North Carolina.