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.
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On fire life sent The Peace Lily for MRS. CURLEAN KIRBY LILLY - March 19, 2025
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Crystal Dixon sent The Peace Lily for MRS. CURLEAN KIRBY LILLY - March 15, 2025
Andrice, I'm so very sorry for your loss of your mother. She always gave me a bright smile and loved me as if I was her own. She will be missed and her loving green thumb for plants. So if you should see me grabbing some roots of a Plant please know its with love. I will continued prayer for the family and you. Tyrone McPhatter the son of Appadalla and Charles McPhatter
Sending love and prayers for the Lilly family 🙏
So very sorry for your loss,Continued prayers for you Andrice and the entire family. Jean Neal Class of 1985
On behalf of Myself and the staff of Anson County Sheriff's Office, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family at this time. We pray that you will find comfort in the midst of your pain and peace in the midst of your sorrow.
Giving Honor to a Very special women that shined a light a on a lot of lives that passed her way. Wishing her Grace, Mercy and Peace on her journey. You will truly be missed.
Curlean, I miss you more than mere words can express, your always willing to help, our sitting together in church, your instructing me on what to do, when and how, our trips to the dollar store and so much more! My heartfelt condolences to the family.
My heart is saddened by the passing of my dear friend Curlean. May you find comfort in knowing she was loved and is at peace. Love, Mary
Praying for the family 🙏🏿🙏🏿
Praying for the Lilly family 🕊️🕊️🕊️❤️.
Condolences to the Lilly/Kirby families...We have truly lost an angel and she will be greatly missed.. Fly high 🕊️
Ms Curlean will be sorely missed. A very special lady with a contagious smile and always a kind word. You were a joy to work with. Many prayers for the family
My sincere condolences for the family. Ms Curlean was such a warm and caring person always smiling with kind words for everyone she had a way of making you feel loved and happy she will be deeply missed at Medical Specialties ❤️
So sorry to hear about Mrs. Curlean. Andre' and I send our prayers condolences to Andrice and the family.
Praying for all of you in this time of bereavement. Curleen you will surely be missed, with your beautiful smile and warm hugs. We love you. Rest in Heaven. Net( Little Pattie), Addie Mae, and Sam
So sorry to hear about Curlean passing. She always had a smile on her face. She would ask at Medical Spec about me. She was a true and dear friend, I am going to miss her dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Love y'all
RIP CURLEAN
Sending my deepest condolences to Andrice and the entire family.
I will miss you my friend. Prayers and sincere condolences to the family.
So sorry for the loss, praying for the family. will miss you dearly every day at Medical Specialties my friend love you.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.