Brenda Crockett Kirkland

Mrs. Brenda Crockett Kirkland, 81, of Phenix City, AL passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at the Bethany House in Auburn, AL.

A funeral service will be held 10:00 am Monday, March 4, 2024 at Epworth Methodist Church in Phenix City, AL with Rev. Grant Parker officiating.  Interment will follow at Lakeview Memory Gardens.  The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 3:00 until 5:00 pm at Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Phenix City, AL.

Mrs. Kirkland was born March 13, 1942 in Columbus, GA, daughter of the late Curtis Clyde Crockett and Gracie Virginia Byrd Gregory.  She worked alongside her husband, Cody Kirkland in the automobile industry, which spanned close to 40 years.  In fact, her first job was working for her father-in-law at Kirk’s Auto Sales in 1958.  Together with Cody, they opened their own used car dealership, Cody Kirkland Motor Company in 1976.  She eventually retired from Jay Automotive Group after working there for many years.   She spent her life supporting and working with her husband and family.  She also enjoyed playing board games like Pollyanna, gardening and cooking for the family.  One of her greatest joys was attending her grandchildren’s events, from ball games to plays, she could be found cheering and supporting her family.  She was also a long time member of Epworth Methodist Church.

Other than her parents, she was preceded in death her husband of 62 years, Cody Kirkland and a brother, Ronald Gregory. 

She is survived by two daughters, Vickie Taylor of Smiths Station, AL and Tracie Starr and husband Buck of Auburn, AL; grandchildren, Dudley Taylor (Brett), Pennie Ranew (Zach), Anna Lynn Starr, Abbie Starr and Allie Starr; two cherished great-grandchildren, Kirkland and Tate Ranew; beloved nephew James “Bubba” Kirkland (Merry), lifelong caregiver, Daisy Mae Tate, as well as, several extended family and friends.