Burleson - Helen Joyce Russell Kirkland, 77, passed away on Sept. 17, 2009.
Helen was born April 7, 1932 in McKinney to the late Kermit and Julia Bell Russell. She grew up in McKinney and was the oldest of three children.
Helen and J.C. Kirkland, Sr. were married April 5, 1948 in Sherman. They were married for 61 years. She was a homemaker and beloved wife and mother. Helen and J.C. had seven children.
She is survived by her husband, J.C. Kirkland, Sr.; sons, James and Richard; daughters, Judy, Shirley, Gloria, Karen and Tina; brothers, Floyd and Holbert; 11 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.