Willie Lee (Jarrett) Kirkwood

Willie Lee Kirkwood "Mae Lee" was born on March 1, 1954, in Oxford, MS, to the late Leroy Frieson and Maggie Mae Jarrett.  She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.  She later transferred her membership to East St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church in Abbeville, MS, where she remained faithful until her health declined.  Willie loved her church family and was a devoted member of the Usher Ministry and Kitchen Ministry.  She also enjoyed singing in the Mothers’ Choir each year on Mother’s Day!

Willie graduated from Oxford High School in 1974.  She married Willie James Kirkwood and from this union two children, Tammie and Travis, were born.  Willie gained employment with Emerson Electric for over 25 years and remained there until the business closed.  She then worked at North Mississippi Regional Center before joining the Oxford School District, where she retired!  Willie was a kind-hearted, fun-loving, and outgoing person who never met a stranger.  She was a joy to be around and loved entertaining her family and friends. She also loved watching Lifetime Movies and listening to music—mainly blues!

Willie peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North MS. Willie leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will be cherished by her daughter, Tammie Kirkwood, of Horn Lake, MS, and her son, Travis Kirkwood of Oxford, MS; her grandchildren, Ryan T. Kirkwood, Mylan D. Geralds, King T. Kirkwood, Gia T. Kirkwood, Kanijha Kirkwood, Aaliyah King; one brother, Michael (Shirley) Jackson, of Millington, TN; two sisters, Rosie Lee Buford, of Oxford, MS, and Dorothy Ann Jackson, of Memphis, TN; two special aunts, Sally Coleman and Jettie Campbell, both of Oxford, MS; special cousins, John and Mary Jarrett, of Oxford, MS;  a special companion, Neil McIntosh, of Oxford, MS; special friends, Sarah Dixon Pegues, Cherlyn “Cookie” McEwen, Willie Lois Mathis, Mary Pegues, Martha Kimmons, and Bessie Dunn, all of Oxford, MS; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Willie was preceded in death by her parents:  Leroy Frieson and Maggie Mae Jarrett Jackson; and her brother, M.C. Jarrett!

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:6-7

Visitation will be held two hours prior to service 10am until time of service  Saturday, February 28, 2026 at East St Peter M.B. Church 274 CR 215 Abbeville, MS 38601 

Funeral Services will be held 12P.M. Saturday, February 28, 2026 at East St Peter M.B. Church 274 CR 215 Abbeville, MS 38601

Burial will take place at East St Peter M.B. Church Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home of Holly Springs, MS.

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