Obituary of Ann Naylor Kirkman

KIRKMAN KERNERSVILLE – Ann Naylor Kirkman, passed peacefully on February 16th, 2024 in Myrtle Beach, SC.  

Ann was born May 26, 1927, in Wilkes County to the late Frank Austin “Bud” Naylor and Norah Joyce Myers Naylor. She graduated from Draughan’s Business College in 1943 and worked as secretary to Tom Cash, Superintendent of Forsyth County Schools.  

Later, she worked for Wachovia Bank in the travel department, becoming one of the first travel agents in North Carolina.  She continued working as a travel agent for nearly 60 years, first for Anderson Travel and later for Aladin Travel.

Ann was equally devoted to her church, where she started Sunday School classes, including the JC Grose class at Main Street UMC.  She served tirelessly her whole life in church ministries and community projects, too numerous to list. 

She liked being involved and active in projects that helped people whether it was travel, her church, or her family.  

In addition to her parents, Ann was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Grady Lee Kirkman and her sister, Mary Rhoades.

Survivors include daughter Julie Jones of Cornelius, NC; son Steve Kirkman and wife Annie of Myrtle Beach, SC; grandchildren Lauren Magnie (Bo) and Jonathan Jones (Merry Smith), Cecilia and Josephine Kirkman; great granddaughters Fiona Jones and Elena Magnie and great grandson Otis Magnie; sister Jane Roberson; numerous nieces and nephews.  

Burial will be at 1:00 Saturday at the Main Street United Methodist Church cemetery. A Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 in the Sanctuary with Dr. Al Ward and Rev. Lynn Rhoades officiating.  
Immediately following the service, the family will receive friends in The Commons at Main Street UMC.

Friends and family may offer online condolences at www.piercejeffersonfh.com

The family requests that special memories and “Ann stories” be shared online as well.  The family respectfully requests that any memorials be sent to the J. C. Grose Sunday School Class, c/o Main St. United Methodist Church, 306 S. Main Street, Kernersville, NC 27284.