Helen Sue Kirk

It is with both sadness and joy that we announce the passing of a woman of God, Helen Sue Kirk. Helen was born on August 29, 1943, in Grover, North Carolina, to William and Georgia Hudson and grew up in a loving home. Helen was highly intelligent and earned the valedictorian distinction in high school. She went on to attend college at Tennessee Temple, a small Christian college in Chattanooga, Tennessee. There, she met her husband, Willis L. Kirk, and the two married on November 24, 1962. The following year, they welcomed their first child and ultimately grew their family, having two sons and two daughters. As young adults, Helen joined Willis in the pastorate and faithfully served their congregations. After retiring from full-time ministry, both continued to share God’s love and plan of salvation with others. Inscribed in their wedding bands is Psalms 34:3: “O magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt his name together.” All her life, Helen walked with God and was a woman full of compassion and a strong sense of justice. She never turned a blind eye to the needs and suffering of others. She helped in every way she could, giving generously of her time, her hands, her listening ear, and her funds. Most importantly, she gave her prayers. She had a rich prayer life and conversed with God often. She was so close with Him, in fact, that her family often said she has the red phone to God because it seemed that Helen’s prayers were always answered. Helen peacefully departed this world for her heavenly home on January 2, 2026, and is now rejoicing in the presence of her Savior. Her desire is that all know God’s great love for them and come to belief in His son, Jesus Christ, who died as the ultimate sacrifice to cleanse us from our sins and reconcile us to God the Father. Being God Himself, Jesus conquered both sin and death and rose again after three days. We praise God that she is with Him now. Helen is survived by her husband of 63 years, Willis; her sister, Brenda Hudson; her children and their spouses, Jerry Kirk (Jennifer), L.T. Kirk (Donald), Natalie Tulloch (Mike), Mandy Roden (Micah); her grandchildren and spouses, Emily Kirk Cronin (Liam), Stephanie Kirk, Gerald Kirk (Bryanna), Mason Roden, McKinley Roden, Marshall Roden; and her newborn great-grandson, Elden Dekkard Cronin. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, and cousins. We invite you to celebrate Helen’s life on earth and her new life in heaven at the Bevis Funeral Home on Saturday, January 10, 2026. There will be a time of visitation and viewing at 2 pm followed by a service at 3 pm. As we celebrate Helen’s life and love of color, the family encourages attendees to forgo black and wear your favorite color. The family would like to thank Kelly Barber for gracefully guiding us through this process. Flowers and well wishes may be directed to Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com). The family would also like to thank Big Bend Hospice for their compassionate help in Helen’s final days.

Tributes

Helen Sue Kirk

August 29, 1943 - January 2, 2026