Elizabeth Smith Kirkland

Mrs. Elizabeth Smith Kirkland died peacefully at her home in Lanham, Maryland, on June 2, 2016 at the age of 95.    Elizabeth is survived by her children, John Kirkland of Lanham and Martha Kirkland Evanson and her husband David of Lexington, Massachusetts, and her grandchildren, Heather and Kaitlin and her husband Patrick. Her sisters, Caroline Jones of West Chester, Pennsylvania, Margaret McCardle and her husband Lee of State College, Pennsylvania, and many nephews also survive her.    Elizabeth is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Kirkland, and her siblings, Thomas A. Smith, Jr., Alfred Smith, and Jean Clayton.    Elizabeth was born on August 2, 1920 in West Chester, Pennsylvania to Elizabeth (Pyle) and Thomas A. Smith. She was the oldest of six children and enjoyed caring for her younger siblings. After graduating from Goldey Beacom College, Elizabeth worked as a legal secretary before marrying Charles Kirkland in 1947. After their marriage the couple lived in Virginia, Florida, and Alabama before settling in Lanham in 1954. She volunteered in the library at Lanham Elementary School for several years and subsequently worked as a librarian in Prince George's County Public School system until her retirement in 1995.    In her sixty-two years of membership at Lanham United Methodist Church, Elizabeth participated in the Women's Society, taught Sunday School and served on several boards. She was president of the Lanham Station Area Citizens Association for over 30 years. An accomplished seamstress and avid quilter, she made clothing and quilts for her children, her grandchildren and their many dolls. She also crocheted hundreds of baby hats for donation to Prince George's Hospital.    The memorial service is scheduled for noon on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Lanham United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Elizabeth's life.    In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lanham United Methodist Church Building Fund at 5512 Whitfield Chapel Road, Lanham, MD 20706 or the ASPCA.