On July 23, 1936, in Calhoun, Oklahoma, Lemon and Lillie Jolly were blessed with a baby girl, whom they named Sophia Lee. She was the youngest of eleven children. The family moved to Muskogee, where Sophia graduated from Manual Training High School with the Class of 1954. She continued her education by attending Indian Capital Vo-Tech and Connors State College.
At an early age, she confessed a hope in Christ. In 2002, she joined the Rayfield family and was a loving and lovable member at the time of her death. Sophia believed one is nearer to God's heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth. Therefore, she excelled in gardening and had an exceptional "green" thumb. One of her favorite scriptures was Matthew 6: 30-34. Sophia also enjoyed reading, which led her to have a vast knowledge of a variety of subjects.
On December 21, 1954, Sophia was united in Holy Matrimony with Herman Kirby, Jr.
Sophia was employed by Experience Works Head Start and was a volunteer worker in the community. She was a very independent person and even though suggestions were made and advice was given, and received in love, she was determined to "do it her way" with little or no assistance from anyone. Her trust was truly in the Lord. On Thursday, March 4, 2010, Sophia made her transition to Eternity from her earthly home in Muskogee.
She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, four sisters and two grandsons, Kenon Paul Payton and Prince Williams.
Sophia leaves to cherish her precious memory her six children to carry on her legacy; Sharon Payton [Fontayne, Sr.], Herman Kirby II [Genevieve], Paula Rene Rahmaan [Master], Pamela Miller [Andrew], Raymond Kirby [Shannone] and Ronald Kirby; two sisters, Lillie Mae Howard, Jonesboro, Georgia and Eddie Lee King, Muskogee; eight grandchildren, Kevin Williams [Marla], Fontisha Marie Payton, Fontayne Payton II, Brittany Williams, Herman Kirby IV, Merle Begay, Trevon and Teja Kirby; two great-grandchildren, Chimere [ChiChi] and Kayne; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The Service of Memory for Mrs. Kirby will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. in the Greater Rayfield Baptist Church. Reverend Leroy Walker, Sr., will officiate. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. You may visit Mrs. Kirby, as she slumbers in repose at the funeral home on Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM. Friends may convey condolences and sign the online register at www.biglowfunerals.com.
