Vermelle S. Kirkland

Vermelle S. Kirkland was born on September 15, 1935 in Rembert, South Carolina to the late John Dinkins and Eunice Dais Dinkins. She was the oldest of twelve children. Vermelle grew up and was educated in Sumter County, South Carolina, where she remained a lifelong resident and pillar of the community. Vermelle was married to the late Robert L. Kirkland and they had two daughters, Patricia and Kathaleen, their pride and joy. At an early age, Vermelle accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was a prominent member of Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church in Rembert, SC. She served Mt. Pisgah faithfully in many capacities – as a member of the Knightingales Choir, President of YWA, member of the Usher Board, Sunday school teacher, head of the Kitchen committee, longest serving member of the Pastor’s Aide ministry, coordinator of Vacation Bible School, member of Senior Missionary, and she was also a member of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. For many years, Vermelle was the top fundraiser for the Homecoming Committee, raising sizable donations for the church’s building fund, which holds a special place in the hearts and history of our community. After working many years at Campbell Soup Company, Vermelle retired in 1998. She continued her service in church after retirement and dedicated herself to the community as a voting advocate and precinct worker. She was also a very proud and devoted grandmother to Jason and Bryan Brownlee, and Sydney Bryson. In addition to her husband and parents, Vermelle was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia Brownlee; siblings, Almeta Jenkins, Pink Dinkins, Hinson Dinkins, Ola Mae Hunter, Lelia M. Dinkins, and Norman Dinkins. Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Vermelle S. Kirkland, transitioned from earth to her heavenly home on Thursday morning, October 9, 2025. Vermelle leaves to cherish her fond memories a loving and devoted daughter, Kathaleen Bryson; sons-in-law, Henry Bryson and Earl Brownlee; three grandchildren, Bryan (Titania) Brownlee, Jason (LaToya) Brownlee, and Sydney Bryson; three great-grandchildren; four sisters, Alene Wilson, Bernice (William Sr.) Pollard, Elouise (Robert) Parker, Earnestine D. Luciano; brother, Samuel (Mary) Dinkins; nephew, Derrick Parker, who was like a son and will forever hold her dear; Ben Peay, Jr., Glenda Miller, devoted caregiver, Juanita Boone, was also dearly loved and adored by Vermelle as family; and a host of adoring nieces, nephews, friends and her church family who will treasure her memory. “You have fought a good fight, you kept the faith, you finished the course.”

Vermelle S. Kirkland

September 15, 1935 - October 9, 2025

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