Annie Bell (Nee: Perry ) Kirkwood, "Mama Ann"  as she was affectionately called by many, was born on May 16, 1937 in Macon, MS  to the late Mack and Sarah (Nee: Cotton) Perry.

Annie's family later moved to Tupelo, MS, where she graduated from George Washington Carver High School.  After graduation Mama Ann migrated north to pursue a nursing degree, however she met, fell in love with and married Floyd J. Kirkwood. To this union three beautiful daughters were born.  Mama Ann was a nurturing woman, who stayed home to raise her girls, while they were in elementary school.  When the girls were a little older she began metal finishing work until her health no longer allowed her to.

In Mama Ann's younger years she attended Wayman AME Church.  She loved serving God by serving HIS people.  She was a dedicated member of the Usher Board for over fifteen years, serving many of those years with her close family and friends.  When Mama Ann's health started to decline, she decided to move her church membership to Greater Grace Temple COGIC, to be near her daughter.   Mama Ann's genuine motherly love reached everyone, from the pulpit to the door.

Mama Ann loved to travel to Kentucky and Mississippi to visit with her family.  Mama Ann loved the Lord with all of her mind, body and soul and she was not ashamed to let everyone know it.   Her husband, the love of her life, was the sparkle in her eye for over fifty-seven wonderful years.  The love she had for her children and grandchildren was immeasurable.  Mama Ann was a great example of a Godly woman and her desire was that all of her family love each other unconditionally and live in peace.

Mama Ann leaves to forever cherish her memories, her husband; Floyd J. Kirkwood, children; Selethia (Terry) Gunn, Felicia (Eliot) Washington and Vicki Kirkwood, many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, other relatives and special friends too numerous to name.  A special thank you, to the doctors, nurses and caregivers at Community Care, Dr. Moses at WF –All Saints and Hospice House.

Annie Bell Kirkwood, age 76, answered the call of her loving Savior to gain her eternal reward on Tuesday, July 16, 2013.  Her Homegoing Celebration will be on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at Greater Grace Temple COGIC, 522 N. Memorial Drive.  The celebration of her life will begin at 11am.  Visitation will be held at the church from 10 am until the time of service. Interment will take place at Graceland Cemetery.