Irene Poppell Kirkland, 87, of Jesup, Ga. passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The Wayne County native was a member of Jesup Church of God and a 1956 graduate of Odum High School. She enjoyed home making, visiting with friends, gardening and bird watching. Her husband of 35 years, Clarence Kirkland, preceded her in death along with her parents, Hyma and Thelma Page Poppell; brothers, Wayne and Ricky Poppell; sister, Glenda Poppell.

Survivors are 3 daughters, Shirley (Mike) Faulk of Jesup, Lona (Alan) Newbern of Sparks and Miracle (Michael) Daley of Swainsboro; 6 grandchildren, Autumn Howard, Bridgett (Marc) Woodard, Robbie Moody, Faith (Walker) Franklin, Caden and Addison Daley; 6 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren; sisters, Barbara (Richard) Bennett of Jesup, Betty (Don Bitter) Cason of Hilton Head, SC., Carol (James) Brown, Judy (William) Rozier, and Sandra (Steve) Dickens, all of Jesup; brothers, Dennis (Martha) Poppell, Jerry (Shirley) Poppell, Genell (Tanya) Poppell, all of Odum; sisters-in-law, Cathy Poppell of Jesup and Joni Poppell of Guyton; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Friday, June 19, 2026 at Rinehart Chapel with Rev. Dale Bange officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be her nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be nieces, nephews, Kevin Moody and Wayne Priester.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.