Helen Kirkland Wagner, 91, passed away peacefully at home on December 31, 2020. She was born on September 17, 1929 to Walter and Margaret Afflerbach in the tiny farming community of Bebe, Texas. She was married to Earl E. Kirkland on January 1, 1949 until he passed suddenly in 1978. She amazed us with her strength as we watched her move on with her life independently. She loved to travel and went to many places including Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, Scandinavia and a camera safari to Africa. She was blessed to meet William Wagner on her trip to Europe in 1984 and they fell in love. They married in 1986 and enjoyed four wonderful years together until he passed in 1990.

Since 1970, she was an active member of Spring Woods United Methodist Church, having served in various capacities on the Administrative Board, The United Methodist Women, The Third Dimensions Senior Group, Wedding Reception Committee, Interfaith Hospitality Network, Member of the Fellowship Bible Class and the church choir. She established the Earl Kirkland Stained Glass Memorial Window in the rear of the church after his death.

Her favorite role in life was definitely being a Mom, Grandma, Grimmy and Mimi. She loved her kids, grands and great grands with all her heart and was always there for them. When she loved, she loved unconditionally, never judging and always supportive…so pure hearted that she didn't seem real sometimes. She was a fun-loving, competitive and feisty woman who will be remembered by her friends and family as a kind and devoted Christian servant. She lived her faith…every day. And she loved her Astros!

She is survived by her son Bruce Kirkland of Austin, Tx; son and daughter-in-law Dennis and Hollie Kirkland of Peoria, AZ; daughter and son-in-law Susie and Bob Alexander of Spring, TX. Grandchildren Matthew Alexander, wife Stephanie and children Ellis and Hayden of San Antonio, Texas; Sarah Savoy, husband Tyler and children Jackson and Kate of Peoria, AZ; Meg Maedgen, husband Salem and daughter Piper of Tomball, Texas. She is also survived by step-son and daughter-in-law Jim and Mary Anne Wagner of Gainesville, Florida; step-daughter and son-in-law Carolyn and Richard Cain of Gilbert, AZ; three step-grandchildren and five step-great grandchildren.

Services will be held at Spring Woods United Methodist Church, 1711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX 77090 on Friday, January 15 at 1 pm. There will be a visitation prior to the service at the church beginning at noon.

Pall bearers will include Bruce Kirkland, Bob Alexander, Matthew Alexander, Salem Maedgen and Kenny Kirkland. Honorary pall bearers are Dennis Kirkland, Walter Allison, Jim Wagner, Richard Cain, E. B. Dawson and the members of The Fellowship Bible Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spring Woods United Methodist Church, Wounded Warriors or Shriners Hospital for Children.

This link will remain available after the service for viewing at a later time.