Born
to the late Mr. and Mrs. Louis Simon, Mary Kirkland was raised in the
State of Mississippi. She received her primary education in the public
schools of Jefferson County and received her Bachelors Degree in
Education from Jackson State University. Her additional educational
study was at Delta State University, California State University at
Dominguez Hills and Pepperdine University. Her career in education has
spanned more than 30 years.
Mrs. Kirkland is the spouse to Bishop Larry T. Kirkland, the ll4th
Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She has served the
AMEC at all levels, particularly the Women’s Missionary Society.
Furthermore, she has served as a member of the New Members Institute
where she taught new members what it means to be a part of the body of
Christ. She is extremely proud of the development and organization of
the WMS at Brookins Community AMEC in Los Angeles, CA. There the Society
grew from a membership of zero to become a viable part of the Fifth
Episcopal District. Her most rewarding and challenging endeavor was
inspiring young women under the age of forty to use their talents and
gifts for the uplifting and building of the Kingdom of God.
Under former California Governor, Gray Davis, Mrs. Kirkland was
appointed to the state Commission on Education. Whether in Mississippi,
Louisiana, California, Central Africa or Alabama, Bishop and Mrs.
Kirkland have been a powerful team in spreading the gospel.
Mrs. Kirkland is a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.