• General Notes

  [Johnson.FTW]
  
  [1144734.FTW]
  
  REFN: 10138
  THE PARIS NEWS, Mon., Apr. 15, 1996, p.2A. 'Valta Kirkham, 90, of Paris
  died Sunday, April 14, 1996, at 12:10 a.m. in Heritage Care Center. Fry &
  Gibbs Funeral Home will conduct graveside services at 11 a.m. Tuesday,
  A pril 16, at Evergreen Cemetery with the Rev. Gifford Long officiating.
  The fa mily will be at the home of a nephew, Billy Joe Kennedy, 3113 E.
  Houston St. Mrs. Kirkham was born Dec. 16, 1905, in Caviness, a daughter
  of William S. an d Lula Mae Pace Hodgin. She graduated from East State
  Teachers College with a bachelor's and master's degree. She began
  teaching at age 24. She taught fro m grade school through high school and
  served as principal for one year. She settled with the 3rd and 4th
  grade at Central School where she taught 26 years . At her retirement at
  65 in 1970 the entire school gave her a surprise party . Believe it or
  not, 400 boys and girls can keep a secret. In 1963 she receiv ed the
  finest teachers award which was presented by the Chamber of Commerce o f
  Lamar County. She married G.A. [George Anderson] Kirkham who preceded her
  in death on Aug. 6, 1985. Mrs. Kirkham was a member of the Calvary United
  Me thodist Church. Surviving are a sister, Jewel Nahan of Paris; one
  daughter, J oyce Wheeler of DeSoto; two grandchildren, Sandra Smolensky of
  Houston and Ge orge Preston of DeSoto; three great-grandchildren; and
  numerous nieces and ne phews.'

Details of Valta Lee's family with George Anderson Kirkham