MANALAPAN — Sharon Allen Kirkland, a frequent volunteer in town, died Aug. 7. She was 84.
Born Nov. 12, 1941, to Joe and Lillian Allen (née Corinth) in Wilmington, Delaware, Mrs. Kirkland grew up in Westport, Connecticut, where she graduated from Staples High School before attending the University of Arizona.
She began working as a flight attendant for World Airways, helping transport soldiers between Vietnam and the United States when she wasn’t on commercial trips. After landing in Tampa on one such passenger flight, she met Bob Kirkland; three weeks and a few endearing nicknames later — in April 1966 — the two were married.
They spent the following 60 years adventuring around the world with each other and their three children, exploring dozens of countries.
Mrs. Kirkland worked as a real estate agent in St. Louis, Missouri, Washington, D.C., and Palm Beach for most of her life — but more important, she served as a cornerstone of her community. She was chair of the Architectural Commission for Manalapan, volunteered at the library, and served as a polling clerk and trainer there for many years.
She could regularly be seen walking her beloved dog, Charley, throughout town and stopping to chat with anyone she met. Mrs. Kirkland loved volunteering, gardening, biking, spending time with family, and any other project she could get her hands on.
“She will be remembered not only for her many years of volunteerism and civic involvement, but also for the kindness, warmth and laughs she shared with everyone she met,” Manalapan Mayor John Deese said.
She is survived by her husband, Bob; her children, Sean, Paget and Whitney; her five grandchildren, Lilly, Lexi, Lauren, Alexander and Liam; and a wide network of friends and family. She left them all with countless memories and endless wisdom, including: Dance whenever you can, start your morning with fresh fruit, know what to do in case you encounter a bear, dress in fun clothes and bright colors, say hi to everyone you pass on the street, send that letter checking in on old friends, and above all else, JDI (just do it).
A celebration of life was held Aug. 15 at the National Croquet Club in West Palm Beach.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in her memory to the J. Turner Moore Memorial Library, 1330 Lands End Road, Manalapan.
— Submitted by family
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