Elizabeth Kathleen Kirkland Elliott

Elizabeth Kathleen Kirkland Elliott, affectionately known as “Kat”, was born on March 2, 1943 to the late Cuff Allen Kirkland and Pearl McClurkin Kirkland in Charlotte, North Carolina. Elizabeth transitioned on the morning of January 13, 2025 at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, Clinton, Maryland. Elizabeth received her early education in the Kannapolis City School System in Kannapolis, North Carolina. She graduated from George Washington Carver High School in 1961. She began furthering her education at Johnson C. Smith University before finishing at Fayetteville State University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education. Elizabeth worked in several school districts: New Bern, North Carolina, Portsmouth, Virginia, and Baltimore, Maryland. She began her career as an primary school educator and later returned to school to pursue her interest in Library Science. After more than 30 years of service, Elizabeth retired in 2006 as the Librarian at Pimlico Elementary School in Baltimore City Public Schools. Elizabeth was a dedicated member of First Baptist Baltimore in Baltimore, Maryland. She was an active member who co-led Vacation Bible School and Prison Outreach ministries. Elizabeth was a faithful member of Les Gemmes, Incorporated. She was affectionately known as Liz by her Gemme Sisters and friends. She served in many capacities demonstrating exceptional leadership. Her commitment to serve the Baltimore City Chapter included president, vice president, secretary, chapter representative, historian, and membership chair. She also served as the national vice president. Elizabeth was married to the love of her life, the late James “Jim” Elliott. They were married for 46 years before Jim’s passing in 2021. From this union, they were blessed with two children, Reginald and Tarshia. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, James; son, Reginald; brothers, Thomas A. Kirkland and Melvin J. Kirkland; and sisters, Mary Davis, Rosa Lee Saddler, and Lizzie Mae Vaughan. She leaves to cherish her memories with her daughter, Tarshia j. Freeman, (Antonio); grandchildren, Anastaisha Kirkland, Silas F. Freeman, and Peyton E. Freeman; brothers, Robert L. Kirkland (Agnes) and John L. Kirkland; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

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Elizabeth Kathleen Kirkland Elliott

March 2, 1943 - January 13, 2025