Marvella B Kirkling's Obituary
Marvella B. Kirkling, 100, of Chattanooga, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in a local healthcare facility in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. She was born on October 16, 1925, in Milan, Georgia. Marvella was educated in the Public School System in Milan, Georgia and later in Chattanooga.
Marvella met and married John Wesley Stone and to this union five children were born. John preceded Marvella in death after 20 years of marriage. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Erlanger Baroness Hospital and retired after 25 years of service. Marvella carried herself with class and lived life on her own terms.
Marvella was a longtime member of Avondale Church of Christ, where she served faithfully. During this time, she met and married James C. Kirkling with whom she remained until his passing. She then placed her membership with the Alton Park Church of Christ where she attended until her health became to decline.
Marvella’s parents, Mary and Shirley Brinkley are already in heaven awaiting her arrival. She was also preceded in death by her son, Wesley Stone, Sr.; half-sister, Annie Sudden; and beloved friend, Shirley Bennett.
She leaves to cherish her memories, daughters, Dirria Bell and Dennis Stone-Hampton; sons, Jarett Stone and Gregory Stone of Virginia; a loving and devoted granddaughter, Diondra Pointer (Scott) Moody of Alabama, granddaughters, Lakeisha Stone-Browder, Natosha Stone, Alicia Stone, Lajuan Stone, Adrienne Bell, Bresha Stone, and Tameka Stone of Texas; grandsons, Kerry Pointer of Mississippi, Wesley Stone, Jr., Marvin Stone, and Johnathan Stone all of Texas, Chardon “Arie” Bennett, Miquel Stone and Deonta Stone; treasured cousin Verlene Brown of Florida; beloved friend, Stella Jones; and a host of great-grandchildren.
Marvella will lie-in-state on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
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