Robert Kirkwood Jr.'s Obituary
Robert Kirkwood or “Mott” was born in Kilmichael, Mississippi to the late
Henrietta McClain Kirkwood and the late Robert Kirkwood, Sr. His parents along
with the following siblings preceded him in death: Roosevelt Willis, Richard
Willis, Camia Simpson, Edna Kilgore and Corneice Presberry. He gave his life to
Christ at an early age in Mississippi at Lindsey Springs Baptist Church. His mom
called him Mott because he was mottly fat when he was a baby.
He attended various schools in Kilmichael, Mississippi but graduated High
School from Scott Central after the family relocated to Sikeston, Missouri in
1961. He met the love of his life, the late Joyce Marie Henry and they married
in July 1963. They lived in Sikeston and Vanduser, Missouri, where they began
a family. Soon after, they decided to make St. Louis their permanent home. To
this union of fifty-five years, they raised four children: Teresa Ann, Robert III,
Shawn Courtney and the late Raymond Lamont, who preceded him in death.
He was active in all of his children’s lives. He coached them during their little
league games and basketball games. He went to all their games, which was
not always easy. He was a cool dude.
Robert was a jack of all trays; let him tell it. He retired after 30 plus years of
service from Ford Motor Company at the age of 55. However, he loved
keeping busy. He loved to work on stuff and take care of his lawn; so much so
that he started a lawn service business after he retired. He had a strong work
ethic. His hobbies included fishing, gardening and hunting with his brothers.
On top of all of that, he also loved to take his family on vacations and visit his
relatives all over the United States. He travelled to over 40 states and two
countries. He will be dearly missed.
On Sunday, June 23, 2024, Robert transitioned. He leaves to mourn: one
daughter ~ Teresa Ann Pearson (Reginald) of Alton, Illinois; two sons ~ Robert
III (Nicole) of Atlanta, Georgia and Shawn Courtney (Yolanda) of Kansas City,
Missouri; four grandchildren ~ MarKell, Harlym, Harper and Hariah Kirkwood;
eight step-grandchildren ~ Kevin and Koty Jones, Latereka Pearson-White,
Andria Randol, Helois Foster, Nikki Pearson, Cameo (Kim) Holland and
Shaliece Pearson; four brothers ~ ML (Betty) Kirkwood, Miles (Maggie)
Kirkwood, Arthur Kirkwood and Jerry (Janet) Kirkwood of Dallas Fort Worth,
Texas; two sisters ~ Liz (Carl) King of St. Louis, Missouri and Maggie Lee
Robinson (Leroy) of Springfield, Missouri; his in-laws include ~ Barbara
Stephenson (Carl), Shirley Williams of St. Louis, Ethel Powell (Charles), Odell
(Marilyn) of Jefferson City, Missouri, Carolyn Carter (Donnie) of Houston, Texas
and Everlyn Rader (Howard) of Springfield, Missouri; sister-in-law ~ Alice
Henry; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends that
he loved and cherished.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?
