Obituary for Elizabeth “Skeeter” Crockett Kirby

Elizabeth “Skeeter” Crockett Kirby, 94, of Salisbury died peacefully Saturday, January 29, 2022, at the Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House in Salisbury.

Skeeter was born July 20, 1927, in Pulaski, Virginia, the only child of James Randall Crockett and Elizabeth Kent Bell Crockett. She spent her childhood Fredericksburg, Virginia, and returned to Pulaski when she was a teenager. Skeeter graduated from Pulaski High School and attended Longwood College before starting work for the Veterans Administration in Richmond. After returning to Pulaski, she married Wilbur Vance “Tub” Kirby in 1948. Her primary employment was as a teacher’s aide and librarian in Pulaski County public schools.

During retirement the Kirbys lived in Ocala, Florida, where Skeeter learned to swim, golfed regularly, and was ordained a ruling elder by Ft. King Presbyterian Church. She was a 65-year member of the DAR and an avid bridge player. Skeeter joined First Presbyterian Church of Salisbury when she relocated to Oak Park in 2011.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and daughters Diana Kent Kirby and Leslie Ann Kirby Reynolds.

Skeeter is survived by her son Rev. Dr. Randal Vance Kirby and his wife Rev. Dr. Barrie Miller Kirby of Salisbury, and grandchildren Hannah Kirby Lyman and her husband Richard of Durham, Rachel Crockett Kirby of Boston, and Sandra Jane Reynolds Smith and C.D. Reynolds, Jr. of Newport, Virginia.

Due to COVID concerns, the family will hold a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 308 W. Fisher St., Salisbury, NC 28144.

Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Kirby family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.