Ophelia Kirkland

Ophelia Kirkland,100, of Brooklyn, New York., passed on Monday, December 1, 2025, from her residence in Kings County, New York. Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, December 19, 2025, from Mt. Zion U.M. Church in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion U.M. Church Cemetery in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Visitation will he held 10:15 A.M. - 10:45 A.M. from Mt. Zion U.M. Church. Beck Funeral Home Philadelphia is in charge of all arrangements.

Ophelia Kirkland entered into eternal rest on December 1, 2025, at the lovely age of 100. Ophelia was born on November 5,1925 to the late Frank and Carrie (Tibbs) Kirkland in East Carroll, Louisiana. Around 1935, the family move to Neshoba County, Mississippi. At an early age, she accepted Christ into her life and was baptized at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. Ophelia received her formal education in the Neshoba Public School system. Following high school, Ophelia attended Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi and graduated with a degree in English. After graduating from college in 1948, Ophelia became an English Teacher at Longdale High School, located near Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. At the age of 30, Ophelia left Philadelphia, Mississippi and became a lifelong resident of Brooklyn, New York where she met the love of her life and long-term partner Charles Braithwaite. Ophelia was employed by The Ford Company and Standard Motors Company as a vehicle parts welder for 32 years before retiring. After retirement, Ophelia became involved in various charitable organizations and was also an active member of the Riseboro Round Table Senior Center. Ophelia enjoyed reading and knitting, and she loved traveling to Philadelphia, MS every year to spend time with her family. Throughout her later years, she was lovingly supported and had a special bond with her devoted caretaker, Sirena— someone she loved like a daughter. She also cherished spending time with her goddaughter and her goddaughter’s children and grandchildren, going out for dinners, shopping trips, and special events. 

Ophelia is survived by her nephew Mark Kirkland, Sr; her goddaughter Denise Robinson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Carrie; her six brothers, Earnest, Cornelius, Frank Jr., Luther, Joe Lee, and OC; her sister, Gwendolyn Hannah; and her life partner, James Westbrook.

Ophelia had a very kind heart and a quick wit about her and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Pastor Eddie Hinton is the officiating Minister.