Carolyn E. Kirkland

Carolyn E. Kirkland passed quietly in her home surrounded by her granddaughters, grandson, and son-in-law. She will be greatly missed but left behind a legacy of love, faith, and courage.

Carolyn was born June 4th, 1931, and passed away May 2nd, 2026.

Carolyn was married to the love of her life, George C. Kirkland, till he passed away in 1994. Her love for him never wavered. Together they built a family that went beyond the realms of what anyone could have imagined. They built houses together, helped found a church in Colorado Springs (Church for all nations) and were each other’s support and comfort through thick and thin. Their faith in God was strong and showed in everything they did.

Mom was told by the Lord at an early age as she was praying one day to be prepared to give up her home. Little did she know at that time it would require her to give up everything she knew. Mom along with Dad would end up raising not one generation but three generations.

Mom’s house was never without children of some age in it. She raised not only her biological daughter (Carol Padolsky), but her grandchildren (James Baker, Carol Kirkland) and great grandchildren (Abrielle Laguit) and part time (Donna Whiteley and Adrian Daluddung). Even when times became tough, her faith and reliance on God showed through many of her acts and prayers. Such as times like the time she had line the soles of her shoes to get the things she needed for her family, going without to provide for others. Mom was tender hearted, loving, caring, giving up everything she had so she could fulfill what God had called her to do. As a Mother, Carolyn raised her family in the ways of the Lord, teaching us to love, to serve and to trust Him in everything we do. While we may have lost a praying mother, we have not lost her prayers for her family and her children. Many nights, she could be heard praying for her family and her husband.

II Timothy 4:7 (I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith). Carolyn now rests in the arms of her savior, free from pain and sorrow, rejoicing in the presence of the Almighty.

We grieved today, as we say goodbye……but we are also glad that you are eternally happy for there will be no more death, no more mourning, crying, and no more pain. You are finally home.

She is surpassed in death by her husband George C. Kirkland and parents Ruth and Sheldon Mapes, brother, Voris Mapes, and sister, Geneva Rice (Sidney Rice).

Survived by daughter Carol Padolsky (Anson Padolsky), grandchildren James M Baker (Reia Baker), Carol L Kirkland (William J. Collins), Donna Whiteley and great grandchildren Adrian Daluddung, Abrielle Laguit, George Baker,  Patrick Baker, Isabella Victoria Baker, Kira Whiteley.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, May 7 at Rose Hill Burial Park with Pastor Bill Canfield officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Church For All Nations, 6560 Tutt Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80923. Condolences may be shared online at www.jkzfh.com.

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