Tina Dunkley Kirby Holt

Graham - Tina Dunkley Kirby Holt, a beloved matriarch and vibrant spirit, peacefully passed away on February 10, 2025, at the age of 87 at Meadow Lakes in Statesville, NC. Born on November 13, 1937, in Halifax County, VA, she was the cherished daughter of the late William Benjamin Dunkley and Willie Mae Conner Dunkley.

Tina’s remarkable journey embraced many passions throughout her life. She retired from the Alamance-Burlington School System, where she served as a part-time bus driver, teacher’s assistant, and substitute teacher, touching the hearts of many students along the way. Her early years were filled with diverse experiences, from farming to working as a machinist at Leesona Corp, and even as a waitress and hostess at Western Steakhouse.

A proud graduate of Prospect Hill High School’s class of 1963, where she delighted in being the head cheerleader, Tina’s enthusiasm for life shone brightly in all her endeavors. She had an innate talent for creativity, making clothes for her children and expressing her love through her many volunteer efforts, including her service at Hospice. As a member of Mt. Zion Christian Church, the Alamance County Line Dancers Association and the Piedmont Horseman’s Association, she found joy in dancing and horseback riding, spending cherished moments with her beloved horses, especially Fred, as well as her devoted dogs, Luke and Sam, who preceded her in death.

Tina was a devoted grandmother who filled her family with love, always cheering passionately for her grandchildren at their activities. She contained compassion, constantly seeking to lend a hand to those in need, and her courageous spirit truly reflected the essence of "True Grit."

She is survived by her loving children: Ronald Ray Kirby and wife Amie, Dr. Sharon Kirby Thompson and husband Randy, Jeffrey Dale Kirby and wife Cindie and Wendy Kirby Holt and husband Sean. Tina's legacy continues through her grandchildren that she adored, Andrew Thompson (Christa), Traci Leach (Chad), Mandilyn Fink (Michael), Lee Mann (Karla), Chelcy Kirby, Kaci Turner (Colton), Jeffrey Kirby, Jr. (Jasmine), Clayton Kirby, Jacob Holt (Ali), and Marley Kirby. She will also be missed by ten great-grandchildren; her sister Joann Christopher; a special niece, Mary Kirby Foster and numerous nieces and nephews. Tina was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Dorothy Brooks, Louise Vestal and Dee Downey, along with her brother, Norman Lee “Dick” Dunkley.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff and nurses at Meadow Lakes, as well as the dedicated VIA Hospice staff, whose compassion and support were invaluable during Tina's illness.

A memorial service celebrating Tina’s life will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Edgewood Baptist Church, officiated by Elder Jack Carter with the inurnment to follow at Cooper Cemetery. Friends are invited to gather and share their memories of Tina from 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM Thursday at the church prior to the service. The family will host additional gatherings at the home of her son, Jeff Kirby, 225 Sugartree Creek Road, Prospect Hill from 4PM to 6PM on Wednesday afternoon.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Ronald McDonald House, St. Pete East House, 401 7th Avenue S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701, or online at www.rmhctampabay.org. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.lowefuneralhome.com.