Dorothy "Dot" Farmer Kirby

Dorothy “Dot” Farmer Kirby, 97, passed away on Friday, October 27, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Arthur and Bessie Otey Farmer; and her husband, Ernest Wilson Kirby.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Rodney Niel Kirby (Martha); grandsons and their spouses, Ben Kirby, Jonathan Kirby (Sara), and David Kirby (Iryna); great-grandchildren, Anastasia, Scarlett, Harrison, and Christian; sister, Lois Leipertz; and many other family members and friends.

Dot was a hard worker all her life, starting when she was in high school - she was allowed to leave school early each day to go to work. After her husband had to stop working, she got a clerical job at the Virginia Employment Commission, and then with the Roanoke County Health Department. She worked there until her retirement, but then was asked to work "temporarily" at the Roanoke City Health Department. That temp job lasted for 15 years. 

She also was very self-reliant. After her husband died, she sold that house and bought a house in Salem for cash. She did her own yard work, sealed the driveway, painted the interior, and had a garage and extra room added. Then she sold that house and had a house built in Radford for cash - at age 72. She continued with the yard work, painting the interior and the garage floor, and kept up all her finances. 

Dot also loved people, both her family and everyone else she met. She helped take care of her parents and other relatives in Radford. At the health department, she befriended the homeless, drug addicts, and other needy people who came in. At church, she looked out for anyone who might be new and welcomed them into the church. Even to the end, she delighted seeing pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She talked with her older sister Lois every week, even a week before she passed. And she loved hearing from her cousins when they called. 

Finally, Dot believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. She read her Bible daily and spent time in prayer. Even when her health was failing, she prayed constantly, knowing that the Lord answered prayers. She knew she would be in a better place, because of the love of God for her. 

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Monday, November 6, 2023, at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. with Jeff Wilson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Genesis Church, 3539 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA, 24019.

The Kirby family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com