Ernestine (Allen) Kirby

Mrs. Ernestine Allen Kirby, 83, of Cades, wife of Bobby Joe Kirby, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025, at MUSC Health Black River, Cades.  

Mrs. Kirby was born on December 18, 1941, in Effingham, daughter of the late W. Melvin Allen, Jr. and Mildred Floyd Allen. Mrs. Kirby was a graduate of McClenaghan High School and Carolina College of Commerce. She was formerly employed with The Exchange Bank of Kingstree and later retired from Santee Electric Cooperative. After marrying Bobby Kirby, the couple made their home in the Hebron Community, where they raised their family and were devoted members of Hebron CrossRoads Church (formerly Hebron UMC). Mrs. Kirby had a lifelong love of reading and was an exceptional writer. Her greatest joy was studying God’s Word and sharing His teachings through her many years as a devoted Sunday School teacher at Hebron Crossroads Church, where she was a faithful member. She was also a wonderful cook who loved preparing meals for her family and others. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose love and care for her family were unwavering.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the J.C. and Lillie Filyaw family for their continued love and support, and to the Hebron Crossroads Church family, surrounding communities, and the staff of Black River Hospital for their care and kindness shown during this time.  

Surviving are her husband Bobby Joe Kirby of Cades; daughter, Melanie (Jamie) Ganes of Cades; sons, Bob (Shelley) Kirby of Lake City and Allen (Abbie) Kirby of New Zion; grandchildren, Allie Ganes (Alex) Lee, Lani Kirby, Joe Tyler "JT" Kirby, Cal Kirby, and Caroline Kirby; great grandchildren, Wesley “Wes” Ganes and Kirby Lee; brothers, Neil (Bert) Allen and Phil (Bobbie) Allen; sisters-in-law, Carolyn McCutchen and Eliska Allen; special companion and friend, Celia Wilson; along with nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

Mrs. Kirby was preceded in death by a brother, Ronnie Allen and sister-in-law, Sandra Dickson.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Hebron Crossroads Church, followed by the funeral service at 11:30 AM in the church sanctuary. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hebron CrossRoads Church, 2273 Hebron Road, Cades, SC 29518 or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

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